Exercise is essential for overall health and well-being for all creatures, great and small, including people and especially pets. A daily dose of endorphins has endless benefits, including improved mood, circulation, and weight control. Exercising with your pup is the perfect way to designate daily bonding time with your furry best friend while improving their mental and physical health.
Dogs thrive on consistency and routine, so ensuring they receive daily activity will provide various health benefits through all life stages. Numerous considerations must be taken when starting your dog's exercise routine because there is no one-dog-fits-all exercise plan.
The Importance and Benefits of Exercise for Dogs
With over 50% of U.S. dogs being overweight or obese, ensuring your dog is exercising and receiving proper nutrition is more important than ever. Excess weight can put your dog at risk for a variety of health ailments, including joint pain, early arthritis, diabetes, and other metabolic disorders, in addition to increased cancer risks or other devastating diseases. Additionally, a 2019 study found that overweight dogs had an average shorter life span of more than two years compared to dogs with a healthy weight.
Other benefits of regular exercise for your dog include:
- Improved mental health and acuity
- Decreased boredom
- Decreased chances of destructive behavior
- Improved mood and behavior
- Strengthened bond with pet owner
- Improved circulation
- Improved joint health
- Decreased risk of obesity
How Much and How Often to Exercise Your Dog
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise per day based on kennel-housed dogs. While this is a great starting point and general guideline, numerous factors determine how much daily exercise your dog should receive. Your dog's age, breed, health, behavior, and energy levels affect the amount and type of exercise they can safely participate in.
Just like humans, your dog's exercise and fitness routine should be tailored to their needs and desires. Always consult your veterinarian before implementing a new exercise routine or activity for your dog to ensure it is safe and that their body can tolerate the specific exercises. Although exercise is essential, never force your pup to participate in physical activities if they are reluctant.
Physical activities should always be incorporated in a positive and fun manner for your dog's health. There are no set rules that certain breeds will fall into a specific energy category. For example, your couch potato-loving Chihuahua may be the first to run in the park with you. However, these general guidelines and considerations by breed can be used as a starting point when determining your dog’s exercise needs:
- High-energy breeds — Sporting, hunting, herding, and working breed dogs like retrievers, border collies, Siberian Huskies, Australian shepherds, and German shepherds generally require more exercise than other breeds. Aim for 30 minutes of vigorous exercise daily and one to two hours of additional activity.
- Moderate-energy breeds — Pointers, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, Chow chows, Schnauzers, and terrier breeds should receive brisk activity for approximately 30 minutes daily, followed by at least one hour of additional activities.
- Low-energy breeds – Basset hounds, mastiffs, and some small and toy breeds, like pugs and Pekingese, may prefer the couch to the trails. Set a goal of 20 – 30 minutes of daily activity, like a walk, followed by 45 minutes of other activities throughout the day.
Exercise Guidelines for Higher-Risk Breeds
All dogs will benefit from exercise, but pet owners must be cautious with certain dog breeds. As with healthy dogs, your veterinarian will help you determine how long and the types of exercise are safe for higher-risk dogs, which include:
- Puppies — Young dogs and puppies' bones, joints, and organs are still developing, so they should not receive as much vigorous activity as adult dogs. Short bursts of 5-10 minutes of playtime throughout the day will help keep puppy zoomies at bay while ensuring their safety.
- Senior dogs — Older dogs generally have less energy and motivation to exercise. However, daily mental and physical activity is essential for their well-being. Many senior dogs suffer from joint disease and pain, so discuss options for pain control and safe exercises to support your senior pup.
- Brachycephalic breeds — Short-nosed breeds, including French bulldogs, pugs, boxers, and Pekingese, are at an increased risk for overheating and breathing difficulties during exercise. Use caution when exercising with these breeds, and avoid vigorous running or overdoing it. Speak with your veterinarian about options to help improve your dog's breathing ability, including surgery.
Examples of Dog-Friendly Exercises
Exercising with your dog is a great way to bond, get fresh air, and stimulate your dog's mind with new sights, smells, and activities. When outdoor activities are not an option or safe, there are numerous creative ways to get your dog moving when they are indoors, as well. Examples of dog-friendly exercises or activities include:
- Low impact: Daily walks, pool swimming, slow treadmill walking, tug-o-war with their favorite soft toy
- Moderate impact: Jogging, brisk walking, hiking (flat surface), fetch (can be done indoors or outside), calm ocean or pool swimming(ensure they are comfortable around the water and use a life vest), game of fetch
- Higher impact: Running, hiking (rolling hills), agility training, other dog sports, longer games of fetch or frisbee
- Mental focus exercises: Puzzle toys filled with a favorite treat, hide-and-seek with a favorite toy or treat inside the house, walking in a new park or new location, scent training
How to Stay Safe When Exercising Your Dog
Safety is paramount when exercising your dog inside or outdoors. Ensure that you are closely monitoring your dog during all activities and follow these safety tips:
- Avoid exercising outdoors during extreme heat or cold to prevent a life-threatening heat stroke or hypothermia.
- Ensure your dog is on a leash or voice command in public spaces.
- Provide your dog with protective footwear when hiking or walking on extremely hot or cold surfaces.
- Follow your dog's cues. If they are panting excessively, laying down, or reluctant to participate, give them a long break until they are ready to continue.
Signs Your Dog is Not Getting Enough Exercise
If your dog spends most of their day in their cozy bed or staring at the cookie jar, they are probably not getting enough physical exercise or mental stimulation. Additionally, if your dog suddenly is not showing interest in activities they once enjoyed, bring them for a veterinary examination to ensure they are not suffering any underlying medical issues.
Sudden behavior changes may be the first sign that your dog is sick. Signs that a healthy dog is not receiving enough exercise include:
- Excess and multiple sessions of Zoomies
- Destructive behavior, including chewing furniture, shoes, or other non-dog toy objects
- Pacing or anxious behavior
- Reluctance to sleep or wind down at night
- Weight gain and muscle loss
- Restlessness
How to Start an Exercise Routine with Your Dog
Bring your dog for a veterinary examination before starting any exercise routine. Your vet will ensure your pup has no underlying health issues or diseases that could make some activities dangerous. Additionally, discuss with your veterinarian the intensity and amount of exercise that is safe for your dog.
Other tips for incorporating an exercise routine for your dog include:
- Ensure they receive an AAFCO-approved complete and balanced diet for their age, breed, and activity level.
- Avoid feeding your dog a meal right before or after exercise, as this can increase the risk of a life-threatening bloat.
- Start slow, and work your way up to more extended activity periods over several weeks or months, depending on the time or activity goal.
- Know your dog's limits. If your dog is excessively panting, suddenly limping, slowing down, or weak, then it's time to stop all activities for the day.
- Provide plenty of water and rest breaks.
- Support your dog's joint health with veterinary-approved supplements like Native Pet Omega Oil and Native Pet Relief Chews.
Providing your dog with mental and physical exercise is essential to responsible dog ownership and will ensure your pup's mind, body, and spirit remain healthy. Never force your dog to participate in exercise. Provide a positive environment and identify activities your dog enjoys, like fetch or a walk in their favorite park.
For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.
