[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]We all can benefit from a bit more exercise – and that includes Fido, too.
An active dog is a healthy pooch. April is National Canine Fitness Month, so it is the perfect time to ask the question: How much exercise is best for your furry friend?
How much exercise does a dog need?
"In general, most dogs require a minimum of one hour of exercise per day," says
Dr. Maja Platisa, a veterinarian with PangoVet.
However, the amount and type of exercise varies from dog to dog, Platisa says. Factors that help determine the optimal level of activity for your dog include its:
- Age
- Breed
- Size
- Lifestyle
- Health
Environmental factors, such as outside temperature and humidity, also factor into the appropriate level of activity for your dog on any given day.
Why is exercise important for your dog?
Exercise helps dogs in many of the same ways it boosts human health. Higher levels of activity can boost cardiovascular health and help dogs maintain lean muscle mass.
Activity can help strengthen a dog's bones and may help an aging pet ward off pain associated with arthritis.
Overall, regular exercise helps your dog stay in good physical shape and
reduces the risk of it becoming obese.
The type of dog you own can help guide you about which exercise – and how much of it – is best.
For example, some dogs may need more than just one hour of activity.
“Working, herding and sporting breeds will require significantly more than this -- a bare minimum of two hours,” Platisa says.
She says it’s even better if young and healthy dogs of working breeds get four hours or more of activity.
On the other hand, toy breeds should get several shorter exercise sessions of 15 minutes or more throughout the day, Platisa says.
The best types of exercise for dogs
Many different types of activity can be beneficial for active working, herding, and sporting breeds, Platisa says. They include:
- Walking and hiking
- Running
- Agility training, which teaches dogs to navigate obstacles with instructions from their owner
- Playing fetch
- Swimming
Less active breeds may benefit from other types of exercise, including:
- Playing with other dogs
- Walking
- Scent work
- Agility training
- Puzzle games such as mazes and other activities intended to keep dogs mentally stimulated
Owners of puppies should engage in highly structured activity.
“Puppies should exercise in a well-controlled and moderate manner, in order to allow for proper joint and skeletal system development,” Platisa says. That means no high-impact activities, such as running or hiking.
Tips for safely exercising your dog
No matter which type of dog you own, it’s important to follow some common sense guidelines.
Before boosting your dog's level of activity, make sure your pet is fit to exercise in the first place.
"They have to be healthy, without any underlying illnesses or areas of pain," Platisa says.
Once you are sure the dog is in good health, plan exercise in places that are safe. "Ideally, it should be in an enclosed safe space, away from traffic or other dangers," Platisa says.
During summer months, exercise should take place during cooler hours in the early morning and late afternoon during summer months. Make sure to provide your dog with fresh water and adequate shade.
Dogs going on a hike should be kept on a lead to avoid the risk of them running off or getting injured by predators.
"At any sign of struggle -- such as heavy panting, lying down, drooling, incoordination or weakness -- the exercise should be stopped immediately and veterinary help sought," Platisa says.
Meal times should always be separated from exercise by several hours, she adds.
Extra caution for owners of brachycephalic breeds
Owners of brachycephalic breeds – such as pugs, shih tzus and Chihuahuas – and those who own dogs with respiratory or heart problems need to be particularly careful about exercising their pets, Platisa says.
Platisa emphasizes that special care should be taken when walking brachycephalic dogs.
“In the summer, this should only be done very early in the morning, and late at night,” she says. “Brachys are very prone to heatstroke, due to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.”
BOAS is a lifelong disorder that impacts dogs with short noses and that can impact the dog's ability to breathe normally.
For these brachycephalic, heatstroke is possible even during walks and gentle exercise.
“Owners of brachycephalic dogs should be particularly mindful of this and seek veterinary advice when it comes to exercising their dogs,” Platisa says.
Exercise during inclement weather
At times, the weather may not cooperate with efforts to keep your dog active.
“Exercise should be restricted during hot and humid summer days,” Platisa says.
When the weather is hot, cold or rainy, you can still help your dog exercise indoors.
For example, the American Kennel Club says having your dog run up and down the stairs can help it to build muscle. The AKC notes that this is a strenuous activity, however, and should not be overdone.
There are even treadmills built specifically for dogs that can
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