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Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
Written By Darlene Stott
Published: 11/28/2016Updated: 06/09/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Fatigue and Exercise?
Fatigue and exercise in pets can be caused by any number of things. It may start with you noticing your dog is not acting like himself, or that he seems more tired and less playful than usual. While you may think he needs a little extra sleep, it actually may be caused by an underlying medical condition. Signs can range from mild to severe, even so severe as death. The sooner you seek medical attention for your dog, the higher his chance of a full recovery.
Exercise and fatigue occurs commonly in pets for many different reasons. It can be due to an illness or due to his lifestyle. Either way, if your dog is not acting like himself and seems more tired than usual, take him to visit his veterinarian for evaluation.
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Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
From 286 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,000

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Symptoms of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
Signs typically occur after prolonged exercise. Signs may include:
  • Panting
  • Sweating
  • Dehydration
  • Acid-base imbalances
  • Electrolyte imbalances
  • Fatigue
  • Exhaustion
  • Infection
  • Gastroenteritis 
  • Diabetes 
  • Heart failure
  • Death 
Types
Exercise fatigue is a vague term to cover a behavioral change in your dog to where he no longer plays as much as he used to or is less active than normal. Exercise intolerance and fatigue can affect young dogs differently than old dogs. Causes of the intolerance and fatigues may also vary in young and old.
Causes of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
If your dog is healthy with no underlying conditions, it may be that he has been worked too hard. Dogs that experience prolonged exercise and work can experience exercise intolerance and fatigue. If your dog becomes dehydrated, metabolic imbalances can occur and can lead to death of your dog.
Diagnosis of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
When you arrive at the veterinarian office, you will be asked many questions in order for the veterinarian to collect a thorough medical history. She will ask you what your dog has been doing the past few days, when the signs began, and how long they have been going on. She will also perform a physical exam in order to assess his symptoms and note any abnormalities of his vitals. 
Blood work will likely be performed to give the veterinarian an idea of how the internal organs are functioning and to rule out other possible causes of his signs. A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian with needed information for proper assessment of organ function and hydration.  
Treatment of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
Depending what the diagnostics reveal as the cause will determine the course of treatment. If there is an actual medical condition underlying your dog’s fatigue, then it will be treated appropriately. However, if it was due simply to malnutrition, lack of water, and not enough rest, it may be entirely up to you to change his lifestyle. 
Your veterinarian will also thoroughly go over the nutrition needs of your pet and how to keep him hydrated when exercising. She will likely come up with a plan on how to safely exercise him in the future so as to prevent this from occurring again.

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Recovery of Fatigue and Exercise in Dogs
At home, you will need to keep your companion “quiet” meaning you will need to keep him calm and enclosed in a small space, such as a crate, in order to keep him less active and easier to observe. You will need to periodically take his temperature to ensure he does not have a fever. You will also need to monitor him for progression of any current symptoms and development of any new signs. 
Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
From 286 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,000
Top
Fatigue and Exercise Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Golden Retriever
Twenty Months

20 found this helpful

20 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog gets tired easily compared to other dogs. She often takes breaks and gets back up and plays. Not sure this is normal
March 9, 2021
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
20 Recommendations
While this may be normal for her, it is important we rule out any underlying issues. A vet visit is sensible to check for potential issues such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia or heart disease. Hopefully it is nothing but it is a good idea to look into it.
April 5, 2021
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Labrador Retriever
Eleven Months

11 found this helpful

11 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog normally doesn’t do much, but she went to doggy daycare 2 days ago and played all day long. She’s been sleeping a lot since then and started walking funny. Should I be worried?
Nov. 29, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
11 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear this. The walking funny is a concern and given her breed and age I would want her checked for issues such as hip dysplasia. I would want her assessed by a vet right away as she may be in some discomfort.
Nov. 29, 2020
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German Shepard
Seven Months

6 found this helpful

6 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Sleepy, Walking Funny
Our 7 month old German Shepard played a lot this morning and took him home. I noticed his hips started wattling and he’s been weak and tired all day. And he won’t play like he usually does, he jumped up twice today after a mid afternoon nap but it seems he’s having trouble getting up on the couch.
Oct. 4, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
6 Recommendations
Hello, your dog may have pulled a muscle playing too hard. Allow him to rest for a few days. If he is not better in a day or two, it would be best for your dog to see your vet. There are hip issues and other joint issues that are commonly seen in german Shepards that your dog may be experiencing. Good Luck. I hope your dog improves soon.
Oct. 4, 2020
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Frenchton
8 weeks

7 found this helpful

7 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Redness And Shaking
Puppy started shaking and whining. Doesn’t want to walk very far, but doesn’t seem to have a limp. Skin looks red and she’s very sleepy.
Sept. 12, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
7 Recommendations
Hello, so sorry to hear about your dog. He may be having an allergic reaction. You can try Benadryl at 1mg per pound. If this does not help she would need to see you vet. Do not give her any human over the counter pain medications as this can make her very sick. I hope your dog starts to feel better soon.
Sept. 12, 2020
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Golden Retriever
3 years

8 found this helpful

8 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Need Of Rest On Walks Now
I used to walk my dog an hour without need for rest. He has started needing to stop for rest, and so I have shortened the walks. But even now he needs several rest stops of walks of just a half hour. Even when weather is cooler.
Aug. 7, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. That is unusual in such a young dog. I think it would be best to have him examined by a veterinarian, as they can listen to his heart and lungs, see if he has a problem or if he is overweight, and give you advice on how to manage whatever is going on with him. I hope that everything is okay for him.
Aug. 7, 2020
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Australian Kelpie mix
Utah
2 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
I have a highly active dog that wont stop chasing his ball unless I end it myself. At what point should I stop the play? Usually I'll throw the ball far and we'll do that for maybe an hour and when we get home he'll drink a bunch of water and then pass out. Am I overworking him? How do I tell if he's being overworked while we're playing?
Whippet
Athena
2 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Panting
Wobbly
I have a 2 year-old whippet and she has on occasion (only has happened 3 times and we go to the park quite often) acted very strange after running hard and fast at the off-leash park. She will be very wobbly and will pant a lot. Most recent time she couldn't jump into the back of the car and I had to lift her. It's scary to witness. But then after she drinks and rests for a short while she seems fine. I feed her the Big Country Raw dinners. She doesn't get many other treats - so basically her diet consists of meat and organs, kale and blueberries. She is very lean but I know as a breed whippets are lean.
Border Collie x Queensland Heeler
Chance
2 Years

0 found this helpful

0 found this helpful

My pet has the following symptoms:
Stumbling
Excessive Panting
My dog has pretty bad exercise intolerance which is weird for his age and breed. He loves to run and chase frisbees and balls but gets exhausted to the point of stumbling after a few minutes and it takes him a long time to stop panting.
Fatigue and Exercise Average Cost
From 286 quotes ranging from $500 - $5,000
Average Cost
$2,000

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