Dogs need regular physical activity and exercise to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Without enough exercise, dogs can become bored, destructive, hyperactive, and gain weight.
However, many dog owners may not realize when their furry friend isn’t getting enough exercise. Here are six common signs that your dog needs more exercise:
1. Excessive Barking or Whining
If your dog seems overly vocal, barking or whining for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of pent-up energy. Dogs who don’t get enough exercise often become bored and will try to get your attention through excessive vocalizations.
This incessant barking or whining can be their way of saying “I need to burn off some energy!”
2. Destructive Behavior
Chewing on furniture, digging holes in the yard, or destroying household items are telltale signs that your dog has too much energy and isn’t getting enough physical and mental stimulation.
Providing appropriate exercise outlets like long walks, games of fetch, or food puzzle toys can curb this unwanted destructive behavior. When dogs don’t get enough activity, they’ll create their own outlets, often at the expense of your belongings.
3. Hyperactive Behavior
Does your dog seem wired, jumping around constantly, and unable to settle down even inside the home? This hyperactive, frenzied behavior is often a direct result of not having a chance to burn off that natural doggy energy through sufficient exercise.
Without a release for all that pent-up energy, your dog will struggle to feel calm and relaxed.
4. Weight Gain
Just like humans, dogs that don’t get enough exercise are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. If your pup has packed on some extra pounds recently, increasing their physical activity levels can help shed that excess weight.
Lack of exercise combined with overfeeding is a recipe for an unhealthy weight gain in dogs.
5. Lack of Interest or Energy
On the flip side, some dogs may become lethargic and low-energy when they’re not getting adequate exercise. This lack of activity can lead to a decrease in muscle tone and an overall disinterested, sluggish demeanor. Dogs need regular activity to maintain their muscle strength and energy levels.
6. Behavioral Issues
Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are more prone to behavioral problems like jumping, nipping, difficulty with training commands, and general unruliness.
Regular exercise helps dogs stay mentally sharp and better able to focus on learning. It also provides them with a positive outlet for any pent-up energy, making them calmer and more obedient.
If you notice any of these telltale signs, it’s likely time to increase the amount of exercise your dog gets each day. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of dedicated activity through walks, runs, playtime at the dog park, or participation in dog sports like agility.
Not only will more exercise benefit your dog’s physical health, but it will also provide much-needed mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors. A well-exercised dog is a happier, calmer, and better-behaved companion.
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