Exercising is something that can benefit all of us when we do it regularly, our furry friends are no exception. In fact, we want to make sure that our dogs are getting enough exercise everyday in order to make sure they are staying happy and healthy. How much exercise does a dog need everyday though? Today we will be looking at the factors to consider when planning your exercise routine for your pups.
Age
Age will play a large role in how much exercise a dog needs everyday. Whether they are a puppy or senior dog, they should still be receiving daily exercise in order to keep them active and prevent restlessness. Younger dogs will typically need more exercise than an older dog to help burn off the excess energy that they have. Puppies are usually going to have more energy than adult dogs and will need short walks or play sessions several times throughout the day in order to combat those bursts of energy and keep them from getting bored and destructive. It is usually a safer choice to go with shorter play sessions than longer ones for a puppy as longer exercise sessions can be harder on a puppy’s growing body.
Adult dogs will typically need anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily to keep them healthy. For senior dogs, the amount of time may be less depending on their needs and health, but the ideal amount of daily exercise is still 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Breed
A dog’s breed another factor in the amount of exercise that your pup will need on a daily basis. Dog breeds can be grouped into 7 different categories, each having unique needs and characteristics based on the group that they fall into. When it comes to exercise though, looking at these groups can be a great help in determining what they need. For example, sporting and working dogs usually have high energy levels and will need not only more physical activity but the exercise will also need to be vigorous. Dogs in the toy group, on the other hand, are smaller and will usually be able to get enough exercise by going on light walks and playing indoors.
Health
The health of your pup will also play a role in the amount of exercise they should be receiving. Joint problems or arthritis can make it difficult for your dog to move and may often even be painful for them, limiting the amount of exercise they can have to prevent stressing the joint. Heart conditions, cancer or other diseases can also affect the quality of exercise your pet can handle, light walks may be better suited for pets with special health conditions. It is best to consult with your vet before making any exercise plans for pets who have health problems.
Obesity is another common condition that is closely related to your pet’s exercise routine. Often times, obesity comes from a lack of exercise, overfeeding, or some combination of the two. Combating your pet’s obesity will take some lifestyle changes and effort but the health benefits will make a huge difference in your pet’s life. Learning the proper amount to feed your pet as well as regular exercise will make all the difference. Like with any exercise, it will be important to not overdo it when trying to help your pet lose the extra weight. Just like gaining the weight, it didn’t happen overnight, so losing it will take time as well.
Tips on Dog Exercise
Now that we’ve covered how much exercise a dog needs everyday we can look at some tips for getting it.
- Having a set schedule everyday will make it part of your routine for you and your pup. Morning walks and evenings at the dog park, working on training during the day and a brisk run at night, whatever you decide, consistency will give you and your dog something to look forward to everyday.
- Mix up the walks! Everyday doesn’t have to be walking around the block. Try and find new routes to take. This will keep things fresh and also provide your pup with mental stimulation as they explore the new area.
- Try new things! Don’t be afraid to try new things with your dog. Hiking, swimming, playing fetch, or working on training are all activities that your pooch might love and will be great exercise.
Consulting with your vet can be an incredible resource when planning out the right exercise routine for your dog. Contact us to set up your appointment to discuss your pet’s needs and how we can help keep them healthy and happy.
