Like humans, dogs need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. From dog walking to agility training, there are a variety of ways they can get it. But how much exercise does your dog actually need? Your pup can’t tell you in their own words, so it’s up to you to do your research. According to PetMD, dogs require anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours of daily activity. Knowing where your dog falls on that spectrum requires you to think through a few factors:
Age
Just like people, dogs go through different life stages. The activity level of a puppy and a senior dog will vary significantly, so you should factor age into the equation.
Puppies can be excitable, but they’re busy growing and need lots of rest. According to the U.K. Kennel Club, “A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes of exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is full grown, i.e. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc.” Training is a great way to exercise a puppy while simultaneously helping them build good lifelong habits and reinforcing your bond with them.
It’s important to take it easy with older dogs. As your pet ages, they may not be able to do everything they once could. Though they may move a little slower, older dogs do still need exercise of a lower-impact variety. Walking is a great option for a senior dog, so long as you keep the pace leisurely and don’t go too far. Swimming is also great for older pups, since it’s easy on joints and can sooth arthritic canines.
Breed
The breed of your four-legged companion will affect how much exercise they need. According to Dogster.com, small dog breeds usually need less exercise than their midsized counterparts. Oddly, the same is true for giant breed dogs! It makes sense if you think about it; little dogs take more steps and burn more energy walking the same distance, but larger dogs also expend a lot of energy hauling their super-sized frames from point A to point B. Super-sized and itty-bitty dogs may not need to spend as much time on exercise as dogs that are between about 25 and 75 lbs.
Other breed considerations to think through are potential health concerns. Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds like English bulldogs and pugs often have breathing difficulties that can cause heatstroke, which may be deadly. Take care not to walk your dog on hot pavement or sand, as this can injure their footpads. To be safe, don’t walk your dog during the heat of the day without protective footgear. When in doubt, hold your hand to the ground to assess the temperature; if it’s too hot to keep your hand there for five seconds, it’s too hot for your dog to walk on bare-pawed. Florida is an especially warm climate, so the heat is something to keep in mind for dogs of all breeds and builds.
Every dog is unique, but some were born to work. Breeds like border collies and German shepherds have high work drives and usually require more exercise than the average dog. Research your dog’s breed(s) to learn what traits they may have inherited. If your pup was bred to chase sheep all day, expect to spend more time exercising them than you would a typical companion-breed.
Environment
Dogs who spend their days in apartments will probably have to meet their activity requirements through dog walking or other planned activities. However, a dog with a yard and a playmate might get enough exercise just running around throughout the day. Think about how and where your dog spends their days when determining how much time to dedicate to exercise. If they’re normally cooped up, you might need to take them on several substantial walks each day. Conversely, if your pup spends their days outdoors with other dogs, you may not need to walk them at all.
Behavior and Health
Your dog might not be able to tell you how they’re feeling in words, but their behavior can say a lot. One characteristic of a dog who needs more exercise is an appetite for destruction. If your pup is tearing up your house, they likely need more stimulation and exercise. Excessive barking, reactivity/aggression, and extreme bursts of energy can all be triggered by a lack of activity. While hyperactivity and destructive behavior are the more obvious indicators, it’s worth noting that the opposite reaction is also possible. According to PetMD, dogs who don’t get enough exercise may become depressed, acting withdrawn and disinterested in things like playing and eating.
Finally, perhaps the most telling indicator of how much exercise your dog needs is their health and weight. Nutrition also plays a huge part in weight, but most overweight dogs could benefit from exercise. Stiffness and a lack of endurance can also be indicators that your pup needs more regular physical activity.
To rule out underlying health issues, your veterinarian should be your first stop if your dog is exhibiting any of these signs. However, a physically healthy dog who still shows one or more of these symptoms may be crying out for activity and enrichment.
So, the final answer is…
The short answer is that dogs need a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise daily, but many need more. Your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle, and health will determine how much activity they should get, above and beyond the minimum.
If your dog hasn’t been very active and you’re looking to change that, start slowly. A dog who has been sedentary most of their life may not be physically ready to jump right into a 30-minute walk, so take baby steps to help them get into fighting trim safely.
If you’re interested in finding local places for your dog to exercise, check out our article on The Best Places to Walk Your Dog in Palm Coast and Flagler County. As always, Xanadu would love to help you keep your pets healthy! Our dog walking services can be there to exercise your pup when you can’t, with dog walking starting at just $15.