With their fluffy, fox-like faces, thick double coats in striking black and cream, and perky, upright ears, Keeshonds are hard to resist. These friendly, intelligent dogs—originally bred as companion and watchdog breeds in the Netherlands—thrive on human connection and playful activity. But like all purebred dogs, Keeshonds are prone to certain health issues, many of which can be managed (or even prevented) with consistent, appropriate exercise.
For Keeshond owners, understanding these common health problems is the first step toward keeping their furry friends happy and healthy. And while outdoor walks, playtime, and mental stimulation are essential, there’s a tool that can make maintaining their exercise routine easier, rain or shine: a dog treadmill (specifically non-electric models, which align with a Keeshond’s natural movement). In this blog, we’ll break down the most prevalent health issues in Keeshonds, explain how regular exercise helps mitigate these risks, and show why a dog treadmill is a valuable addition to your Keeshond’s wellness plan.
Key Takeaways
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Learn about common health problems in Keeshonds. These include hip dysplasia and obesity. Acting early can help their quality of life.
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Regular vet visits are important. They help find health problems early. This keeps your Keeshond healthy overall.
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Include regular exercise in their routine. Using a non-electric treadmill is a good option. This helps with fitness and weight control.
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Keep up with vaccinations. This protects your Keeshond from serious diseases like parvo and distemper.
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Watch your dog's behavior and health closely. This helps you notice problems before they get serious.
Common Health Problems in Keeshonds: What Owners Need to Know
Keeshonds are generally healthy dogs, with a lifespan of 12–15 years. However, genetic predispositions and lifestyle factors can increase their risk of certain conditions. Below are the most common health problems to watch for, along with how exercise plays a role in prevention and management:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are orthopedic conditions caused by abnormal development of the hip or elbow joints. In Keeshonds—who have a compact, muscular build—this can lead to pain, stiffness, lameness, and eventually arthritis, especially as they age.
How exercise helps: Low-impact, consistent exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, providing better support and reducing strain. Avoiding high-impact activities (like jumping off furniture or rough play on hard surfaces) is key, but gentle, regular movement keeps joints lubricated and muscles toned—critical for slowing the progression of dysplasia.
Obesity
Obesity is another common health problem in Keeshonds. Keeping a healthy weight is very important for your dog's health. Here are some risks of being overweight:
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Watching your dog's weight is key to avoid obesity, which can make joint problems worse.
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Obesity can cause diabetes in Keeshonds, which affects how insulin works.
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Keeping a healthy weight is important to lower the risk of diabetes from obesity.
How exercise helps: Regular exercise burns calories and maintains a healthy weight. Keeshonds need daily activity to keep their metabolism active—even a moderate walk or play session can prevent excess weight gain. For overweight Keeshonds, structured exercise (under veterinary guidance) is essential for safe weight loss.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited eye condition that causes gradual degeneration of the retina, leading to vision loss and eventually blindness. While exercise can’t reverse PRA, it plays a role in supporting a Keeshond’s quality of life as their vision declines.
How exercise helps: As Keeshonds lose vision, they rely more on their other senses (smell, hearing, and touch) to navigate. Familiar, low-stress exercise routines (like walking on a treadmill in a quiet room) help them build confidence and stay active without the anxiety of navigating unfamiliar outdoor terrain.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is another health issue for Keeshonds. This happens when the thyroid gland does not make enough hormones. Symptoms can include gaining weight, being tired, and skin issues. Good treatments for hypothyroidism include:
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THYRO-TABS CANINE (levothyroxine sodium tablets)
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ThyroKare™ (levothyroxine sodium tablets)
How exercise helps: Lethargy is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, which can create a cycle: low energy leads to less exercise, which leads to weight gain, which worsens symptoms. Regular, gentle exercise boosts energy levels, supports weight management, and improves overall mood—helping break this cycle.
