It may seem like an odd thing to write a blog about because I am always encouraging people to get out and about with their dogs, but there are times when you should consider if running isthe best thing for your dog.There are now a lot more people involved in the dog sports than there were10 years ago and although I’m delighted in the enthusiasm, there are situations in which you shouldn’t be running your dog.
I’ve bullet pointed the main reasons why I would rest my dogs below and although this list isn’t exhaustive it gives an indication of what to look for in your dog before running.
1. Your dog is still young – either mentally or physically. Rushing into running your dog in harness can have a detrimental effect on how they run later on in life. Keep any activity short and sweet when they are young and allow them to mentally digest positive experiences so you can increase distance and intensity later on.
Let young dogs be puppies for as long as possible and don’t get them working too hard too soon.
2. Your dog is getting old – activity is great but your dog may not want to be joining you for a full 10 miles anymore or may not be interested in faster runs. If your dog is still keen to run, perhaps shorten the distances you are covering with them, or slow your speed so your dog is still enjoying the run without having to work so hard to keep in front or keep up. Running is great for keeping dogs mobile but don’t over do the work, as most dogs will try to keep up with youeven if they are struggling.
Older dogs may well still want to run but they will need to monitored – Photo courtesy of Rachel Lukoi Blakemore
3. The weather isn’t appropriate – this could be either the temperatures are too high (most common) or too low with icy trails you and your dog could slip on. Use a mobile app to carefully monitor temperatures and humidity and set yourself and your dogs limits for both hot and cold weather so you are not making your dog uncomfortable in any way.
Try an alternative to running if the weather isn’t appropriate – Photo courtesy of Will Prout
4. Your dog isn’t having fun – if you have been doing a lot of training, your dog may be beginning to switch off, particularly if you’ve been running any longer distances. Cut out one or two runs a week or make them shorter to keep the enthusiasm your dog has for running. Try switching routes or trying new places too, the key to these sports is to maintain both yours, and your dogs passion for them. If you’re not enjoying it, take a break.
Your dog should always be enjoying what activity you are taking part in – Photo courtesy of Karen Burd
5. Your dog is showing signs of strains and sprains – Stiffness after running could be an indicator of a muscular problem. You personally might just ‘run it off’ but it’s not fair to expect your dog to. I would advise getting any suspected injury checked out by the vet, but even if you just see a difference in your dogs’ movement, I would recommend taking your dog to a professional such as a Canine Massage Guild approved therapist for some treatment and giving your dog a rest in the meantime.
Canine massage is a great way to keep your dog in tip top condition but rest is the most important thing to allow muscles to recover
6. You’ve been doing a lot of training recently – Dogs need rest time too and although your dog might be raring to go every time you pick up the harness, you must be the one to enforce a break in training. Other activities such as swimming, scent work and general games around the house and garden can provide just as much stimulation as a run. Make sure you work this into your dogs’ week, to allow the body to recover, we all need some ‘down time’.
Rest is a very important part of recovery
If you consider all of the above and you’re sure none of them apply, then keep doing what you’re doing, after all ‘active dogs are happy dogs’ Happy Trails from the K9 Trail Time Team , don’t forget to visit us at http://www.k9trailtime.com for all your equipment needs! 🙂
FAQs
'Just like us, dogs need a five-minute warm-up before they run,' says Clough. Look for signs of fatigue – flattened ears, tail down, heavy panting, and hind legs dragging. If the dog is exhausted, he may sit down and refuse to continue – a sure sign you've gone too far or too fast.
At what age should I stop running my dog? ›
Dogs reach skeletal maturity between 7 and 20 months, with small breeds maturing faster than giant breeds. On the other end of the spectrum, older dogs have joint problems like arthritis that may make running painful. Regardless of age, have your dog examined by a veterinarian who can outline a safe exercise routine.
How long is too long for a dog to run? ›
Every dog will have different limits when it comes to distance and duration. With proper training and practice, some dogs can safely run for an hour, while others will fatigue after 15 minutes. Across the board, though, pet parents should hold off on running until their pup has reached 1.5 years of age.
