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Bringing a new puppy into your life is an exciting adventure filled with joy and boundless energy. While you enjoy watching your pup explore the world with eagerness, it's essential to maintain a balance between letting them be active and ensuring their physical development progresses in the right direction. A common concern that new puppy owners have is 'How much exercise should my pup get?' The response is not as straightforward as you may think. There are some generic 'rules' still circulating out there, such as '5 minutes of exercise for each month of age,' which fails to consider the type of workout, the breed characteristics of the dog, their behavior and health, and of course, the adjustment of exercise as you go. Understanding Puppy Development Puppies undergo rapid growth during their early months, with their bones, muscles, and joints developing at an astonishing pace. While exercise is vital for their overall health, it's important to be mindful of the types and amounts of activities you introduce, as excessive or inappropriate exercise can lead to serious musculoskeletal issues. The Importance of Controlled Exercise It's important to note that puppies are not miniature adults. Their growing bodies are more susceptible to injuries caused by excessive stress. Overexertion, repetitive high-impact activities, or vigorous play can harm their developing joints and lead to problems like growth plate injuries and joint dysplasia. To ensure your puppy's healthy growth, here are some guidelines to consider:  Repetitive high impact activities can be harmful to your growing pup 1. Age Matters:
Puppies under 3 months have delicate skeletal structures. They require short bursts of gentle play and supervised exploration rather than strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid Forced Exercise: Personally, I recommend that puppies should not engage in high-impact jumping or chasing activities like repetitively chasing a ball until their growth plates are fully developed. For toy and miniature breeds, growth plates can close between 6-8 months of age and for giant and large breeds; 14-16 months of age. Even then I still believe that there are other, more beneficial forms of exercise to do than repetitively throwing a ball which can lead to microtrauma to muscles and cartilage, 3. Low-Impact Activities: Opt for activities that promote balance, coordination, and controlled movement, such as slow leash walks or interactive play. Even off-leash time at the park with other dogs to wander and wrestle is advised over chasing a ball repetitively. Seeking Expert Advice As a loving and responsible puppy owner, you want what's best for your four-legged companion. When it comes to managing your puppy's exercise routine, seeking professional advice can make all the difference: 1. Consult a Veterinarian: Schedule a visit for a comprehensive health check and to discuss your puppy's exercise needs based on their breed, size, and overall health. 2. Engage a Canine Physiotherapist: A certified canine physiotherapist can assess your puppy's individual needs, offer tailored exercise plans, and provide guidance on promoting balanced growth. 3. Breed-Specific Considerations: Different breeds have varying exercise requirements. Research your puppy's breed characteristics and consult experts familiar with those breeds. 4. Monitor Behaviour and Health: Pay attention to signs of fatigue, limping, or reluctance to exercise. These could indicate that your puppy has had enough activity for the day. 5. Adjust Exercise as Needed: Be flexible in adjusting the exercise routine based on your puppy's energy levels, growth progress, and any recommendations from experts. Your puppy's journey to adulthood is an exciting chapter that requires careful guidance and nurturing. Striking the right balance between allowing them to explore their world and protecting their developing bodies is key. By understanding the importance of controlled exercise, seeking professional advice, and prioritising your puppy's well-being, you're setting the stage for a lifetime of happiness, health, and vitality. Remember, a healthy and balanced approach to exercise today can lead to a stronger, happier, and more resilient canine companion tomorrow. As a dedicated canine physiotherapist, I am passionate about helping dogs live their best lives. One of the most fundamental aspects of a dog's well-being is often overlooked: maintaining a healthy weight. Weight management affects dogs’ overall health and longevity, as it does in humans. This blog will discuss the importance of weight management for dogs and the importance of education when it comes to this topic.  41% of dogs in Australia are either overweight or obese (The Australian Veterinary Association 2020) The Weighty Matter: Why Optimal Weight Matters for Dogs Obesity in dogs has become a concerning epidemic in recent years. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an estimated 59% of dogs (and interestingly 61% in cats in the USA) were classified as overweight or having obesity in 2022. This excess weight can lead to a multitude of health issues, from joint problems to cardiovascular diseases. As a canine physiotherapist, I have witnessed firsthand how maintaining an optimal weight can significantly improve a dog's quality of life. Joint Health and Mobility: Lighter Load, Happier Joints Research consistently shows that carrying excess weight puts a strain on a dog's joints, leading to conditions like osteoarthritis. A study published by Marshall et al 2010 found that obese dogs with osteoarthritis had noticeable improvement in their lameness after weight loss in the region of 6.10 – 8.85% of the dogs' body weight. Obesity can also put strain on ligaments such as the cranial cruciate ligament and predispose dogs to rupture or tears with obese canines being four times more likely to rupture a cruciate than non-obese ones! We can then conclude that lighter dogs experience less joint stress, allowing them to move with greater ease and comfort. Cardiovascular Health: A Healthy Heart on Four Paws Just like in humans, obesity in dogs can lead to cardiovascular complications. A study conducted by the University of Liverpool found that one in five obese dogs have metabolic syndrome and concluded that this 'syndrome occurs when a number of health problems, such as increased blood glucose and increased cholesterol levels, develop together, with the potential to increase the risk of other diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.' Obesity not only affect the heart but also has an impact on the overall vitality of the dog. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of heart-related problems and keeps your canine companion active and full of energy. Lifespan and Longevity: Trim the Fat, Add Years to Their Lives Several studies have shown a direct link between a dog's weight and its lifespan with some studies suggesting that overweight dogs can live 2.5 years shorter on average than a dog of ideal weight. Those extra years are precious moments of companionship, joy, and shared experiences. The Holistic Approach: Combining Nutrition and Exercise Weight management isn't solely about reducing the number on the scale; it's about embracing a holistic approach that combines nutrition and exercise. Work closely with your treating health care provider to develop a tailored diet plan that meets your dog's nutritional needs without overindulgence. Incorporate regular exercise into your dog's routine, focusing on activities that match their age, breed, and physical condition.  A tailored exercise regime will help combat canine obesity A Lighter Future for a Brighter Life As a passionate advocate for canine well-being, I urge every dog owner to prioritise weight management. A few extra kilos might seem insignificant, but the implications for your dog's health and happiness are profound. Joint health, cardiovascular wellness, and increased lifespan are all within your reach when you commit to maintaining your doggo at an optimal weight. Incorporate regular veterinary check-ups and consult with a canine physiotherapist to create a tailored weight management plan that addresses your dog's individual needs. By investing in their well-being today, you're ensuring a vibrant and fulfilling tomorrow. References: Marshall, W. G., Hazewinkel, H. A. W., Mullen, D., De Meyer, G., Baert, K., & Carmichael, S. (2010). The effect of weight loss on lameness in obese dogs with osteoarthritis. Veterinary Research Communications, 34(3), 241–253. Published online 2010 Mar 17. doi: 10.1007/s11259-010-9348-7 Salt, C., Morris, P. J., Wilson, D., Lund, E. M., & German, A. J. (2019). Association between life span and body condition in neutered client‐owned dogs. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 33(1), 89–99. Published online 2018 Dec 11. doi: 10.1111/jvim.15367 Tvarijonaviciute, A., Ceron, J. J., Holden, S. L., Cuthbertson, D. J., Biourge, V., Morris, P. J., & German, A. J. (2012). Obesity-related metabolic dysfunction in dogs: a comparison with human metabolic syndrome. BMC Veterinary Research, 8, 147. Published: 28 August 2012. doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-8-147 |
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