Expert QA

A friend tells me that my dog, Natalia, often overexerts herself when playing and exercising just to earn my approval, but I think Natalia knows when to stop. Who's right?

From the Editors of The Dog Daily

Your friend is correct. Natalia likely loves to please you, enjoys your good company and praise, and looks to you for guidance. As a result, she may endanger her health by persisting in physical activity beyond the point of sheer exhaustion. You must monitor your dog's physical condition for signs of fatigue, which include heavy panting, initial reluctance to move, sore paws and more. If you notice these signs, take time to rest. The breed and age of your dog can help determine how much exercise Natalia should get. For tiny breeds, a walk around the block can seem like a marathon, while larger, more muscular dogs may find that same activity to be a piece-of-cake warm-up. Consult with your veterinarian to see what level of exercise is right for your dog and then make sure it isn't exceeded.