How to tell if you're over exercising your dog?
Logan Gulgowski
2025-08-06 03:36:15
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While puppies are growing they should not go for long walks or over exercise. We all know that exercise is important but too much of a good thing can be dangerous to our pets. Scratch & Patch’s top tips for exercising your dog, from young puppies to senior dogs, can help you determine the right amount of exercise for your dog.
Ethan O'Reilly
2025-08-06 02:44:17
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Signs of over-exercising in dogs include stiffness and sore muscles, exhaustion after exercise, and slowness or lagging behind during exercise. 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. You’ll need to make sure they have gentler walks and activities for the next couple of days until the soreness eases. 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. 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 also a sign of over-exercising, and you should watch out for warning symptoms such as excessive panting, confusion or lack of focus, and glazed eyes. If you think your dog might be suffering from heat exhaustion, immediately move them to a cool, shaded area, give them water, wet a towel for them to lay on and let them take a dip in a body of fresh water.
Patrick Greenfelder
2025-08-05 23:20:36
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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 their 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. Identifying whether your pet might be doing too much exercise can be tricky, so here are a few indicators to look out for.
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