10 Things That Happen When You Keep Your Puppy Indoors

10 Things That Happen When You Keep Your Puppy Indoors

For many dog owners, the comfort and safety of raising a dog indoors might seem like the perfect arrangement. 

However, keeping a dog exclusively indoors and neglecting regular walks can have significant physical, mental, and emotional consequences for your pet. 

Dogs are active, curious creatures that require mental stimulation, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment to thrive. 

Let’s dive into 10 critical changes that occur when dogs are confined indoors without proper exercise and why walking your dog should be as mandatory as feeding them.

1. Obesity and Related Health Problems

Lack of physical activity is one of the leading causes of obesity in dogs. 

Without regular walks, your dog burns fewer calories, which leads to weight gain. 

Obesity in dogs is associated with severe health conditions such as diabetes, joint pain, heart disease, and reduced lifespan. 

Veterinary experts emphasize that even short daily walks can significantly help in maintaining a healthy weight. 

Additionally, obesity puts extra strain on a dog’s joints, which can lead to further complications like hip dysplasia or spinal issues in some breeds.

2. Joint and Muscle Deterioration

Dogs need regular movement to keep their joints, muscles, and bones healthy. 

Limited activity can lead to muscle atrophy and stiff joints, especially in older dogs.

According to Dr. Sarah Turner, a veterinary physiotherapist, “Frequent walks help lubricate joints and improve muscle tone, reducing the risk of arthritis and other musculoskeletal problems.” 

Puppies, in particular, benefit from walks as they help in the development of strong bones and proper posture. 

Without regular exercise, the natural wear and tear on their bodies accelerates, especially for breeds predisposed to joint issues.

3. Poor Cardiovascular Health

Exercise is critical for a healthy heart. 

Without walks, your dog’s cardiovascular health suffers, leading to reduced stamina, poor circulation, and an increased risk of heart disease. 

Regular physical activity helps improve oxygen flow and strengthens the heart muscle, keeping your dog’s overall system in better condition. 

Dogs that are sedentary also tend to have higher resting heart rates, which can strain their cardiovascular system over time.

4. Behavioral Problems

Dogs confined indoors often exhibit behavioral issues such as excessive barking, chewing, and aggression due to pent-up energy and frustration. 

Walks provide an outlet for their energy, reducing these destructive tendencies. 

Expert dog trainer Linda Michaels states, “Dogs need mental stimulation as much as physical exercise. 

Walks help satisfy their curiosity and keep them mentally balanced.” 

For high-energy breeds like Border Collies or Labradors, lack of exercise can lead to even more pronounced issues like incessant digging, escaping, or hyperactivity indoors.

5. Boredom and Depression

Mental stimulation is vital for a dog’s emotional well-being. 

Without new smells, sights, and experiences, indoor dogs can become bored and even depressed. 

Symptoms may include lethargy, lack of interest in toys, or excessive sleeping. 

Walking allows dogs to engage with their environment, boosting their mood and mental health. 

Dogs use their sense of smell to explore the world, and sniffing during walks is equivalent to solving puzzles for their brains. 

This activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators.

6. Weakened Immune System

Exposure to different environments during walks strengthens a dog’s immune system.

Sniffing new areas and interacting with other animals helps them build resilience against common pathogens. 

A lack of such exposure may make indoor-only dogs more prone to illnesses and allergies.

Experts also suggest that limited environmental exposure can make dogs hypersensitive to outdoor allergens when they eventually go outside.

7. Lack of Socialization Skills

Walks are essential for socialization. 

When dogs interact with other dogs, humans, and different environments, they learn important social cues and behaviors. 

Dogs raised indoors may become fearful, anxious, or overly reactive when exposed to unfamiliar situations later in life. 

Socialization is especially important during a puppy’s developmental stage, as it sets the foundation for their behavior as adults. 

Regular exposure to various stimuli during walks builds their confidence and adaptability.

8. Digestive Issues

Exercise stimulates a dog’s digestive system, aiding in regular bowel movements.

Dogs that don’t walk often may suffer from constipation or irregular digestion. 

Veterinarian Dr. Emma Barnes explains, “Walking helps regulate a dog’s metabolism and ensures their digestive system works efficiently.” 

Furthermore, the act of walking after meals helps in digestion and prevents issues like bloating, which can be life-threatening in some deep-chested breeds.

9. Decreased Cognitive Function

Engaging with the world during walks stimulates a dog’s brain. 

Indoor dogs deprived of these experiences may exhibit reduced cognitive function over time. 

Activities like sniffing and problem-solving while outdoors keep their brains sharp and slow down age-related cognitive decline. 

For senior dogs, walking can be especially beneficial in preventing conditions like canine cognitive dysfunction, often compared to dementia in humans.

10. Shortened Lifespan

The cumulative effects of physical and mental inactivity can shorten a dog’s life. 

Obesity, poor cardiovascular health, and depression are all contributing factors to a reduced lifespan. 

Providing regular walks not only adds years to your dog’s life but also improves their quality of life. 

Experts point out that dogs that receive adequate exercise are more likely to live fulfilling and energetic lives well into their senior years.

Making Walks a Priority

Understanding these potential consequences underscores the importance of making walks a daily routine for your dog.

Here are some expert tips to ensure you’re meeting your dog’s exercise needs: 

Tailor Walks to Your Dog’s Breed: High-energy breeds like Border Collies and Huskies need longer walks, while smaller breeds like Pomeranians may require shorter, more frequent outings.

Incorporate Mental Stimulation: Allow your dog to sniff and explore during walks, as this engages their brain. 

Consider adding training exercises or games during the walk to keep things exciting.

Stay Consistent: Establish a daily walking routine, even if it’s just 20-30 minutes.

Consistency helps form a habit for both you and your dog.

Weather Considerations: On extremely hot or cold days, consider indoor alternatives like playing fetch in a hallway or using a treadmill for exercise.

Protective gear such as dog boots or jackets can also make outdoor walks more comfortable during extreme weather.

Conclusion: 10 Things That Happen When You Keep Your Puppy Indoors

Keeping a dog exclusively indoors might seem convenient, but the physical and mental consequences are significant.

Walks are not just an option; they’re a necessity for a healthy, happy dog. By raising awareness about the importance of daily walks, we can ensure our pets live their best lives.

Remember, a well-exercised dog is not only healthier but also a better-behaved and more joyful companion.

So far, we have looked at 10 things that can happen when you only raise a puppy indoors. I hope this article was of some help to those who raise a puppy, and I would appreciate it if you could share this article with someone who needs it.