Recommended Exercise Routine for Dogs as Discussed by a Collierville Veterinarian

Our Collierville, Tennessee veterinarians (Dr. J. B. Horn, Dr. McGee, and Dr. Kingsley) understand how important your dog’s whole health is to you as a proud pet parent. We hope to help you improve the health of your precious pet by recommending an effective exercise routine for your dog that will also help eliminate some of your pup’s more destructive habits born of excess energy, such as digging, chewing, raiding garbage cans, excessive night-time activities, and general unruliness.

Not all exercises require a great deal of effort on your part – or even large amounts of space, though the cardiovascular exercises most breeds need, do require a little bit of both. Cardio routines usually include some combination of:

• Long Walks
• Games of Fetch
• Tug of War
• Swimming
• Running

Some dogs take to certain activities better than others. For instance, not all dogs are natural swimmers and small dogs might prefer short bursts of cardio rather than long walks – which is why it’s always wise to work with your vet to customize an exercise routine for your pet.

Other exercises, though, focus on training the brain and can be every bit as intense for your puppy as the cardio exercises – on a different level. These include things like:

• Clicker Training
• Agility Training
• Chew Toy Play
• Puzzle Bowls for Food (this also helps to prevent bloat in some dogs)
• Flirt Poles
• Fetch

For flirt pole and fetch play, make sure you teach your dog the “leave it” command first.

The wonderful thing about these exercise routines for your dog is that they also provide invaluable bonding time for you and your pet. Can you think of other games of play that help your dog get important exercise? Leave your favorites below, we’re always happy to hear from you.

Visit Your Vet Before Beginning an Exercise Routine

While our Collierville veterinarians are willing to offer general exercise routines for pups, we also strongly urge you, as the pet owner, to schedule a visit with Collierville Animal Clinic & Surgery Center if you live in the Collierville or Piperton area to work out an exercise routine specific to your pet’s size, breed, and individual health concerns, so please give us a call at 901-853-8519 to schedule your appointment today!

Collierville Animal Clinic and Surgery Center is located at 474 W US Hwy 72 Collierville, TN 38017 and we are proud to also serve the Piperton and Germantown Areas.