From Beagles to German Shepherds, every dog needs exercise. Just like humans, regular exercise keeps your dog fit and healthy. But knowing how much exercise your dog needs can be tricky, especially if you’re a new dog parent.
To ensure they get enough exercise, it’s important to understand how much your dog actually needs. The truth is there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right amount of exercise will depend on your dog’s age, breed, size, and temperament.
In this guide, we have rounded up everything you need to know about exercising your dog. So, take a paws and have a read.
Benefits of Exercise for Dogs
As pet parents, we are told time and time again that exercise is good for our dogs. But what does it actually do for them? Recent studies have shown that regular exercise can improve bone health, liver function, and more. On top of that, it can also improve destructive behaviour like chewing up the furniture, and reduce anxiety.
How much exercise does my dog need?
Now you know the benefits of regular exercise, it’s important to know how much your dog needs. The truth is, the ideal amount depends on several factors including age, breed, and health.
Let’s dive in to find out more.
Age
A key thing to consider when taking your dog for a walk is their age. For example, excitable puppies need carefully managed exercise to protect their developing bones and joints. Senior dogs, on the other hand, gradually slow down as they age. With this in mind, you’ll want to adapt exercise accordingly. Puppies will inevitably need more time to run about and explore, while older dogs may need to slow down.
Breed
Did you know that different dog breeds have different activity requirements? High-energy breeds like Australian Cattle Dogs need more regular activity compared to Bulldogs or Basset Hounds. Border Collies and Labrador Retrievers need at least 90 minutes of moderate exercise a day. On the other hand, smaller dog breeds require less exercise.
Health
If your dog has experienced health problems, you might want to take it easy. Underlying health conditions like heart problems or arthritis can impact the type and amount of exercise your dog can handle. Additionally, overweight dogs may need to build their fitness gradually. If in doubt, speak with a professional trainer or veterinarian.
How much exercise do puppies need?
Our little balls of fluff come with bundles of energy. The most important thing about puppies is that they need lots of exercise, little and often. That’s right! To keep up on top of that high energy and ensure they don’t burn out, our pups need shorter, more frequent bursts of activity.
Start with 10-minute workouts each, totaling up to 60 minutes per day. You can then lengthen the exercise time as your pup grows. When it comes to puppies, strenuous activities should be avoided to prevent strain on developing bones and muscles.
How much exercise does a full-grown dog need?
Once pups are fully grown, they can handle more rigorous exercise. High-energy breeds may require 2+ hours of activity a day, while smaller breeds may be content with just 30 minutes.
How much exercise do senior dogs need?
Just like humans, as dogs get older, things start to slow down. Senior dogs benefit from low-impact exercise, such as daily walks or swimming, for about 30 minutes to an hour a day. Care should be taken to avoid intense activities and slippery surfaces.
Can I exercise my dog too much?
This is a question we get asked a lot. And the answer is yes! Dogs can over-exercise and that’s why we need to know what’s best for them. When you’re having fun with your doggo, it’s easy to get caught up. Thirty minutes turns into one hour and before you know it, you’ve spent the whole afternoon bonding. While nothing beats sloppy kisses and fluffy cuddles, it’s possible to push our dogs beyond their limit. Signs of over-exercise include sore muscles, limping, and fatigue.
The best thing to do is to become familiar with the recommendations for your dog’s age, breed, and size. Look out for signs of overtiredness and adapt their exercise routine to suit their needs. It may take a little tweaking, but once you’ve perfected their daily walks, you’ll have a happier dog all round.
If you find that you don’t have enough time to give your dog the exercise it needs, doggy daycare is a great option. At K9 Heaven, your dog will have plenty of space to stretch their paws. With 10 acres of farmland, your dog will get all the exercise they need including daily enrichment activities and park runs. Our experienced team is well-versed in providing your doggo with the right amount of exercise.
