Identifying Causes of Low Energy in Dogs
If your dog appears tired, lethargic, or lacks their usual energy, you may wonder how to boost their energy levels. First, stay alert for changes in their behavior or demeanor. Decreased energy levels can result from recovery after illness, surgery, or injury, but they may also signify metabolic conditions or circulatory diseases requiring veterinary attention. Dietary deficiencies can also cause fatigue and can be addressed by improving your dog’s diet and adding nutritional supplements. Once your vet confirms your dog’s health, ensure they have access to a biologically appropriate natural diet, such as raw (BARF). A healthy and balanced diet is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting recovery from rigorous exercise or illness.
The Right Nutrition to Boost Energy in Dogs
Feeding your active dog according to their energy expenditure is crucial. Consider additional nutrition required for optimal work, training, and performance. To enable fast recovery and replenish lost energy, a dog’s diet should include appropriate levels of protein, fats, and other key nutrients.
The Right Training Schedule
Establishing a proper exercise routine can boost a dog’s energy levels and recovery capabilities. However, each dog is unique, and an appropriate training schedule depends on their needs. Basic obedience training is typically the first step, followed by specific activities, such as agility training with obstacles, jumps, and weave poles. Training demands physical and mental energy from the dog.
Increasing Fitness and Stamina Levels
To ensure your dog can handle work or training demands, incorporate endurance and aerobic exercise to develop stamina, build muscle, and condition their bodies. Include at least one harder-than-normal session weekly to boost fitness and stamina levels, as well as recovery ability. Playful activities like fetch or frisbee can be a fun way to achieve this.
Breaks During Training
Periodic breaks during training help dogs relax their muscles and recover before resuming activity. Ensure they have access to water and monitor their intake to prevent dehydration or excessive consumption. Watch for signs of exhaustion and allow a 30-minute break when needed.
Post-Exercise Rest and Recovery
After training, take your dog for a gentle walk to cool down their muscles. Avoid feeding them for an hour and monitor water intake to prevent bloat or vomiting. Post-training massages can improve circulation, remove waste products, and reduce fatigue and soreness.
Consider the Breed
Certain breeds are better suited for endurance or agility training, such as Retrievers, Border Collies, German Shepherds, and Malinois. Breeds like Bulldogs and Mastiffs may struggle with rigorous activities. Keep this in mind when planning training with your dog.
Supplements to Boost Energy
Natural supplements designed for dogs can help boost energy levels. Protein sources rich in amino acids, Vitamin C, rolled oat flour, and chlorella provide various benefits, such as muscle repair, anti-inflammatory effects, calming properties, and antioxidant support. Supplements like ProDog Revive can help enhance your dog’s well-being and performance with natural ingredients and expert formulas. Contact us for more information on how ProDog Revive can support your dog’s recovery and energy needs.
