People often ask how much exercise a dog needs on the day to day basis. This question may look simple, but it’s not. Many factors affect and determine a dog’s physical activity. It would be best if you considered the breed, age, weight, health, and energy level of a dog before deciding his exercises. However, there are a few standard guidelines that might be helpful. Let’s discuss it today. Know how much exercise does a dog need everyday by reading this article.
Know Your Dog
Ever wondered why your baby pooch feels sleepy or drowsy several times a day? It’s because he is continuously racing around the house. He keeps on playing and barking without any reason, followed by collapsing in their bed often. So, it becomes necessary to know about your dog and his energy levels before deciding the routine. If you think that you have to improve his stamina, then you should plan accordingly. Otherwise, you can simply follow the standard exercise regimes. Always remember that the puppies are more energetic than adult dogs. Thus, they require more exercise in short breaks like the zoomies.
How Much Exercise a Puppy Need Everyday
Puppies grow fast. Because of being small and active, they already get several short walks or play sessions throughout the day. So, it is not necessary (or a safer choice) to take them for a really long walk. However, each puppy is different, and all of them have a diverse developing body.
Ten minutes a day – five in the morning and five in the evening – will be the ideal exercise time for the first month. You can increase five minutes each month until you reach fifteen minutes up to two times a day.
If your puppies love water, then swimming can also be a good exercise for your little one. If your puppy doesn’t like to go for a short walk, then a quick game of fetch with small exercise balls is also a great form of puppy exercise.
How Much Exercise an Adult Dog Need Everyday
Adult dogs generally don’t require as much attention as the little ones because they are old enough to understand their capacities. Still, it is necessary to keep an eye on their daily routine as they must stay active for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours a day. You can plan various hikes, relay-race games, and long walks/runs with your beloved pooch. These activities are fun, exciting, and, most importantly, fulfilling. Even if you can keep your doggo very active that he starts snoozing on the couch by the end of the day, then nothing best than that.
Once he crosses his age of adulthood and enters the old age, then you have to change his exercise routine a bit. Just like humans, even our furry friends aren’t able to maintain the same pace they enjoyed once. They feel tired or utterly uninterested in many exercises. While walks should still be an essential part of a senior dog’s life, the walk durations can be reduced. Also, it is crucial to lower the speed as well as shorten the length. Swimming is also an excellent alternative for the old doggies. Take them to the pool or a lake and motivate them to swim while wearing a floater.
Various Factors that Affects Dog’s Exercise
We already discussed how exercise routines should be changed according to age. Apart from that, several other factors play a significant role. Let me throw some light on those so that you can have an idea about the same.
1. Dog’s Breeds
Every dog breed is unique in its own way. Smaller breeds such as Poodles or Chihuahuas tend to be less active. Not only that, the giant breeds like Mastiffs or Great Danes are also not that active. Surprised, right? Well, the study shows that Terriers, Retrievers, and Shepherds are some of the most energetic breeds when it comes to exercise. They love to play and need a minimum of one and a half hours of daily exercise to maintain their health.
Dogs such as Bulldogs, Pugs, or Shih Tzus have a flat-nose. These kinds of breeds face some difficulties to breathe because of their small/flat noses. Such respiratory issues may slow them down. They may eventually live a more sedentary lifestyle.
2. Dog’s Weight
Your dog’s weight plays a vital role when it comes to exercise. If your dog has a healthy weight, then you can follow the recommended amount of exercise. If he is overweight or obese, then you have to reduce the activity a bit but have to be consistant with the determined routine. Get some knowledge of low weight-bearing exercises.
You may think why I am suggesting to lower the exercise even for the obese dog. It’s because you have to reduce the stress they are getting on their joints. You may know that the main factor that helps your dog to lose weight is not only their physical activity but their calory consumption. Reduce the calories if you want to make your dog healthily active.
3. Dog’s Health
If your furry baby is suffering from some illness or he just doesn’t feel good about his health, you should immediately contact his vet and ask to change the exercise routine. He may have arthritis, hip dysplasia, or some other illness. It will not be a good option to keep him active if he is not well.
Sometimes, you may confuse the symptoms of over-exercise with the symptoms of illness. I know that you don’t want to pressure your dog into the things that are too stressful. You have to pay attention to your dog’s signals if you don’t want to end up with more significant problems. Here is a list of symptoms that can notify you when to stop/reduce the exercise:
- Excessive panting
- Extreme thirst
- Lagging or Limping
- Unfocused behavior
- Overtired appearance
- Increased Sleeping
Various Exercises For Dogs
How much exercise does a dog need every day is a frequently asked question. The second question the owners generally ask is about the type of exercise a dog can do! Taking your dog for a walk is there to break the ice. But, only a walk might not be enough for some breeds. So, you have to provide your babies with various opportunities to grow and get healthy.
You can try hiking, swimming, fetching, draft work, obedience, flyball, dock diving, etc. to add some varieties in your as well as their routine. Also, it is important to change their walking/running routes to keep their curiosity and interests alive. If you want to try some indoor exercises when you can’t go outside, then you can use your stairs or treadmill to keep your dog active. You can also play hide and seek to provide mental stimulation.
Spread Love and Laughter
We all want our pups to be the healthiest and to live life its fullest. Even when you are busy, you never compromise with their routine or diet and provide everything they need. I hope this article has helped you in every way you desired. Treat your pup often and set various playdates with his doggy friends too. It only takes the smallest token of affection to receive a lifetime of love and loyalty from your best furry companion.