Everyone knows that exercise is a major key to health and long life in humans. Your dog is no different! In order to thrive, your pet needs plenty of exercise on a consistent basis. At Dan’s Pet Care, one of our primary missions is to help Long Island dogs get the exercise they need, no matter how packed their owners’ schedules may be.
As a busy dog owner, how can you be sure that your dog is getting the exercise they need on a daily basis? It’s not always easy, and it can vary based on many different factors. Want to learn more about how to know if your dog is getting the exercise they need? Keep reading to learn more about the variables that can impact your dog’s exercise needs.
Understanding Your Dog's Breed-Specific Exercise Needs
Of course, your dog’s breed will impact their size. Bigger dogs often need more exercise than smaller ones, but this isn’t always the case. Size isn’t the only breed-related factor that impacts your dog’s exercise needs. Different types of dogs were bred for different purposes, and the purposes in your dog’s background can heavily influence how much exercise they need. For example, Border collies were bred to herd sheep on large farms, and they’ll need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Huskies are in a similar situation — they were bred to pull sleds and carry cargo across the snow, and they won’t be content to sit on your couch all day.
Other types of dogs were bred specifically as companions. Your English bulldog probably won’t mind sitting on your lap and relaxing throughout most of the day — in fact, too much exercise can be bad for them. Ask your breeder and your veterinarian for specific exercise recommendations based on your dog’s breed. If you don’t know your dog’s genetic background, you can do a DNA test (similar to 23andme for humans) to learn more.
Assessing Exercise Needs Based on Your Dog's Age
As dogs age, their exercise needs will decrease. Dogs often age more quickly than their humans realize. In fact, large breeds can be considered “seniors” at the age of 8. Smaller dogs age a little more slowly, but they are not far behind.
In order to grow and develop properly, your puppy will need time each day to run and play actively. On the other hand, your senior dog may be content with gentle walks around the block. Keep in mind that getting enough exercise can help to slow down your dog’s aging process. If your senior dog has mobility issues, such as joint pain, they may not get enough exercise as a result. Talk to your veterinarian about supplements and pain medications that can help your dog stay active as long as possible.
Evaluating Your Dog's Health for Optimal Exercise Routine
Dogs who suffer from various health conditions may have lower exercise needs. A diabetic dog, for instance, may have lower energy levels due to high blood sugar. Until your veterinarian is able to fine-tune your dog’s insulin dosage, you may need to limit your dog’s exercise. Likewise, dogs with arthritis or hip dysplasia may not be able to stay as active as healthy dogs. Never push your dog to exercise when they appear to be in pain or unable to keep up.
Environmental Factors Impacting Your Dog's Exercise Routine
Sometimes, your dog’s exercise routine will be limited by the environment. Heat is a major factor that can make it unsafe to walk your dog or play actively outdoors. Walking your dog in temperatures around 89 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit can put them at increased risk of heat stroke. Also consider factors like wildfire smoke and pollen count when planning your dog’s outdoor exercise. In bad weather, you’re better off keeping your dog indoors for a few days. You can set up obstacle courses, play fetch with your dog, and find other creative ways to keep your dog moving indoors. They might not get quite as much exercise as they would outdoors, but keeping your dog safe is worth the tradeoff.
General Guidelines for Daily Dog Exercise Requirements
While it’s true that every dog has different exercise needs, a rule of thumb is also helpful. In general, dogs need between 30 minutes to 2 hours of exercise per day. Another way to break this down? Aim to take your dog on three good walks every day.
Need help making sure your dog gets enough exercise?
If you need help making sure your dog gets enough exercise, you’re not alone. Dan’s Pet Care clients rely on us to round out their dog’s exercise routine and keep them healthy. Whether your dog needs daily walks, day care, grooming, or other pet care services, we can help. To get started, fill out our consultation form today!
