Exercise needs vary based on a dog’s breed and age. Size is not as large of a factor as many people think. Some breeds do not need as much grooming as others, but all dogs need their nails and extremities taken care of.
How much exercise
To maintain good health, most adults need:
- Working, herding and gundog breeds (Collies, Spaniels and Labradors, and Pointers): require at least 2 hours of exercise daily, including off lead running, to fulfil their mental and physical needs.
- Terriers and hounds: don't underestimate their size. Many need an hour or two of exercise.
- Tiny dogs are still dogs and still need to be walked.
- Flat-faced dogs: not for long walks; prone to overheating.
There are different kinds of walks. Did you know that letting your dog sniff can also be good exercise for your dog? Next time you go for a walk, let your dog sniff as much as he wants. You may be surprised how much it wears your dog out. Also, a 10 minute training session or a game of scatter feed in the backyard will also wear your dog out.
Puppies and older dogs
For puppies, the general rule is to feed them a good amount of small meals throughout the day. Most people have heard the rule “5 minutes per month of age, twice a day.” It’s a decent rule to follow, but it is not absolute. A long, forceful walk on a leash is not as acceptable as free play.
Older dogs will often do better on multiple short walks throughout the day as opposed to a single long walk. Stiffness following a walk with worsening symptoms the next day means arthritis is probably present and walk irritating it. It’s best to get this checked by a vet and treated.
Heat, cold and the walk itself
It’s important to take extra care of your dog in hot weather, especially in the UK where many dogs can sadly get sick from the heat. Walk your dog in the early morning or evening to avoid hot temperatures and bring water for you and your dog on walks. A avoided a heat stroke for your dog, but for other dogs, parking with the windows down can still be dangerous.
Most dogs can handle low temperatures. However, thin coated breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets, as well as little dogs, and old dogs, should wear a coat. Their paws should also be protected with booties. After walks, check their paws and clean off any bit of grit.
Dogs worry (chase) cattle and sheep and that is a crime. Dogs don't even have to reach the animals for it to be considered worrying. Just the presence of a dog worrying the animals is enough.
Check your dog for ticks after walks, particularly in tall grass and wooded areas, by feeling around the head and ears. Also check the armpits and toes. Tick removal tools can be purchased at most pet supply stores. The tool is inserted over the tick, and twisted to remove it. When removing ticks, do not pull them out, as the body may break off and leave the head embedded in the skin.
Grooming by coat type
To remove dead hair:
-Labradors, Staffies, Beagles: Weekly use a rubber mitt or a bristle brush.
Double Coats (Huskies, German Shepherds, Collies): There is a thick undercoat that produces lots of fur and sheds about twice a year. You can use an undercoat rake to get the dead fur. You should not shave double coats, as it will not help the dog stay cool and the fur will grow back in un neat-looks.
Wire coats (most terriers, Schnauzers): keeping the texture of the coat requires hand-stripping. Clipping is easier but softens the coat.
Coats like Poodles or Bichons require daily brushing. A professional groomer is needed every 6 to 8 weeks. Mats are formed close to the skin and are often times undetectable. Shih Tzus are the same and require the same grooming schedule. Similar coats like doodle-mixes require the same grooming procedure.
Bathe your dog when it is obviously dirty or somebody is allergic to him. Use a good dog shampoo. Human shampoo kills the dog's skin.
Nails, ears and teeth
Nails: Clicking nails on hard surfaces means they are past their expiration date. Be careful not to trim too much. You can always make the nail longer, but you can't always make it shorter. Nail grinders do work quicker, but dog nail grinders can get costly. Work in a well-lit area and wear eye protection. Grind in a back and forth motion keeping the tool perpendicular to the floor. If you're just starting out with nail grinding, start with the toes and work your way to the 4th toe. The 4th toe contains the longest nails, and therefore the hardest nails to work with.
Ears: Check weekly. Strong odor, redness, shaking head, and/or lots of brown wax means the ears need to be cleaned. Long, heavy ears get infected more easily.
Teeth: Brushing twice a day is the standard. For dogs over 3, most have some type of dental disease. Use a dog-specific toothpaste. Never use human toothpaste. Some have xylitol which is toxic to dogs.
The basic grooming kit
- Brush appropriate to the coat (mit, slicker, or undercoat rake)
- Metal comb for checking for knots
- Dog nail grinders or clippers, plus styptic powder to stop the bleeding if you hit the quick.
- Tick removal tool
- Dog toothbrush and toothpaste
- Dog shampoo
- Ear Cleaner Recommended By Your Vet