Regular walks and stretches help ward off ailments such as heart, liver and kidney disease and diabetes. Other types of exercise he recommends include jogging, playing fetch or even bicycling, made possible by the recent invention of the bicycle dog leash. Wohl recommends that dogs get weekly, if not daily, exercise. Even if a dog spends much of its time within a fenced-in yard, the dog likely is not getting sufficient exercise. Before beginning an exercise routine for a pet, there are a few factors to consider.
Dogs are unable to sweat, so they have a tendency to overheat much faster than humans.
Wohl says the amount and type of exercise appropriate for a dog depend on its size, age and breed. Owners might wish to read about their breed or check with a veterinarian to schedule the right type and amount of exercise. Age can also play a major role in selecting the right exercise, because the older a pet gets, the less active it becomes. Wohl recommends starting out slowly and building to a routine that will benefit both the owner and the dog. Exercise, along with a well balanced diet and bi-annual visits to a veterinarian will help ensure that both pet and owner can fully enjoy each other's company.