We all know that dogs need exercise to stay healthy, fit, and happy. But you might wonder what really happens when they don’t get enough of it. So here’s more information about the consequences of not exercising your dog as much as you should.
If a dog doesn’t get enough exercise, it will lead to weight gain and health decline. Without burning much energy, some dogs will become hyper and restless. But by dint of doing nothing, they can also get bored and lethargic. In that state, dogs might develop destructive behavior such as chewing and barking.
Effects Of Not Getting Enough Exercise In A Dog
As you can see, there are many potential consequences when a dog doesn’t get enough exercise. Now you might wonder why and how each of them will manifest. So here’s more information about the physical and mental effects of a dog that lacks exercise.
Weight Gain
The first and most obvious thing that will happen when a dog doesn’t get enough physical activity is a gain in weight. Regular exercise allows dogs to burn calories and maintain an appropriate weight. So without enough of it, they might get overweight.
Health Decline
Not being active is bad for your dog’s health. Lack of exercise increases the likelihood of suffering from obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It can also have a negative effect on blood pressure, sleep, cognitive ability, bones, and muscles.
Therefore, not exercising your dog enough might cause many health problems. It will get him out of shape and put him at a higher risk of getting sick. So physical activity is essential to keep dogs healthy and fit.
Boredom
When a dog doesn’t get enough exercise, he will get bored. Just think about how long and boring it would be to stay home all day doing nothing. Physical activity will keep your dog busy and entertained. Lack of exercise will lead to boredom.
Lethargy
By dint of being inactive, dogs might enter a state of lethargy. If they get used to not getting enough exercise, they will get lazy and sluggish. That constant lack of energy and enthusiasm isn’t good nor fun for your dog.
Hyperactive/Restless
On the other hand, some dogs might have a lot of pent-up energy if they don’t have the opportunity to exercise enough. So they might become hyperactive and restless. That extra energy can make them misbehave, disturbing, and hard to live with.
Destructive Behaviors
When a dog isn’t exercised enough, he will often find some way to entertain himself and spend his pent-up energy. But you might not enjoy the result as much as he does. It can manifest into destructive behaviors, including excessive barking, chewing, digging, etc.
So, What Happens If A Dog Doesn’t Get Enough Exercise?
When a dog doesn’t get enough exercise, he will gain weight, have health problems, become bored, and develop destructive behaviors. Each of those potential consequences is a problem in itself and can lead to other issues. So it’s a vicious circle.
Does Your Dog Get Enough Exercise?
Now that you understand what will happen if you don’t exercise your dog enough, it’s time to avoid it. First of all, you have to know how much exercise he needs. Then, you can also look out for signs that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise.
How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Most dogs need at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. However, it will vary a lot according to the breed, age, health, energy, and fitness level. Some dogs need much more exercise than that general recommendation, while others require slightly less.
Here’s a guide to help your find how much exercise your dog needs according to his breed!
Signs That Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise
Even if you can estimate how much exercise your dog needs, you might not have a concrete answer. So it’s always good to look for signs that he’s not getting enough exercise. As you will see, they are closely related to the consequences if not the same.
- Weight Gain.
- Behavior Change.
- Destructive Behavior.
- Excessive Barking.
- Chewing.
- Digging.
- Pulling On The Leash.
- Misbehaving.
- Aggressiveness.
- Becoming Withdrawn.
- Restlessness.
- Hyperactivity.
- Stiffness.
- Etc.
Anything else that can be caused by boredom and extra energy might be a good sign that your dog isn’t getting enough exercise. If you want some more concrete examples, rough play, chewing on furniture, and loss of interest in play or physical activity are classic ones.
How To Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise?
First, you have to know how much exercise your dog needs. Otherwise, you will have no idea when it’s enough. Then, you can find ways to exercise your dog. Walking, running, hiking, playing with toys, a game of fetch, and training are great ideas to keep him active and happy. Read more about what counts as exercise for dogs!
Is It Okay To Not Exercise Your Dog For A Day?
Not exercising your dog for a day is okay and sometimes even necessary. For example, he might need some rest days after being spayed/neutered or on a long hiking trip. But it’s generally better to exercise your dog every day for at least 30 to 60 minutes or more.
What Happens If You Don’t Walk Your Dog?
Walking is an excellent source of moderate exercise for dogs, but daily walks can also allow them to socialize, get some fresh air, explore their surroundings, and do their business. If you don’t walk your dog, he might lack exercise and become overweight, bored, anxious, destructive, and shy.
Last Thoughts About Dogs That Don’t Get Enough Exercise!
Finally, many bad things will happen if you don’t provide your dog with enough exercise. Physical and mental activity are both essential to stay healthy, fit, and happy. A lack of exercise might cause your dog to become overweight, more prone to health problems, bored, restless, and even destructive.
In other words, not getting enough exercise is bad for him, you, and your bond. As I often say, a tired dog is a good and happy dog. So it’s your responsibility to keep your dog active and busy for everyone’s well-being and satisfaction.
Let’s Give That Dog Enough Exercise!