From Puppies to Adults, How Much Exercise Do Dogs Need?

We all know how important exercise is for our health and the health of our pets. But just how much exercise does our pup need? It’s different for every breed and size, but the answer is the same— plenty! If you’re wondering how much activity your furry friend needs each day, this article is for you.

We’ll share the industry’s general guidelines for how much exercise your pup should get, depending on their age and breed. We’ll also cover the various types of activities you can engage in with your pup, as well as how to gauge their level of activity and when to take it to the next level.

Reasons Dogs Need Exercise

Mental Stimulation and Emotional Well-Being

Exercise helps stimulate a dog’s mind and keeps them from becoming bored. A tired, sleepy pup is much less likely to get into trouble than one who has too much energy to burn off. Additionally, regular exercise can help reduce anxiety levels and lead to better overall emotional well-being.

Short and Long-Term Physical Health

Regular exercise is also essential for maintaining overall physical health for dogs of any age. Exercise can help strengthen bones and muscles, keep joints in good condition, reduce the risk of obesity, and aid in digestion in addition to other health benefits. If you and your veterinarian feel that your dog’s joints are becoming worn due to aging or you want to be preventative while your pup is young and extremely active, you might consider adding supplements to their diet, such as joint chews, that can support healthy growth and healing.

How Much Exercise Do Puppies Need?

Separating Needs By Age and Size

Puppies need more exercise than adult dogs due to their high energy levels and growing bodies. The amount of exercise they require should take into account both their size and their age when determining how much activity they need per day.

Generally speaking, tiny puppies up to 3 months old should get about 10 – 20 minutes of exercise per day divided into several sessions throughout the day. Small puppies between 3 – 6 months should get around 30 – 40 minutes of exercise each day, divided into several shorter sessions throughout the day so they do not overexert themselves. Medium-sized puppies between 6 – 11 months should get around 45 minutes of exercise spread throughout the day, while large-sized puppies 11 – 18 months could benefit from around 60 minutes spread throughout the day depending on their breed type, size, and overall energy level.

Type and Frequency of Exercise

For young puppies, it is best to provide them with short intervals of mild exercise, such as walks in the park or playing fetch in small bursts lasting no more than 10 minutes at a time until they are older with stronger bones and muscles. You may want to stick with activities like this for up to 6 months before gradually increasing intensity and duration as your puppy gets bigger and stronger over time.

It is important to keep in mind that your puppy’s age will determine what types of activities are appropriate for them as well as how long those activities should last for each session. You will want to avoid activities that are overly strenuous or risky such as agility training or running or swimming until your pup is closer to a year old so you do not risk injury or exhaustion due to lack of muscle strength or coordination yet.

Exercise for Adult Dogs

Separating Needs by Age and Size

Adult dogs have different needs than puppies due to their more developed bodies as well as their lower energy level overall compared to puppies which means that they may require less intense or frequent exercise sessions than what was necessary for your puppy when they were younger

Small-sized adult dogs may benefit from 30 minutes of moderate activity per day, while medium-sized adult dogs may need around 45 minutes per day depending on breed type and overall energy levels while large-sized adult dogs may need up to 40 minutes per day plus any additional time spent running or playing more intense games like fetch or agility training if desired by the owner(s).

Type and Frequency of Exercise

When it comes to adult dog exercises, it is important to note that there are different types of activity depending on breed type as well as individual size, age, health status, energy levels, etc. Low-intensity activities such as walking or jogging can be done multiple times a week, whereas more intense activities such as running or playing fetch (especially with larger breeds) should be done only 1-2 days per week in order to prevent overexertion or injury due to increased impact on their bones/joints. This is especially so if they’re older dogs.

Conclusion

In order to provide the best possible care for our beloved pets, it is important that we understand how much exercise they need and what types of activities are appropriate for their size, age, and breed. In this article, we discussed the various reasons why dogs need exercise and provided general guidelines for how much exercise puppies and adult dogs should get. We also went into detail about the different types of activities that can be done with your pup, including walks, playing fetch, agility training, and swimming, as well as how to monitor your pup’s activity level and when to take it to the next level.

Your pup’s health and well-being are of the utmost importance, and, as pet owners, it’s up to us to ensure our furry friends get the right amount and type of exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. With the right knowledge and proactive approach, owners can ensure their beloved pup lives a long, active, and fulfilling life!