Unleashing the Truth: Debunking Common Dog Fitness Myths

Dr Hillary Pearce, a vet who partners with Hills Pets Nutrition, dispels the biggest myths about doggy fitness and offers her best tips on getting fit and active with your dog.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about dog fitness, and what advice would you give to dispel those myths?

I have found that people often do not realise that dogs need to be trained and conditioned up to higher levels of physical activity, just like people. Even an energetic dog can become overly fatigued and/or injured if being asked to do endurance or strenuous physical activity beyond what it is used to. Dogs want to please us and are happy to be spending time with us, so they may not always show their exhaustion or soreness in the moment.

It is important to build up to higher levels of physical activity in small increments, and to pay attention to signs of fatigue and pain, allowing proper rest, just as we would when training for our own fitness. Additionally, it’s important to understand that some breeds of dogs, especially flat-faced or heavily-coated dogs, are more susceptible to heat-stress and heat-stroke.

Even in temperatures that we might consider mild and pleasant, these dogs may succumb to heat-related illness, particularly if the humidity is high. Dog owners should always carry plenty of water for their dogs, and provide rest breaks in the shade as needed.

What are the key indicators of a healthy and fit dog?

A healthy and fit dog generally will have a healthy body condition score, with ribs that are relatively easy to feel, and a visible waist. They will be eager to engage in their favourite activities, whether that be walking, playing with toys, or with other dogs. While panting is a normal way for dogs to dispel heat during activity, they should recover a normal breathing rate within a few minutes once rested.

What are the signs of overexertion in dogs, and what steps should owners take if they suspect their dog has pushed themselves too hard?

Signs of overexertion in dogs may include panting harder than usual and not returning to a normal breathing rate once rested, refusing to walk, seeking cool spaces like shade or digging into the soil to lay down, limping, stumbling, or even collapse.

Owners should always try to avoid letting their dogs get to this stage by encouraging regular breaks to stop or slow down, and having plenty of clean, cool water on hand and offering it regularly. It is also a good idea to have a plan to be able to get your pet back to your vehicle, home, or the nearest vet, should you be in the countryside and your pet reaches a stage where they cannot continue walking.

How can owners gradually increase their dog’s activity level to avoid injury, especially when starting a new fitness routine?

It is best to talk to your own vet about your dog’s specific needs. Certain breeds can be predisposed to heat-related stress or injury, but every dog is an individual. It is safest to conservatively add time and distance on to activity that is away from the home, even if the dog seems to be happy to continue on.

You can always add more playtimes later in the day at home, but you avoid the risk of being caught out away from resources with a dog who is struggling. Always listen to your dog’s signals, paying attention to their breathing, whether they are slowing down or seeking shade, or trying to find water.

This is a guest post by Dr Hillary Pearce. Want to write for us? Visit www.dogstodaymagazine.co.uk/essay-submission or email editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk.