A Pet Owner's Guide to Dog Exercise

By: Dr. Juli, DVM 

Just like with humans, regular exercise is essential to your pet's physical and mental well-being. With pet obesity at an all-time high, ensuring your dog is active is paramount for your pup to remain healthy through all life stages. It may be tempting to stay in bed and cuddle your four-legged best friend over, lacing up and hitting the trail. However, regularly exercising your dog is the perfect way to strengthen your bond while providing them numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, decreased disease risk, and improved mental health.

The opportunities and ways to exercise your dog are endless, from daily walks around the block to learning new skills, like an obstacle course. Understanding the importance and types of exercises your dog may enjoy will ensure they remain healthy and active into their gray muzzle years.  

Understanding pet obesity

The Association of Pet Obesity Prevention reported in 2022 that 59% of U.S. dogs are estimated to be overweight or obese. Obesity is the accumulation of excess fat that results in increased body weight. Dogs who are more than 10-20% over their ideal weight are considered overweight, while those who weigh more than 20% of their ideal body weight are obese. Obesity is considered a disease in dogs, and studies have shown that it can reduce life expectancy by two years.

Overweight and obese dogs have an increased disease risk because excess fat releases inflammatory hormones in the body that contribute to a variety of health problems, including:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Joint disease
• Bladder disease
• High blood pressure
• Anesthetic complications

Excess fat can make it difficult for your dog to enjoy everyday activities, and many will pant excessively after exercise. Other signs your dog is overweight or obese include lethargy, slow to move, decreased muscle mass, and panting with mild activities. Panting can also indicate pain or diseases, so bring your dog for a veterinary examination if they are slowing down or showing other concerning signs, like lethargy.

Measuring and monitoring your dog's body weight is the easiest method to determine if your dog is overweight. Additionally, using a body condition score (BCS) chart can help dog owners when a scale is not readily available. However,  a veterinary examination is essential to determine if your dog has a healthy body weight, and they can provide additional tools for monitoring your dog's health and weight.

How much exercise does a dog need? 

There is no one-dog-fits-all answer to how much daily exercise your pup should receive.  The right amount and type of exercise should be determined in collaboration with your family veterinarian. Activity level needs are based on your dog's age, breed, size, overall health, energy levels, and behavior. Generally, most healthy dogs should receive at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Some dogs, including working and herding breeds like border collies and shepherds, may require up to two hours of physical activity to keep boredom at bay. Unlike high-energy breeds, brachycephalic or flat-faced breeds have an increased risk of heat stroke. They should never participate in overly vigorous activities, like long-distance running or hiking.  Additionally, large and giant breed dogs, like Great Danes or Bernese mountain dogs, are more prone to bone and joint problems than smaller dogs; therefore, it's essential to be mindful of overdoing strenuous activities that could exacerbate potential issues, especially as they age.

Although exercise is vital, never force your pup to participate in activities if they are reluctant. Additionally, always consult your veterinarian before beginning any fitness program with your dog to ensure they are healthy and free of any underlying diseases or pain that could be exacerbated by certain activities.

Signs your dog is getting enough exercise

Many pet owners can quickly determine when their pup is not getting enough exercise, as evidenced by the extra pounds they are carrying. Although an overweight dog has more to love,  couch potato-loving dogs often suffer from boredom and have an increased risk for obesity. Equally important is recognizing when your dog is getting enough or too much exercise. Signs your dog is getting enough exercise include:

• Maintenance of a healthy body weight for their breed and age 
• Adequate muscle mass for their breed, size, and activity level
• Excitement when it's time to participate in activities and play
• Relaxed body language when at rest
• Maintenance of a consistent sleep schedule

Too much of a good thing, including exercise, can be dangerous for your dog and put them at risk for joint problems, overheating, or heat stroke, which can be deadly. Some dogs do not have an "off" button for playtime or other activities they may enjoy. It's critical for dog owners to closely monitor their dogs and stop or decrease exercise duration if they notice any of the following:

• Decreased enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities
• Stiffness, limping, or tensing after exercising
• Excessive panting or difficulty relaxing during or after exercise
• Stopping or laying down during playtime

Types of dog exercises

Exercise can be disguised as playtime for dogs, and various activities can be incorporated into your dog's routine to ensure they stay active and healthy. Dog exercise can include:

• Walking –– Regular walks are low-impact and generally safe for all dogs, regardless of age. Short, frequent walks to sniff and move their body may be adequate for some dogs, including flat-faced breeds, puppies, and senior dogs. Providing variety in a walking route and location can also stimulate your dog's mental health by allowing them to sniff and observe new smells and sights. 
• Swimming –– Safety is paramount when allowing your dog to swim. Some breeds are fearful of water or are not natural swimmers. Never leave your dog unsupervised near the water. Place a properly fitted dog life vest on your pup until you are confident in their swimming skills and desire to participate in this activity. 
• Running and jogging — Running is not for everyone, including some dogs. Never force your dog to run or jog. When beginning a running program, start slow, with short distances. If your dog enjoys this activity, you can gradually increase its duration and speed. Ensure the running surface is free of hazards that can harm your dog's paws and provide proper paw protection, like dog booties. 
• Game of fetch ––  A frisbee, ball, or favorite toy can be used for a game of fetch. Some breeds will naturally retrieve, so this popular playtime activity is an excellent way for your dog to move while exercising their brain. 
• Tug-of-war –– Many dogs enjoy tug-of-war with their favorite human or dog friend. Use a soft toy to prevent injury or damage to their teeth. Many dogs will growl during play; however, if their behavior becomes aggressive, immediately discontinue tug-of-war and consult a behavior professional. 
• Obstacle or agility courses –– These high-energy activities teach your dog to maneuver obstacles and follow cues. Enrolling in a course will allow you to learn the basics. A home course can also be a fun way for your dog to learn and practice new tricks. Many dog parks also have agility equipment for you to practice on. Agility provides mental and physical stimulation while strengthening your bond.  
• Brain games –– Mental exercise is paramount for your dog's health and wellness.  Mental stimulation is the perfect indoor exercise for rainy days. Providing your dog with activities like puzzle toys filled with their favorite treat or playing hide-and-seek inside with a dog toy will allow your pup to exercise their brain and body.   

Dos and Dont's for creating an exercise routine for your dog 

Exercising your dog is essential to keep them mentally and physically healthy throughout life. Before starting any activity, bring your dog for a veterinary exam to ensure it's safe to participate in the desired activity.  Your DVM can determine the amount and exercise types and modifications required for puppies, senior dogs, or those with underlying health issues. Once you get the go-ahead from your veterinarian, follow these tips for creating an exercise routine for your dog:

• Do start slow and gradually increase the exercise duration
• Don't force your dog to participate in any activity if they are showing resistance
• Do provide variety to prevent boredom or destructive behavior
• Don't continue activity if your dog becomes injured or appears to be slowing down
• Do provide your pup an AAFCO-approved diet to meet their nutritional needs for their age, breed, and activity level 
• Don't feed your dog immediately before or after exercise because this will put them at risk for bloat, a potentially fatal condition
• Do support your dog's immune, joint, and cardiovascular health with veterinary-approved supplements, like Native Pet's The Daily

Giving your dog daily exercise and playtime is part of responsible pet ownership. There are numerous creative ways to incorporate daily movement into your dog's routine to support their overall health and well-being while strengthening your bond.

For more information and tips on your dog's health, check out the Native Pet blog.