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Calling all dog parents! Let’s start with some burning questions: Are you a newbie owner? Is your pooch packing on a few extra pounds? Are they bored? Or treating your loafers like chew toys?
One word: EXERCISE. It’s vital for a healthy, non-problem-child pooch. (And it can be good for your BMI, too!)
Your dog’s breed and age are the two factors that determine how much exercise they need. Check out these tips to be sure your pooch is getting the right amount of physical activity every day.
Your dog’s breed group helps determine their exercise needs.
Sporting group dogs are energetic, natural athletes who should get approximately 90 minutes of high-intensity exercise. They enjoy long, brisk walks, hikes in the woods, swimming and playing fetch.
Examples: Retrievers, pointers, setters and spaniels
Blue-collar pooches in the working group are happiest when they have a job to do. They need about one to two hours of fun, pant-inducing activity every day. Take them for long walks or hikes, or create a homemade agility course in your backyard.
Examples: Boxers, Alaskan malamutes, Rottweilers and Siberian huskies
Sixty to 90 minutes of vigorous exercise and play daily? That’s what most high-IQ, high-energy herding group dogs need. You can’t go wrong with activities that challenge them physically and mentally, like long power walks and fun games like fetch, chase and Frisbee.
Examples: Shepherds, collies and sheepdogs
Sight hound dogs need roughly 30 minutes of regular exercise, and scent hound dogs should get about one hour of intense exercise. Take sight hounds on walks or have them do a couple of sprint workouts each week. Scent hounds need longer periods of vigorous activity and love hiking, jogging or playing tracking games in the woods. (Shocking, we know.)
Examples: Afghan hounds, greyhounds, whippets, beagles, bloodhounds and basset hounds
Short-legged terrier group breeds need about 30 minutes of exercise every day, while their longer-legged counterparts need one hour or more. Ideal exercises include fast-paced walks, hikes in the forest and chasing their favorite squeaky ball in the backyard or park.
Examples: Jack Russell terriers, West Highland white terriers (Westies), Yorkshire terriers (Yorkies) and schnauzers
Most petite pups in the toy group are lap dogs, but they should still get approximately 30 to 60 minutes of moderate exercise — they tend to get too husky when they don’t get proper workouts. Plus, toy dogs can really get their hearts pumping in a small area, so consider complementing your daily walks with indoor dog exercise.
Examples: Chihuahuas, Pomeranians and Maltese
here are a ton of different breeds in the nonsporting group, so start with 30 minutes of daily exercise and adjust. Each breed’s exercise needs are unique, and short-nosed dogs, like bulldogs and Shih Tzus, should only have short periods of moderate activity.
Examples: Dalmatians, bulldogs, chow chows and poodles
If you’re the proud parent of a mutt who’s mushed your heart, just follow the exercise suggestions for the most dominant breed or two. (Or ask your vet!)
When figuring out how to exercise with your dog, consider your dog’s age. Each stage has unique exercise requirements.
Puppies are balls of energy that do best with short bursts of exercise. (Think zoomies in the backyard.) The best activities are short, easy walks, a few play sessions throughout the day and, of course, obedience training. Avoid long walks and running because they can be too hard on your pup’s growing bones and joints.
Healthy adult dogs can do just about anything! Whether it’s walking, running, hiking, swimming, or playing tug-of-war or fetch, they’ll be getting the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy — plus they’ll enjoy spending time with you.
Although your senior dog might move at a slightly slower pace than before, they still need exercise and playtime. You may want to shorten walks and fetch time, though, and do other low-impact activities like learning new tricks.
Finally, make sure your dog is properly fueled for their next workout. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally balanced IAMS™ food that’s tailored for their unique size and life stage.