What is too much running for a dog? ›
Staying on Track. Exercise is certainly necessary for all healthy canines. But each pet's exercise needs are personal to them. As a rule, no more than an hour of playtime or exercise, including walks, should be given to your pet each day.
Can I run with my 11 month old dog? ›
According to Adelaide based Vet, Andrew Spanner (2020), dogs of a small breed can begin extended running from the age of 9 months, medium breeds 10-11 months, large breeds 12-14 months and giant breeds 18-24 months.
How far should you walk a 15 year old dog? ›
Even if your dog is considered senior, you'll still want to give them at least 30 minutes of daily exercise. Because of their age, exercise might need to become shorter but it's still necessary to make sure they're getting the required stimulation. Choose low-impact activities. Go on walks, not runs.
Is running bad for dogs' joints? ›
If an older dog has osteoarthritis, over-exertion can cause immediate pain and accelerate the ongoing degeneration of joint tissues. Young puppies (especially large and giant breeds) need some exercise, but too much high-impact exercise like running can result in joint issues as well.
How much is too much to run your dog? ›
Too much exercise and your dog may suffer muscle strain, injury, or behavioral issues like hyperactivity or restlessness. The general rule is that dogs need between 30 minutes to two hours of exercise every day.
Is it healthy for dogs to run long distances? ›
How far a dog can safely run depends so much on the unique dog. If the dog is in top physical condition and the weather conditions are also perfect, some dogs can easily run further than a marathon, even taking on distances of 50 miles+.
Is it possible to over run a dog? ›
The symptoms of over exercising in dogs can vary depending on the severity of the condition, but some common signs include: Muscle pain and stiffness. Fatigue and weakness.
“They could have delayed soreness,” Dr. Miller explains. “If they go home, they rest for a couple of hours, and then they stand up and they're very stiff or sore, and you notice limping, that might be an indication that the walk was too long.” Some delayed soreness isn't the only risk of overexercising.
Are long walks bad for dogs? ›
It's important to consider your dog's health when figuring out the appropriate amount to walk her. Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time.
Is running dog better than walking? ›
The fastest human on earth runs at about 24 miles per hour, so there is almost no way you are going to be able to run with your dog as much as they need to stay healthy. Once again, running with them is better than walking with them, and walking is better than nothing.
Do dogs get sore muscles from running? ›
Dogs are active creatures that enjoy exploring the world around them. From running in the park to playing with their toys, dogs love to move their bodies. But with physical activity comes the risk of muscle soreness. Just like humans, dogs can experience muscle pain and discomfort due to a variety of reasons.
How long can an 11 month old dog be left alone? ›
Once your dog reaches three months old, they can usually hold it for an hour for each month they've been alive. After six months, dogs can usually hold it for up to six hours. However, even adult dogs shouldn't be home alone for much longer than six to eight hours without a chance for a bathroom break.
How long can I jog with my dog? ›
Yes! Some small dogs will have more energy and endurance than others, but most can run with you for at least 1-2 miles. Start with 1 mile for a few runs, and increase the distance if your dog seems OK. Jack Russell terriers are a good example of a small breed that can easily run 5 miles or more.
Should I let my senior dog run? ›
Senior dogs are more likely to have health conditions or other problems that might limit how much they can exercise. They tend to slow down a little or rest more, but it's still important to keep them active so they stay healthy.
Can I run with my 10 year old dog? ›
Absolutely! Your furbaby may be slowing down, but that doesn't mean they should stop moving. Your older pup still needs to stay active to keep their body strong, their mind occupied, and maintain a healthy body weight. Exercise can also delay the onset of age-related conditions such as arthritis.
At what age do dogs slow down? ›
Most dogs enter their senior years at around 7 years old, a little sooner for larger dog breeds. They begin to slow down, they may gain weight more easily, their senses start to dull. An older dog's behavior will give you plenty of hints as to what he needs, but sometimes it helps to put it in words.
How far is too far to walk a senior dog? ›
“In fact,” she says, “I would encourage shorter, but more frequent, exercises over a long exercise duration for most senior dogs—for example, a 10-15-minute walk in the morning, a 10-minute walk in the afternoon, and a 20-30-minute walk in the evening.
