![]() The breakdown products can in turn lead to kidney damage or failure.” In the worst case, Downing says a dog may develop exertional rhabdomyolysis, a condition in which the muscle tissue breaks down. “As the muscle dies, it causes excruciating and generalized pain. She may even cry out when first moving about.” “This typically shows up after the dog rests following excessive exercise. When the dog is ready to get up, the owner may notice a struggle. The dog may refuse to walk up or down stairs, may refuse the next meal because it hurts to reach down to the floor to the food dish. Muscular pain and stiffness is another sign your dog may be getting too much exercise, Downing says. Sudden stops can also create paw pad injuries “if the sliding stop is performed often enough to wear off the tough outer layer of the pad,” says Gordon-Evans, who is board-certified in veterinary surgery and veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation. It can damage the pads of a running, spinning, jumping dog,” says Jeffrey, whose professional interests include preventative care. “Think of concrete as being like sandpaper. ![]() If infected, you may see swelling or pus. Overworked pads may have tears with visible flaps of skin present, may appear red, worn away, or thinner than normal. It’s “like walking on a ruptured blister on the bottom of your foot.” Dogs can’t get off their feet as easily as we can, “which makes any and all walking torturous.” ![]() Pad injuries can be extremely painful, says Downing, who is board-certified in veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation and pain management. “Some dogs will run until the pads on their feet tear and will then run some more.” Susan Jeffrey, a veterinarian with Truesdell Animal Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. Wear-and-Tear on Paw Padsįor some dogs, playing is more important than painful feet, says Dr. Experts stress the importance of working with your dog’s vet to create an individualized exercise plan-especially if your dog has health conditions, is old or young, or is a breed that doesn’t tolerate intense exercise very well. If you’d like to start your dog on an exercise regimen or just want to make sure your current one is sensible, read on to learn about some signs of overexertion. “Walking is much less likely to trigger distress in a dog with heart disease compared with running, jumping, or hard play.” “Much of the time it is not the length of time performing the task, it is the intensity and impact of the activity that matters,” Gordon-Evans explains. Heat stroke is a huge problem (and an often fatal one) for obese dogs who are exercised too rigorously.” “Should that happen, there is real risk for joint injury, back injury, respiratory distress, or cardiovascular problem. “One misconception I sometimes encounter is that if a dog is overweight or obese, then the owner must suddenly erupt into a rigorous exercise plan for the dog,” Downing says. However, this isn’t an invitation to overwork your dog. “One of the reasons dogs and humans get along so well is that we both appreciate structure in our respective worlds. Regular exercise provides a day-to-day predictability that dogs truly appreciate, simply because it is their nature.” Robin Downing, hospital director of The Downing Center for Animal Pain Management in Windsor, Colorado. Daily exercise can strengthen your relationship and reinforce your dog’s need for routine, says Dr. If that’s not enough to coax your canine companion off the sofa, consider this. ![]() Wanda Gordon-Evans, an associate professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota, Saint Paul. “It keeps joints limber and promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, which can help prevent injury, and helps to maintain cardiovascular health, decrease obesity, or maintain appropriate weight,” says Dr. Exercise provides your dog with a myriad of physical and mental benefits. ![]()
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