If you’re a dog owner one of the main things many will come to realize is that exercise is key to a happy and healthy pup. While we know some schedules are busier than others, many owners find themselves asking “How much exercise should my pup be getting?” or “Am I giving my pup too much exercise?”
It’s important to know that our furry friends are just like us humans. As with people, the answer varies from dog to dog and is dependent on age, health, and breed. And just like us, dogs get tired and shouldn’t be overworked. However, there are a few standard guidelines that dog owners can follow when wondering how much exercise their pup should get.
So today, we’re sharing a few tips on exercising your sweet pup!
Exercise for a Puppy
As you may guess, puppies need the most exercise, but they also get tired pretty easily too! Puppies generally have more energy than adult dogs and so require more exercise in short bursts. Has anyone ever experienced the “zoomies” with their puppy? It’s a crazy burst of energy where they run madly around the house. (This is those short bursts of energy we are talking about.)
We recommend exercising your new puppy for shorter periods of time throughout the day rather than going for a long walk. Remember, puppies are just like babies, their bodies are growing rapidly so that in itself is exhausting. The last thing you want to do is overwork your little pup’s body or cause exhaustion.
Exercise for an Adult Dog
It’s important to keep in mind that your dog’s pretty plays a big role in how much exercise your dog will need. While some breeds like Border Collies or Australian Shepherd’s require a lot of physical activity, other breeds such as Pug or Bulldog do not.
It is not a good idea to buy an active dog breed unless you already lead an active lifestyle, and it is unrealistic to expect your little bulldog to run marathons with you without you carrying them half the way! You should know this upon adopting your dog, and whether or not they can fit into your everyday lifestyle.
So in conclusion, the amount of exercise your adult dog will need determines the type of breed they are. Do your research!
Exercise for a Senior Dog
Proper exercise is just as important for your senior dog as it is when they were once a puppy. While you may need to restrict their 3 mile run, to a shorter walk, it’s still important to get them moving outside. Exercise provides all dogs with mental stimulation and keeps them active, which can help prolong their lives and reduce the risk of obesity when they begin to get older.
We recommend speaking with your vet if you start to notice a few changes with your pup on what they can and cannot do as far as exercising goes.
Some of our favorite exercises to do with pups include:
- Walking
- Running
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Playing Fetch
Remember, our furry friends are like humans, but it’s important to pay attention to them and their needs because they can’t tell them ourselves!
