Is there such a thing as too much activity for your puppy?

 

 

 

Exercise is essential for the building of a puppy’s mind and body but is there such a thing as too much? Short answer is yes.

The most important factor is having age-appropriate exercise.

Growth plates are found at the end of your puppy’s long bones and are soft areas containing rapidly dividing cells.  The bones continue to grow and become longer until the puppy passes puberty.

Hormonal changes will cause the growth plates to thin and close. A previous Houndog blog discusses these factors as an example why distance running with your pup should be avoided. Whilst the growth plates remain open, they are soft, making them more susceptible to injury. Usually by 18 months of age this plate closure in completed.

Research from the UN National Library of Medicine investigates whether the age a pup is spayed or neutered plays a part in development also.  Their study indicates pups de-sexed before the age of 1 year old were taller than their counterparts desexed after turning 1.  The bones of the dogs desexed before puberty were still growing and the result was a lighter bone structure with longer limbs and narrower chests.  One outcome for joints was that a disproportionate body sustained more stress on ligaments which meant they could be more susceptible to injury later.

A separate study shows spaying or neutering earlier than 5 ½ months of age led to a greater incidence of hip dysplasia.  Those desexed later than 24 weeks of age showed less incidence of infectious diseases and less urinary incontinence in bitches than those desexed earlier.

We are big advocates of having your pets desexed so please do not to interpret this blog as discouraging desexing.  What we highlight is…  you are best to do your research when weighing up the right time for spaying or neutering. Owners must be vigilant in taking responsibility. especially once their canine is able to reproduce. Nature is powerful indeed.  Some dogs will go to the ends of the earth for the scent of a bitch in heat.

For a more in-depth explanation plus loads of fantastic tips on safe exercise for puppies check out the remarkable article in this link…

https://www.animal-mrt.com/blog/post/21701/Exercises-for-Young-Dogs/

Leah & Angela OMeara

Hound Dog Day Care (Specialists in Dog Minding & Dog Boarding, Pet Sitting Brisbane & Doggy Day Care Brisbane)