How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Just like you, your dog needs exercise to stay fit and healthy. A good exercise routine for your dog can ward off obesity, slow cognitive decline, promote healthy joints and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and provide fantastic bonding time! While you're developing an exercise routine for your pup (and possibly yourself), you’ll want to keep in mind how much exercise a dog needs.

Find out how much your dog should exercise and how to determine if your pet’s current workout routine is up to snuff.

Factors That Determine a Dog's Exercise Requirements

While we can (and will) provide general guidelines for a dog’s exercise requirements, it’s important to remember that each dog is an individual. Your dog’s need for physical activity is affected by their breed, age, health conditions, and individual personality. 

Breed

Your dog’s breed can impact how active they need to be. For example, while a pug or mastiff might enjoy lounging around the house for hours on end, more active breeds like Siberian huskies or Jack Russel terriers might begin to display behavioral issues when they’re not receiving adequate exercise. 

Breed-specific characteristics can also impact how intense exercise can be. A flat faced (brachycephalic) dog like the aforementioned pug may struggle to breath and experience heat exhaustion if pushed too hard during exercise. Dogs with longer snouts like huskies will generally have an easier time breathing during high-intensity workout time.

The pug might be content with one 20-to-30-minute stroll while the husky might need three half-hour speed-walks around the neighborhood to burn off their energy.

Age

Your dog’s age also impacts their exercise requirements. Puppies are more likely to enjoy short bursts of activity. Some veterinarians recommend that pet parents provide five minutes of exercise for each month of age once or twice a day for puppies. So, by the time they’re six months old, their activity sessions may last around 30 minutes.

On the other end of the spectrum, don't forget about senior dogs! It’s a mistake to stop exercising your dog because they’re older. You simply need to consider if your dog is experiencing any health issues like arthritis and adjust accordingly. Senior dogs often do better with low-intensity workouts like a gentle walk.

Personality

Remember, dogs are individuals! Labrador retrievers may be couch potatoes or dock-divers. You’ll need to consider your pet’s need for interaction, mental stimulation, and movement when figuring out how much exercise they need.

General Exercise Guidelines for Dogs

The following are general guidelines for exercising any dog:

• Your dog should exercise every day.
• Short daily exercise is better than a long exercise once weekly.
• Aim for at least one 20-to-30-minute leisurely walk for a low-energy adult dog. Aim for at least two 30-minute brisk walks for a high-energy adult dog.
• Check with your veterinarian for specific exercise recommendations and restrictions for your growing puppy.
• Pay attention to the weather. Some dogs are more sensitive to temperature extremes, and hot or frozen surfaces can be dangerous for your dog’s paws.
• Bring water on hot and/or humid days.

Walking and running aren’t the only ways to get your dog physical activity. Below is an additional list of exercises suitable for dogs:

• Hiking
• Playing fetch, tug-of-war, hide-and-seek, or other games
• Swimming (in safe locations)
• Advanced training classes such as agility training
• Running through a homemade obstacle course in the yard
• Dock diving
• Playing with other friendly dogs

Signs Your Dog Isn’t Getting Enough Exercise

If you’re not sure if your dog is getting enough exercise, look to your dog’s behavior and health for answers.

Behavioral Issues

Dogs who aren’t getting enough exercise are more likely to develop behavioral issues, especially anxiety. Anxiety in dogs can manifest as whining, barking, pacing, destructiveness, house-soiling, and self-injury. Chewing on items they shouldn’t, repeatedly bringing toys to you, and repeatedly asking to go outside are all signs that your dog may need more exercise (and attention!).

Health Problems

Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are prone to certain health conditions like obesity and arthritis. However, if you notice that your dog is developing health problems, you should always get them evaluated by a veterinarian before assuming they just need more exercise.

Signs Your Dog Is Getting Too Much Exercise

Signs that your dog is getting too much exercise include:

• Trying to stop and lie down while exercising
• Heavy panting
• Excessive drooling
• Reddened gums and/or tongue
• Stiffness and limping after exercising

Make sure you are familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion so that you can intervene if your pet is overheating.

The Finish Line

Your dog needs and deserves daily exercise, but you’ll need to tailor their exercise routine to meet their individual needs. If you have any concerns about your dog’s exercise requirements, it’s best to speak with your veterinarian.