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Exercise for an overweight dog
Start where your dog is, not where you wish they were
The right starting distance is the one your dog finishes comfortably, not panting and lagging. For many heavy dogs that's a gentle ten-to-fifteen-minute stroll; for some it's to the end of the block and back. Comfort grows quickly when the routine is daily, so resist the urge to compensate with one giant outing - frequent short walks beat occasional heroic ones for both joints and habits.
Favor the joints while the weight comes off
Extra weight multiplies the load on hips, knees and elbows with every step. Until the weight drops, choose forgiving exercise: leash walks on grass or dirt rather than pavement pounding, swimming or underwater treadmill if available (water carries the weight while the muscles work), and sniffing-heavy "sniffari" walks that tire the brain as much as the legs. Save fetch sprints, stairs marathons and jumping games for a lighter dog.
Watch heat and breathing closely
Overweight dogs overheat faster, and flat-faced breeds have even less margin. Walk early or late on warm days, bring water, and treat heavy panting, slowing down, or wanting to lie down as the end of the session, not a challenge to push through. A dog who is suddenly much less willing to move than usual - or who limps after easy walks - should be checked by your vet before the routine continues.
Food still does the heavy lifting
Exercise supports weight loss; it rarely drives it on its own. It would take far more walking than most heavy dogs can safely do to burn off a calorie problem, which is why the feeding plan carries the load and activity protects muscle, joints, mood and maintenance. VCA notes that rehabilitation therapies can be built into the plan itself - ask your vet whether a rehab referral makes sense for your dog.
Make it stick
Daily beats intense. Same times, same route at first, then slowly longer or hillier as the weight tracker trends down. Many households find the ritual becomes the best part of the day for the dog and the human both - which is exactly the point.