Heart Disease (e.g., Patent Ductus Arteriosus)
Some Keeshonds are born with congenital heart defects like Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a condition where a blood vessel in the heart fails to close after birth. Others may develop age-related heart disease later in life.
How exercise helps: For Keeshonds with mild heart conditions (under veterinary supervision), low-to-moderate exercise strengthens the heart muscle without overtaxing it. Avoiding strenuous activity is crucial, but consistent, controlled movement helps maintain cardiovascular health and prevents deconditioning.
By knowing these common health problems, you can take steps to help your Keeshond live a long and healthy life. Regular health tests before breeding can also help lower the chance of health issues in future puppies.
Why Keeshonds Need Structured Exercise (And Why Outdoor Play Isn’t Always Enough)
Keeshonds are active, intelligent dogs with a history of working alongside humans—whether as watchdogs on barges or companions to families. This means they need more than just a quick walk around the block to stay healthy. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends 45–60 minutes of daily exercise for Keeshonds, including a mix of physical activity and mental stimulation.
But outdoor exercise alone has limitations, especially when it comes to managing their health:
Weather Constraints
Keeshonds’ thick double coats make them sensitive to extreme temperatures. In hot weather, they’re prone to heat exhaustion—even a 30-minute walk on an 80°F (27°C) day can be dangerous. In cold, wet weather, their coats absorb moisture, leading to chills and increased risk of illness. For weeks (or months) out of the year, outdoor exercise may be limited or unsafe.
Consistency Challenges
Keeping a regular exercise schedule can be hard for Keeshond owners. Here are some common problems you might face:
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Walks Alone Lack Engagement: Daily walks may not give enough mental challenge, which can cause boredom.
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Backyard Play Is Unstructured (and Lonely): Playing alone in the backyard can make Keeshonds feel lonely and bored.
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Dog Parks Are Hit-or-Miss: Dog parks can be good, but they can also be stressful if too crowded or if mean dogs are there.
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Busy Schedules Disrupt Consistency: Owners' busy lives can lead to irregular exercise, causing behavior problems.
These issues can make it hard for both you and your Keeshond to stay motivated. Structured exercise plans can help you get past these problems and keep your dog active.
Controlled Movement for Health Conditions
Some Keeshonds may have health issues that need controlled movement. For example, dogs with hip dysplasia or obesity need gentle exercises to avoid hurting their joints more. Structured exercise lets you watch their activity levels and make sure they do not overdo it. You can use tools like a non-electric treadmill to create a safe space for exercise. This method helps keep them fit while taking care of any health problems.
How a Non-Electric Treadmill For Dogs Supports Keeshond Health
When you think of a dog treadmill, you might picture a loud, electric machine—but non-electric (manual) dog treadmills are a better fit for Keeshonds. These treadmills use your dog’s own movement to power the belt, making them low-impact and quiet. Below’s how they address Keeshonds’ unique health needs:
Low-Impact Exercise for Joint Health
Non-electric treadmills have soft, rubberized belts that provide cushioning for Keeshonds’ joints—far gentler than concrete or asphalt. This is especially important for Keeshonds with hip/elbow dysplasia or arthritis: the belt reduces impact while still allowing them to strengthen their leg muscles. Unlike electric treadmills (which force a fixed speed), manual treadmills let your Keeshond set their own pace—so they can slow down or take breaks if they feel pain.
Controlled Weight Management
Obesity is one of the biggest threats to Keeshond health, and a treadmill makes weight management easier. You can set consistent workout times (e.g., 20 minutes twice a day) and monitor their activity level—no more guessing how many calories they’re burning on a walk. For overweight Keeshonds, a treadmill allows for gradual, safe weight loss: start with short sessions at a slow pace, then increase duration as they build stamina.
Stress-Free Exercise for Vision-Impaired Keeshonds
Keeshonds with PRA or other vision issues often become anxious in unfamiliar outdoor environments. A non-electric treadmill provides a safe, consistent space for exercise: the same room, the same surface, and no unexpected obstacles (like curbs or other dogs). The quiet, predictable movement helps them feel secure, so they can stay active even as their vision declines.
