Dangers of Over-Exercising Your Labrador

Exercise is important to keep your dog happy and healthy; however, it is possible to push your dog too far by over-exercising them. The dangers of over-exercising can actually impact your dog’s physical and mental state. 

Sprains and Strains 

Dogs who are young or who have been sedentary are at a higher risk for sprains and muscle strains when they first start exercising, especially if they are pushed too hard. For young dogs, since they are still growing, their muscles, tendons, and bones are more susceptible to injury if they are subjected to being overly exercised. On the other hand, older dogs who have been couch potatoes have not developed their endurance. In both cases, it is best to plan a slow and steady schedule for exercise. This should include rest days until a dog gets acclimated to its new exercise routine, and this will also reduce the chance of injury. Be attentive to any limping or soreness, making certain that your dog is not going beyond its limitations.

Exhaustion 

Even if your dog does not directly injure a part of its body, it is possible to overexert and become exhausted the next day. Be mindful of your dog lagging behind or even refusing to get up and participate in activities. You may also notice that they are sleeping more frequently if they are trying to recover from over-exertion. Consider scaling back your dog’s activities and adding more rest days to help them recover. 

Attitude 

Just like in humans, soreness and exhaustion can impact a dog’s attitude toward exercise. Whether this shows up as disinterest or burnout on activities that they normally love, or perhaps crankiness due to experiencing pain, over-exercise can definitely impact your dog’s mental attitude as well. 

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Over-exercising can be especially dangerous in hot weather. Dogs have a very limited ability to sweat, with a few sweat glands located in their paw pads. The main ways that dogs cool themselves are by panting, which pushes air across the moist tissues in the mouth and throat, and vasodilation, which is where the blood vessels in the face, and especially in the ears, expand to move hot blood closer to the surface of the dog’s body to help cool it off. Because these methods of cooling are less efficient than the human ability to sweat, your dog can overheat much faster than you do.

Some of the signs to watch out for if you are exercising your dog in hot weather are excessive panting and drooling, lack of coordination, pale gums, and a high heart rate. If pushed further, your dog may have vomiting and diarrhea or even collapse. If you suspect that your dog has become overheated to the point of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, take immediate steps to cool your dog down with cool water and get them into an air-conditioned area. If your dog does not seem to be recovering and you are having trouble getting them cooled down, you may need to take them to a vet who can assist in getting their temperature down and getting them rehydrated. Heat-related illness can have a lasting impact on your dog’s health if not treated immediately.  

Moderation 

All of us want to help our dogs live long and healthy lives. Finding the right balance to exercise your dog in moderation is part of setting them up for success.