How Much Daily Exercise Your Dog Needs by Age, Weight, and More

Chihuahua dressed as personal trainer with exercise equipment
iStock.com/Mariana Mikhailova

Written by Marisa Wilson

Updated: June 15, 2022

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Of course, you want your dog to be in the best shape possible. You’re on the watch for exactly how to keep them happy and healthy, which is excellent! Exercise is perfect for keeping your dog healthy besides a great diet. The importance of staying active has been drilled into our heads since we were kids. Dogs need exercise for benefits similar to those humans get from a good workout, and it’s essential to tailor the amount and type of activity to your dog.

Lack of exercise can lead to obesity and a host of other health problems in dogs, but too much exercise can also lead to problems like joint pain, breathing issues, and even heat stroke. Exercise isn’t just good for your dog’s physical health–it’s also great for their mental health. A tired dog is happy, and a bored dog can often become destructive. Exercise provides mental stimulation and helps stave off boredom and behavioral problems.

While every dog can’t have a personal trainer or live in a park 24/7,  get the exercise your dog needs by playing games with him or getting equipment your dog can use indoors. It’s great for bonding with your fur baby too! This blog post will discuss the benefits of exercise for dogs, how much they need at different life stages, and how you can encourage your dog to get moving!

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Benefits 

The benefits of exercise for dogs are many: It helps with weight control and bone strength, helps stress, strengthens the immune system, and improves cognitive function. Getting your dog moving is one of the best things you can do for their health! Dogs are man’s best friend, but many people don’t realize that dogs can also be excellent workout buddies.

Dog owners know diet and exercise are essential for keeping their furry friends healthy and happy. Aside from the numerous physical benefits of exercise, such as improved heart health and increased muscle tone, exercise can also positively impact your pet’s mental well-being. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and anxiety, which can lead to behavioral problems such as excessive licking, barking, and chewing. 

Also, exercise is a better way to burn off excess energy, preventing your dog from running around and getting into trouble. As a result, a daily walk or play session is the key to keeping your pet calm and happy. Be sure to include your doggie when you get active; not only will they love the time spent with you, but they’ll also reap the benefits of a good workout.

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How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Dogs of all ages need exercise, but the amount and type of exercise they need vary depending on their age. Puppies, for instance, generally need shorter and more frequent bursts of activity than adult dogs. This helps them to build up their energy levels and muscles. On the other hand, senior dogs often can’t handle the same level of activity that they could when they were younger. 

However, short walks or other low-impact activities can help to keep them healthy and active. So, it’s essential to take your dog’s age into account when deciding how much exercise they need. If they seem tired or sore after a walk, cut back the distance or frequency until they build up their tolerance.

Your dog’s needs depend on a few factors, including their age, weight, and breed. Puppies or young dogs need the most exercise since they have boundless energy and are still growing. Older dogs may not be able to move as much as they used to, but they need daily activity to stay healthy. Exercise also helps keep senior dogs’ minds sharp by stimulating their brains.

Quick Guide

  • Puppies: Multiply your dog’s age in months by five, and that’s how many minutes of exercise they will need twice a day.
Dog’s Age in MonthsMultiply by 5Amount Per SessionTotal Per Day
22 x 51020
33 x 51530
44 x 52040
55 x 52550
66 x 53060
77 x 53570
88 x 54080
99 x 54590
1010 x 550100
1111 x 555110
1212 x 560120
  • Adult dogs: Most adult dogs need about 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day. If your dog isn’t an active dog breed, around an hour is perfect.
  • Senior dogs: Older dogs may not have the same stamina as they did in their youth, but that doesn’t mean they don’t still need to stay active. Exercise is vital for joint health and mobility in senior dogs. They should get about 30 minutes of exercise per day. Depending on your dog’s needs, you can split it up into smaller parts.

Some dog breeds have higher energy and need more exercise. If you have any of these, you may need to include a few extra walks depending on their age.

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Exercise Ideas

You can try several activities to help your dog get some exercise. One option is to take them for a run on a dog treadmill. This can be a great way to tire them out, and you can control the speed and duration of the workout. It’s also great if you live in cold climates and you and your dog hate going outside for long durations. Another option is to visit a dog park. This is an excellent way for them to socialize with other dogs and burn off some energy. Plus, you can have a chance to mingle too. 

Finally, you can take them for a walk around the block. This is an easy way to enjoy fresh air and bond with your dog. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to supervise your dog at all times and provide them with plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Here are a few more ideas:

  • Go for a run: If you’re a runner, take your dog along with you! They’ll love being able to explore new smells while getting some exercise. Just don’t push them too hard at first. Start with short runs and work up to longer distances as they build their endurance.
  • Fetch: Dogs love to chase toys and bring them back; playing frisbee is another excellent option!
  • Swimming: is a great way to cool off on a hot day. Whatever you choose, the important thing is to encourage your dog to exercise regularly. 
  • Tug-of-War: This is an excellent option for one-on-one time with your dog that also builds strength! Most dogs and their owners love this classic dog game.
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Conclusion

Dogs need exercise for benefits similar to those humans to get from a good workout, and it’s essential to give them the recommended amount of exercise and type of activity to your dog. So, how can you ensure your dog gets the right amount of exercise they need? The most important thing is to be consistent. Start by figuring out what type of exercise your dog enjoys and go from there. If you can find an activity or activities that both of you enjoy doing together, all the better! Exercising with your dog is an awesome way to spend time together and keep them healthy at the same time. As a family member, dogs must eat healthily and get regular exercise, so have fun with your four-legged friend by staying active together!

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About the Author

Creepy-crawly creatures enthrall Marisa. Aside from raising caterpillars, she has a collection of spiders as pets. The brown recluse is her favorite spider of all time. They're just misunderstood. You don't have to worry about squishing the creatures as her catching, and relocating abilities can safely move stray centipedes or snakes to a new location that's not your living room.

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