Risks of Exercise for your Dog

If you and your dog are both overweight or obese, a joint effort at weight loss may be just what the doctor – and veterinarian – ordered. Dogs and their owners can both benefit greatly physically and mentally from a weight loss program that they do together.

Overweight dogs are at risk for serious health conditions as well, including many of the
same issues that can affect their owners, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, and arthritis, as well as breathing problems, skin disorders, and back problems, among others. Since both people and dogs need exercise and physical activity helps with weight loss. What better way to lose weight than to exercise together?

Make sure both you and your dog are in shape before starting an intense exercise and
weight loss program. A visit with your doctor (and a veterinarian) is recommended.

There are many illnesses or injuries that can be caused, or worsened, by the wrong type of exercise.

In dogs, these include:

*Injuries to legs or feet
*Injuries to neck or back
*Heat stroke
*Bloat (gastric dilation and volvulus)
*Worsening of underlying medical conditions such as heart conditions, etc.
*Risks of dangers such as traffic, other dogs, etc.

The benefits of exercise often outweigh any risks, but an examination and consultation with your veterinarian will help determine the best exercise routine for your dog.