Physical and mental exercise is essential for our dogs. However, it is a human misconception that dogs need to go for a walk every day. A rest day is just as good for your dogs as it is for us. So, my top tip this week is for you both to take a day off from walking because:
- It helps support the musculoskeletal system by reducing the chance of injury from too much use, allowing the body to repair and grow effectively. Especially if they have just had surgery, an injury, trauma or are poorly (tummy upset)
- It allows your dog to relax, decompress and reduce cortisol production/stress levels.
Too much Cortisol/stimulation can have a negative impact. Stimulation is both negative and positive and comes from not just meeting other dogs, sniffing, people etc but vehicles/bikes going by; the wind; church bells ringing; crow scarers going bang; balloons, vacuum cleaners, lawn mowers, chain saws, building sites – the list is endless and specific to your dog. The world can be a scary place for a dog – especially for those that are anxious, rescued, young, old, rehomed & injured. Stimulation can escalate and I’ll talk about Trigger stacking / emotional bucket another time. Increased cortisol = Behaviourally they can be more anxious and nervous, physically they can have digestive / skin issues and potentially suppress the immune system.
What do you do instead? Play; training games; scent games; watch TV & cuddle.
Take a day off – it’s good for the soul and doesn’t mean you’re a bad dog guardian.
Thank you for reading today’s article.
Louise James, Momentum Clinical Canine Massage