Gentle Cardio for Heart Health
For Keeshonds with heart conditions, a treadmill offers controlled cardiovascular exercise. Under veterinary guidance, you can adjust the pace to a slow, steady trot—enough to get their heart rate up slightly, but not enough to cause strain. The manual design means you can stop the treadmill immediately if they show signs of fatigue (like heavy panting or slowing down), making it a safer option than outdoor runs.
Mental Stimulation
Keeshonds are intelligent dogs—they get bored easily, which can lead to overeating or destructive behavior. A treadmill session isn’t just physical exercise; it’s mental stimulation too. Many Keeshonds enjoy the routine of treadmill time, and the focus required to maintain their pace keeps their minds sharp. You can even add mental challenges (like holding a treat in front of them to encourage a steady pace) to make it more engaging.
How to Introduce Your Keeshond to a Non-Electric Treadmill (Step-by-Step)
Keeshonds are eager to please, but they may be wary of a new treadmill at first. The key is to make the experience positive and low-stress. Follow these steps to help them adjust:
Step 1: Let Them Explore (No Pressure!)
Place the treadmill in a quiet room where your Keeshond spends time (like the living room). Keep the belt still and let them sniff it, walk around it, and even lie down next to it. Offer treats and praise to associate the treadmill with good things—do this for 2–3 days until they show no fear (e.g., wagging tail, curious sniffs).
Tip: Use treats to get your Keeshond to come closer to the treadmill. Positive reinforcement makes it a fun experience.
Step 2: Start with Slow, Short Sessions
Once they’re comfortable, encourage them to step onto the belt. Place a treat on the front of the belt and use a gentle voice to guide them (“Come, let’s try!”). Keep a loose leash (never pull!) and stand in front of them so they can see you. Gently push the belt to start a slow walk (a small nudge is all it takes). Let them walk for 1–2 minutes, then stop and reward them with a treat and cuddles. Repeat this 2–3 times a day for a week.
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Watch their body language. If they look nervous, slow down or take a break.
Step 3: Gradually Increase Duration and Pace
As your Keeshond gains confidence, lengthen sessions by 1–2 minutes each week. Let them set the pace—if they want to trot, the belt will speed up with them (since it’s manual). Avoid pushing them too hard: if they slow down or stop, end the session. Most Keeshonds will start to look forward to treadmill time—some even jump on it on their own when they’re bored!
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Keep an eye on their breathing and energy. If they seem tired, lower the intensity.
Step 4: Pair Treadmill Time with Outdoor Play
A treadmill isn’t a replacement for outdoor exercise—it’s a supplement. On nice days, still take your Keeshond for walks, play fetch in the yard, or let them explore a dog park (if it’s safe for their health). The treadmill is for days when outdoor exercise isn’t possible, or when they need controlled movement for health reasons. This balance keeps them physically and mentally healthy.
Note: If your Keeshond has health issues like epilepsy, talk to your vet before starting any new exercise. They can give you advice that fits your dog's needs.
By following these steps, you can help your Keeshond enjoy treadmill workouts while supporting their overall health.
Final Thoughts: Investing in Your Keeshond’s Long-Term Health
Keeshonds are loyal, loving companions—and they rely on you to keep them healthy. Understanding their common health problems and the role of exercise is key, but a non-electric dog treadmill makes it easier to follow through—even when life gets busy or the weather is bad.
Whether your Keeshond has hip dysplasia, needs to lose weight, or is coping with vision loss, a dog runner machine provides safe, controlled exercise that supports their unique needs. It’s not just a piece of equipment—it’s an investment in their quality of life and longevity.
So if you’re a Keeshond owner looking to keep your furry friend healthy, consider a non-electric treadmill. It’s a simple, effective way to ensure they get the exercise they need—now and for years to come. After all, a healthy Keeshond is a happy Keeshond—and a happy Keeshond makes for a happy home.
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