It’s no secret that dogs need to have space and time to run and play. They’re naturally energetic animals, especially when they’re younger. Dogs love exercise and an extremely active puppy is guaranteed to keep its humans busy. But, just how much exercise does a dog need every day? The answer depends on how old your dog is, as well as the breed. Read on to learn more about dog exercise and how to best help your pet.

Puppy Exercise

The amount of exercise your pet needs will vary greatly depending on their age. Making sure that your dog gets the right amount of exercise can help your dog live a long, happy, and healthy life with you and your family.

Puppies might have high amounts of energy, but typically don’t need quite as much exercise as a full-grown adult dog to maintain health. A good rule for dog exercise is to allow for five minutes of more intense exercise for every month in age. For example, a five-month-old puppy will require 25 minutes of exercise daily, up to twice per day. Make sure you’re asking about exercise at your regular veterinarian check-ups. You’ll need to bring your puppy in for vaccines every 3 to 4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old, so while you’re there, ask your veterinarian about dog exercise.

Adult Exercise

Adult dogs will need more exercise than younger dogs to stay healthy; most veterinarians recommend between 30 minutes and two hours daily for adult dogs. However, your dog’s specific exercise needs will vary depending on the breed or breeds they are. Smaller dogs tend to require less exercise; similarly, larger dogs like Great Danes or Mastiffs won’t need as much either. The most active breeds include terriers, retrievers, scent hounds, and shepherds. If you’re unsure, contact your local specialty veterinarian services to see what sort of dog exercise might benefit your furry friend.

Senior Exercise

Older dogs, while they might be slowing down a bit in their age, still need plenty of exercises to remain healthy. They might be less eager to stay active not need quite as much as when they were younger, but making sure your senior dogs still have time to exercise is essential to their health. If your furry friend is hesitant to get moving, try lower-impact exercises like swimming. This can help reduce pain and get your dog excited about exercise again.

Other Factors To Consider Before Dog Exercise

Don’t forget that dogs, like humans, can deal with a variety of health conditions that will impact their activity and exercise needs. For example, many breeds with flatter faces may struggle with respiratory problems, making exercise more difficult, while others may suffer from specific injuries or conditions that prevent only specific types of exercise. These guidelines may help with finding a general amount of activity that is healthy for your dog, but each dog will vary in their needs, just like any human.

If you’re still asking yourself how much exercise does a dog need every day so you can help your furry friend, it’s best to contact a veterinarian for more information on how your dog’s age, health, and breed might affect their exercise needs. Specialty veterinarians will be able to help you figure out an exercise plan for your dog to keep your furry friend happy and healthy.

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