How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need? A Guide to Keeping Your Pet Fit and Healthy

dog exercising

Just like you, your dog needs regular physical activity to stay healthy and active. Establishing a consistent exercise routine for your pup can prevent weight gain, enhance mental function, support strong muscles and joints, boost heart health, and strengthen the bond between you and your pet. As you design an exercise plan for your dog (and maybe yourself too), it's essential to understand how much exercise your dog truly needs.

Keep reading to discover how much exercise your dog should get and how to evaluate if their current routine is sufficient.

What Affects a Dog's Exercise Needs?

Although we can offer general recommendations for exercise, it's crucial to recognize that every dog is different. Several factors, including breed, age, health status, and personality, all influence a dog’s need for physical activity.

1. Breed

Your dog’s breed plays a significant role in how active they need to be. For instance, a laid-back breed like a pug or mastiff may prefer lounging around, while more energetic breeds such as Siberian huskies or Jack Russell terriers require more exercise to avoid behavioral issues.

Breeds with flat faces, such as pugs, might struggle with breathing and overheating if subjected to intense activity, while longer-nosed dogs like huskies usually handle high-energy workouts more easily. A pug may be happy with a 20- to 30-minute walk, while a husky might require several brisk 30-minute walks to stay satisfied.

2. Age

A dog’s age significantly influences their physical activity needs. Puppies are generally full of energy but may only need short bursts of activity. A common guideline is to provide five minutes of exercise per month of age, once or twice a day. So, a six-month-old puppy would benefit from around 30 minutes of exercise.

Warning: Excessive exercise can harm growing dogs. High-impact activities like running or hiking should be avoided until they reach the following approximate ages:

  • Small breed: 6 to 8 months
  • Medium breed: 12 months
  • Large breed: 12 to 24 months

For growing dogs, consult your vet about when it’s safe to ramp up their exercise routine.

Senior dogs, too, have unique needs. While older dogs might not be as energetic, it’s important not to neglect their physical activity entirely. They may benefit from gentler exercises, such as slow walks, especially if they have joint issues like arthritis.

3. Health Status

Certain medical conditions can affect your dog’s tolerance for exercise. Conditions like arthritis, heart disease, obesity, respiratory issues, or endocrine disorders (e.g., hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease) may necessitate adjustments to your dog’s exercise regimen. Always check with your veterinarian if your dog has any chronic health problems to ensure they’re getting the right amount of activity.

4. Personality

Dogs, like humans, have distinct personalities. While some breeds like Labrador Retrievers may be happy to relax, others might constantly need stimulation. Understanding your dog's activity preferences, social needs, and mental engagement is crucial when determining how much exercise they require.

General Exercise Recommendations for Dogs

Here are some general guidelines to help keep your dog active:

  • Exercise every day: Regular activity is key to your dog's health.
  • Consistency over duration: Short, daily sessions are often more beneficial than long, infrequent workouts.
  • Leisurely walks for low-energy dogs: A 20- to 30-minute walk is ideal for less active dogs. For more energetic dogs, aim for two 30-minute brisk walks.
  • Puppy-specific advice: Consult your vet for tailored exercise plans for growing puppies.
  • Weather considerations: Be mindful of temperature extremes, as they can affect your dog’s comfort and safety. Hot pavement or frozen ground can hurt their paws.
  • Hydration: Always bring water, especially on warm days.

Beyond walks, there are other activities that can keep your dog fit, such as:

  • Hiking
  • Playing fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek
  • Swimming in safe locations
  • Agility or obedience training
  • Running an obstacle course in your yard
  • Dock diving
  • Socializing with other dogs

Check out the dog collars we recommend for active dogs HERE. 

dog with collar running

How to Tell If Your Dog Isn't Getting Enough Exercise

Is your dog getting enough activity? Watch for signs in their behavior and health:

Behavioral Signs:

Dogs lacking exercise may develop anxiety, which can manifest as excessive barking, pacing, whining, chewing inappropriate objects, or constant requests to go outside. These behaviors might indicate that your dog is bored or has excess energy that needs to be burned off.

Health Indicators:

Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are at risk for conditions like obesity or arthritis. However, if you notice health concerns, always consult a vet before assuming that more exercise is the answer.

Signs of Over-Exercising Your Dog

While it's important for your dog to get enough activity, over-exercising can also cause problems. Be on the lookout for these signs:

  • Reluctance to continue exercising or lying down during activity
  • Heavy panting or excessive drooling
  • Red, inflamed gums or tongue
  • Stiffness, limping, or lameness post-exercise

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion during warmer months and make sure your dog doesn't overheat.

Conclusion

Exercise is a vital part of maintaining your dog’s health, but it’s essential to tailor their routine based on their unique needs. If you're ever unsure about how much exercise your dog should get or if they have specific health concerns, don’t hesitate to consult your veterinarian.

 

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