What are signs of over-exercising my dog?

Signs of over-exercise in dogs can be tricky to identify, so here are a few indicators to look out for: Exhaustion: your dog may seem excessively tired, more so than usual after a walk. Overworked muscles: they might start panting to try to remove excess heat, they might tire towards the end of a walk. Joint concerns: if they’re reluctant to go for a walk or have difficulty going up the stairs, they may be experiencing occasional joint stiffness. Paw pads: their paw pads may become red, sensitive or sore if overused. Behavioural changes: if your dog suddenly changes temperament and becomes more anxious or irritable, it could be a sign that it’s no longer enjoying the level of exercise they're doing. If you notice they’re more reluctant to go for a walk or have difficulty rising after resting, it’s okay to give them a break, and you should speak to your vet. Rigorous exercise can lead to health concerns, including for their joints, so your dog might not enjoy too many daily activities, like long runs or steep hikes. Identifying whether your pet might be doing too much exercise can be tricky.

If you notice any of these signs, however, it might be time to take your activity down a notch. 1. Extreme fatigue, of course it's normal for your dog to be tired after exercising—every body needs time to recover. But if you notice your pup seems especially exhausted and appears to be fatigued beyond their normal recovery time, this is an indication that they've overexerted themselves. You may notice that they have a difficult time getting up from a nap and may not be interested in typical activities like playing or walking. If you notice limping or lameness, this is another sign that you're over-exercising your dog. Physical and mental exhaustion can lead to behavioral changes in dogs, including anxiety, irritability, aggression, and restlessness. If you notice anything outside of their normal behavioral repertoire after exercise, it may indicate that the level of activity is too high. Rapid changes in weight and body condition can be a sign that you're over-exercising your dog. Over-exercising can cause muscle stiffness and joint pain. If your pup is slow to move or appears to be stiff or uncomfortable, it might be time to reassess their exercise regimen.

Stiffness and sore muscles If your dog is stiff during or after exercise, if they struggle to get up steps or jump, they have probably had a little more than they can handle. Exhaustion after exercise Whilst it’s not uncommon for a dog to go and have a snooze after exercise, it may have been a bit much for them if they stay that way all day. Slowness or lagging behind during exercise If your dog is lagging behind or being noticeably slower during exercise, it can be a clear sign that they are struggling, especially if they are normally out in front. Heat exhaustion is one of the most dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences of over-exercising. Watch out for the following warning symptoms: Excessive panting Confusion or lack of focus Glazed eyes Excessive drooling Lack of coordination Loss of consciousness Vomiting or diarrhoea Gums or tongue that turn bright red or blue.