Owners commonly report muscular fatigue of dogs and horses. Muscular fatigue can be caused by numerous disorders of several body systems, which are discussed in other chapters. Fatigue is an issue for working dogs, racing greyhounds, and dogs that compete in agility and other high-intensity events.
Fatigue is a normal consequence of exercise that is continued at high intensity or for prolonged periods of time. It describes the inability of muscles to continue to perform at the same level of intensity. The decreased ability of the muscle to produce force is actually a safety mechanism for the body. If fatigue did not occur and force the animal to stop, the intense exercise could cause structural damage to muscle cells and supportive tissues.
During prolonged exercise (usually several hours or more), panting and/or sweating occur to remove excess heat generated by the body’s metabolic processes. This leads to dehydration and acid-base and electrolyte imbalances. These factors cause fatigue, exhaustion, and may even lead to death.
Appropriate physical training is the most effective way to reduce fatigue and increase the capacity for exercise. Training leads to more effective use of oxygen in body tissues, increased blood volume, and muscle adaptations. Working animals should be acclimated to hot environments before competition. Warming up the muscles before intense exercise can also help delay the onset of fatigue.
If you have a working dog or one that competes in high-intensity events, you should consult with your veterinarian about appropriate feeding and hydration strategies to help minimize fatigue.
Also see professional content regarding fatigue and exercise.
