At some point, every dog owner has wondered how much exercise their dog needs daily. The answer to this question depends on the schedule of the dog owner and the breed of the dog.
Just as it is with humans, the amount of exercise needed by a dog will differ from one to the other depending on health, age, and breed. There are, however, a few basic things to note if you want your dog to get the right amount of exercise.
How often should your puppy exercise?
Puppies have a lot more energy than adult dogs, so they need to get a lot more exercise in short bursts. Adding multiple short play sessions or a walk throughout the day is also cleverer than taking a single lengthy stroll because pups are continually growing. However, keep in mind that puppies are unique, and spending time with them will help you better understand them.
How much exercise does my adult dog require?
The dog’s breed has a significant impact on how much physical activity the dog will engage in. Belgian Malinois, for example, require more activity than Basset Hounds and other low-energy breeds.
When choosing a dog, you should think about how much exercise he or she needs. If you don’t live an active lifestyle, you shouldn’t get an active breed.
You should also be concerned about your dog’s health before engaging in any exercise. If your adult dog has a medical condition, such as respiratory problems, you should first consult your veterinarian to learn about the best way to care for him.
How much exercise should a senior dog engage in?
Dogs slow down as they get older. This means that you may have to limit them from running to just walking. Despite this, exercise is still as essential for your senior dog as it is for puppies. You should talk to your veterinary doctor about the best approach to take for your dog’s senior years.
What types of exercises can my dog engage in?
There are many healthy and fun exercises you can involve your dog in out there. You can begin by taking your dog on short walks around the park. If you want to take the exercise game a notch higher, you could consider taking your dog for swimming, running, and hiking, among other activities.
There are a couple of indoor exercises you can engage your dog in, such as running up and down the stairs, hide and seek, and running on a treadmill.
Conclusion
Investing in the health and wellbeing of your dog is a satisfying and intelligent move if done the right way. The good thing about keeping your dog fit is that it does not cost too much in time and resources. You only need to develop a solid plan that is easy to keep up with. Before you begin to take your dog on the fitness journey, make sure you check in with the vet to be sure you are doing the right thing.