Exercise

A dog requires exercise to remain fit and to prevent excessive weight gain that may cause health issues ( HYPERLINK “http://www.petwebsite.com” http://www.petwebsite.com). The amount of exercise required depends on the dog’s age and breed. Most require one to two hours of exercise ( HYPERLINK “http://www.spca.bc.ca/animalcare/dogcare.asp” http://www.spca.bc.ca/animalcare/dogcare.asp).

Puppies should not be over-exercised because it may interfere with bone and muscle development. A puppy’s bones are soft and spongy and don’t usually harden until they are eighteen months to two years old, depending on the breed. Play time is usually all a puppy needs and exercise can become more extensive as the dog grows older.

Puppies between the age of six weeks and four months should be subjected to short walks on soft terrain, playing with soft toys in a contained area, and swimming in warm water for short periods. Puppies four to eight months may take longer walks. Eight to twelve months old puppies may take faster and longer walks and swims. Once they are one year old they may take walks on terrain that has been checked for hazards (e.g. glass), jog with owner, play with appropriate toys, and swim and play with toys in the water ( HYPERLINK “http://www.exercisemydog.com/puppies-and-exercise-probably-not/” http://www.exercisemydog.com/puppies-and-exercise-probably-not/).

Dogs should be dressed appropriately for the weather. When exercising in cold weather some dogs may require protective clothing, depending on the breed and age of the dog. Smaller breeds and young dogs may not be able to withstand the cold weather for long periods of time ( HYPERLINK “http://ezinearticles.com/,How-to-Exercise-Your-Dog-in-Cold-Weather&id=1905440” http://ezinearticles.com/,How-to-Exercise-Your-Dog-in-Cold-Weather&id=1905440). It is also necessary to protect dogs from hot weather. When it is hot, dogs should be exercised in the early morning and evening hours. Dogs that are older and overweight are more susceptible to overheating ( HYPERLINK “http://www.sspca.org/HotWeather.html” http://www.sspca.org/HotWeather.html).