There’s an old expression that you’re not getting enough exercise if your dog is overweight. There’s a big kernel of truth to that statement. All dogs need daily exercise regardless of size, breed, or age. But how much is enough? We looked into that topic to celebrate Canine Fitness Month in April.
There’s no one correct answer to answer the question of how much exercise your particular Fido requires. It’s dependent upon many factors. At Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics, our veterinarians have seen elderly dogs that can run circles around puppies and small breeds that wear larger ones out at the dog park with their boundless energy. So, let’s look at the four factors most likely to influence how much exercise your dog needs.
Exercise Needs Depend on Your Dog’s Age
Puppies do better with more short bursts of activity, about 10 to 15 minutes at a time. This is the perfect time for some training and bonding. But remember, puppies’ bones and joints are fully developed until they are between 12 and 24 months, depending on the breed, so you want to limit high-impact, repetitive exercise. As puppies become adult dogs, they can exercise longer, but the frequency can decrease.
Dog adolescence, which spans from one to three years of age, is when most dogs have the highest need for exercise. Even senior dogs need adequate mental and physical stimulation from exercise, but it should have a lower impact. Daily neighborhood walks are a great way to keep a senior dog happy and healthy. Mix up their daily activities regardless of age to keep them interested and engaged. Switch from playing tug to a game of fetch, and the next day consider a swim or an hour off leash at the dog park. This will keep your pet excited when it’s time to exercise.
Your Dog’s Breed May Dictate Exercise Levels
It’s no mystery that specific breeds have certain traits. Border collies are herd animals, so they might not want to interact with other dogs and instead prefer walking as a group but not directly engaging. Likewise, hunting breeds such as bloodhounds learn the world around them through scent. Labrador retrievers are more social than many breeds and enjoy a good romp with a furry friend—especially in the water, as they are bred to retrieve things from the water. Likewise, smaller breeds like French bulldogs, shih tzus, and bichon frise are quite content to spend most of their days lounging on their master’s laps. At the same time, medium-sized dogs like Australian shepherds find their happy place on a hike or running along with their master’s bicycle.
Exercise Needs Depend on Your Dog’s Health
Underlying conditions such as orthopedic disease and diabetes can dramatically affect your dog’s interest in exercising. It’s essential to check with your vet if you notice a decline in interest or if your dog is slow to recover from a burst of activity. Plus, some breeds, by their very nature, have a more challenging time adjusting to certain exercise routines than others. Dogs with short muzzles and flat faces, known as brachycephalic breeds, like boxers, bulldogs, and pugs, tend to overheat more quickly than other breeds.
Your Dog’s Personality Plays a Role in Exercise
No one knows better than you what your dog is willing to do. Just like people, some dogs are just naturally more laid-back. They are less likely to get the zoomies than an easily excitable dog. Likewise, sometimes even what we consider a more bark-prone dog, like a chihuahua, can be as quiet as a mouse most of the time. It really all depends on the individual dog and how they’ve been raised and interacted with by their humans.
How Do You Know When Enough Exercise is Enough
While there may not be a perfect formula, The Dog People, powered by Rover.com, has developed a dog exercise calculator. For example, Fido, who is a bull terrier aged 3 to 6 years old and is of medium size with a lively temperament, needs around 60 to 120 minutes of exercise each day and is ready for more challenging activities like hiking, jogging, swimming, agility sports, and longer times out on a leash.
Let Our Vets Be Your Guide
Our veterinarians at Jacksonville Community Pet Clinics can offer suggestions and advice based on the type and health of your dog. Don’t forget to schedule regular checkups and provide monthly flea treatment and annual pet shots. This will keep your pet healthiest and ready to explore the world.
