Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise

Dogs require love, attention, and proper care. They’re also active creatures, so they need physical activity as well. Walking or running outside in a park, in the backyard, or on a sidewalk is great for keeping your dog active. If you don’t do this, your beloved pet could experience health issues. Be watchful for the signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

Weight Gain

This is one of the most obvious signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. You should notice if your fluffy friend starts looking pudgier or carrying excess weight. Keep in mind this also depends on how much you feed them. Overfeeding is a serious problem for pets, so to manage their weight, watch the total amount of food your dog eats in a day and how much exercise they get. Keep treats to a minimum, and make sure they’re getting outside.

Hyperactivity

Naturally, an overactive dog means they have excess energy in their system. Your dog may not be used to going out, or they may not be outside long enough to expend all their energy. You can tell this is the case if they’re always running ahead of you or inspecting everything along your path when you do take them out. On the other hand, they could be engaging in destructive behaviors indoors. Watch out for chewed furniture and destroyed items, increased aggression, or urination or excretion in the house. Exercise should decrease these behaviors, but you should see a veterinarian if these behaviors persist with additional exercise.

Barking

If your dog has extra energy, they’ll let you know they’re ready to be outside. Some dogs bark and whine to get their owners’ attention. They’ll also let you know they want to go out for a walk by spinning in circles, grabbing at their leash, or constantly scratching at the door.

Withdrawn

On the other hand, your dog may become depressed and withdrawn if they’re not getting enough exercise. Too little or infrequent exercise can result in low stamina and reluctance, and you may notice that your dog would rather lie down or stay out of sight than engage with you. Going out for walks can increase your dog’s mood and activity levels, but see a vet if going outside doesn’t help.

If you don’t have time to take your dog out as much as you’d like, consider hiring a professional dog walker. At Everything and the Dog, we offer the best dog walking services in northern Virginia. We’ll ensure your dog gets all the exercise they need to remain healthy and exuberant.