Your Dog's Exercise Schedule

Even the most sedentary models require a certain amount of physical exertion to stay healthy. Consider the following factors before determining the level of exercise appropriate for your pet.

SIZE: For small breeds such as pugs and boston terriers, a walk around the block is the equivalent of a marathon. Larger animals are, in general, capable of longer jaunts and more strenous activity.

PHYSICAL STAMINA: How long and how hard a dog can play depends on its genetic makeup. Some models, including huskies and most terriers, were bred for stamina. They can run and play for a very, very long time. Others were designed for specific types of exertion. For instance, the greyhound is capable of great speed, but only over short distances. As a result, it makes a poor jogging companion. Models such as the German Shorthaired pointer and the vizals, however, were engineered to go the distance.

PHYSICAL MAKEUP: Various breeds, because of their design, have certain physiological disadvantages. For instance, flat-faced models such as boxers, pugs, and bulldogs have below normal breathing capacity and therefore less stamina. Physical activity for these dogs should come in short bursts. Also, some models are prone to orthopedic problems (such as hip dysplasia) that can be aggravated by excessive exercise. Your veterinarian can help you create a suitable exercise plan for your dog.

WEATHER CONDITIONS: Coat length also can determine how much exercise a particular model can handle. In winter, thin coated dogs can tolerate less cold exposure that thick-coated dogs such as the Samoyed and Great Pyrenees. During the summer months, however, thin-coated dogs can tolerate more heat than heavily coated breeds. In general, heat is a bigger problem for most dogs.

CAUTION: Be extremely careful with flat faced breeds (bulldogs, pugs) during times of high heat and humidity. Their inability to dissipate heat during otherwise normal exertion can be potentially life-threatening.

PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: Dogs, like humans, can become out of shape. Taking a normally sedentary dog on a 2-mile run can lead to orthopedic injuries(amoung other problems) Instead, build up the dog's capacity slowly over weeks and exercise it daily, if possible. A sedentary dog can be conditioned with a 20 to 60 minute walk 5 days a week. Swimming is also a good activity, because it eases strain on joints. Consult your veterinarian before beginning any sort of exercise program for an overweight, aged and /or infirm canine.

CAUTION: A dog, in attempting t please its woner, may persist in a physical activity beyond the point of exhaustion, putting it in danger of mechanical damage. Monitor your dog's physical regimen and discontinue it at the first sign of serious fatique.
Info from Dogster.