Taking care of your dog involves a lot of things like making sure they get a good diet. They need routine veterinary care, lots of cuddles, and regular exercise. Exercise helps dogs maintain a healthy weight. Of course, the perfect amount of exercise for each dog varies. So, how do you know if your dog is getting enough exercise or if he is turning into a couch potato? Let’s take a look at the five top signs your dog isn’t getting enough exercise.

·         Exercise is essential for your dog’s health. Without enough activity, dogs risk weight gain, joint issues, diabetes, and other serious health problems.

·         Behavior changes signal lack of exercise. Restlessness, excessive barking, destructive habits, or over-grooming can all point to pent-up energy.

·         Daily activity improves well-being. Regular walks, playtime, and mental stimulation help your dog stay fit, sleep better, and live a happier life.

How to know if your dog isn’t getting enough exercise.

1.     Noticeable Weight Gain

If you notice that your canine companion has started gaining weight, they may not be getting enough exercise. Just like humans, we dogs store fat when we eat more calories than what we burn through exercising. In fact, not getting enough dog exercise can lead to a variety of health problems such as obesity, joint problems, diabetes, and heart trouble.

2.     Increased Destructive Behaviors

Your furry friend needs an outlet to burn off energy and a chance to engage in natural behaviors like chasing and sniffing. If they don’t get enough energy, they will find ways to release it. This can take the form of behaviors like digging, chewing or scratching furniture. Increasing your dog’s exercise routine can help prevent unwanted behaviors like digging holes and chasing your feline friends.

3.     Excessive Barking

If your dog starts barking a lot more than normal, they may not be getting enough exercise. Even though barking is part of how your canine communicates, excessive barking can be a sign they are bored and need more exercise. One of the most effective ways to stop excessive barking is getting regular exercise. Just a simple walk provides an outlet for your dog’s energy and gives you the chance to engage with your pup in a positive way.

4.     Restlessness or Trouble Sleeping

It’s normal for dogs to sleep for up to 16 hours every day. If you notice your dog isn’t sleeping as much, it could be because they are not getting enough exercise. Getting your dog exercise impacts their sleep-wake cycles. They may have trouble settling down if they are not exercising enough. You might notice your dog not sleeping during the day or pacing restlessly.

5.     Excessive Licking

If your dog doesn’t exercise enough, they may start licking things a lot more. If they are bored, they may resort to self-grooming as a way to soothe themselves. Of course, you should check with your vet to rule out other possible health conditions that might be present. It can also due to allergies, pain, or infection. Double check with your vet to rule out other health issues.

About the Author: Hazel

Hazel is the head engineer at Pawer Lab. He develops and tests the latest pup-focused inventions for Pawer Lab. He is passionate about enjoying the small things in life. The border collie’s hobbies include riding in the car, stalking the mailman, and fetching tennis balls.