In the realm of pet care and canine health, vitamin B for dogs emerges as one of the most important. While they might not always garner as much attention as other nutrients, the impact of vitamin B on your dog's well-being is profound. From supporting energy metabolism to promoting a healthy coat, the B-complex vitamins play a crucial role in keeping your furry friend in top-notch condition. Join us as we delve into the world of vitamin B for dogs, exploring its multifaceted benefits and uncovering the sources that can contribute to your pup's overall vitality.
Vitamin B is a group of water-soluble vitamins, including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin). These act as coenzymes, partnering with enzymes to facilitate critical biochemical reactions that drive cellular processes. For instance, they are pivotal in the breakdown of nutrients, ensuring that the energy derived from food is efficiently utilized by your dog's body. Additionally, B-complex vitamins are key players in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, aiding in the transmission of signals between nerve cells and supporting cognitive function. While dogs can produce some B vitamins internally, a well-rounded diet with external sources ensures they receive optimal levels, fortifying their biological functions and contributing to a vibrant and energetic life.
Absolutely, dogs not only can but should have vitamin B as an integral component of their dietary intake. While dogs possess the capability to internally synthesize certain B vitamins, such as B3 and B6, others like vitamin B12 for dogs must be sourced from their diet. This dietary supplementation is crucial as these vitamins play pivotal roles in metabolic functions, nerve health, and the synthesis of essential biomolecules. Ensuring a consistent and balanced intake of vitamin B is a proactive measure to support your dog's overall health, contributing to its vitality.
Certainly, vitamin B is exceptionally beneficial for dogs. Each B vitamin plays a distinctive role in supporting various facets of your dog's health, encompassing crucial functions such as energy production, cognitive well-being, and the maintenance of a glossy coat. Dogs experiencing deficiencies in specific B vitamins might manifest symptoms such as lethargy, lackluster coat condition, and, in severe cases, neurological issues. Prioritizing the incorporation of an appropriate amount of vitamin B into your dog's diet is pivotal for sustaining its vitality, promoting optimal organ function, and ensuring they lead a vibrant and active life.
In the often-underestimated landscape of canine nutrition, the B-complex vitamins emerge as silent yet vital allies. Before we unravel their diverse benefits, ranging from promoting energy metabolism to supporting skin and coat health, let us delve into the crucial role of vitamin B for puppies and dogs in their overall well-being.
B vitamins play a key role in converting food into energy. Thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pantothenic acid (B5), and pyridoxine (B6) contribute to the metabolic processes that provide energy for your dog's daily activities. A well-regulated energy metabolism ensures that your canine companions maintain an optimal level of activity and vitality throughout their daily routines.
B vitamins are essential for maintaining a healthy nervous system. They play a role in nerve function and help prevent neurological issues in dogs. Ensuring a sufficient intake of B vitamins promotes not only a robust nervous system but also contributes to improved cognitive function, fostering a sharper and more alert companion.
Biotin (B7) is particularly known for its role in promoting skin and coat health. A biotin deficiency can lead to skin problems and a dull coat. Incorporating biotin-rich foods into your dog's diet not only enhances its appearance but also contributes to overall well-being, ensuring a radiant and healthy coat.
Vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 benefits for dogs include the formation of red blood cells, which are vital for oxygen transport throughout the body. Adequate levels of these B vitamins contribute not only to your dog's physical endurance but also support its overall cardiovascular health, ensuring efficient oxygenation of tissues.
Several B vitamins, including folate and cobalamin, are involved in cell division, contributing to the growth and maintenance of tissues. This intricate role in cell division highlights the importance of B vitamins in the ongoing repair and renewal processes within your dog's body, promoting longevity and sustained health.
Ensuring your dog receives an ample supply of B-complex vitamins involves incorporating a variety of nutrient-rich foods into its diet. Here are some canine-friendly options:
In the nutritional narrative for our canine friends, the B-complex vitamins are heroes, weaving a tale of energy, vitality, and overall well-being. As you curate meals, let the B vitamins take center stage, offering not just nourishment but a key ingredient in the recipe for a thriving, tail-wagging companion.
