Dogs are similar to humans in many ways, some important ways being they need good nutrition, proper sleep, and exercise! You might be wondering “how much exercise does my dog really need?” After all, we don’t want to overwork our pups, so let’s look at how much exercise your dog truly requires!
Why is exercise so important?
Exercise is not only beneficial for your dog’s physical health, but also their mental health. Dogs have A LOT of energy (especially puppies!). If dogs don’t get to burn off their energy, they could start exhibiting destructive behaviors such as digging holes, excessive barking, or chewing up household items. Inactivity also leads to obesity, orthopedic concerns (such as arthritis), and mobility issues.
How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?
The amount of exercise a dog needs varies depending on their breed, age, and health. Younger dogs and puppies need a lot of exercise to release their energy, whereas an older dog might only need moderate exercise. Dog breed also plays an important role. Herding breeds will need more exercise due to their active nature, as well as breeds that are prone to obesity, such as pugs. It is important to research your dog’s breed to find out how to give them the best workout routine possible, as well as taking their age into consideration. You don’t want to overwork a sick or elderly dog. Talking to your vet about your dog’s specific needs is extremely beneficial.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Get outside: Playing in the house with toys and balls is great, but active dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise a day. Get outside so your dog can stretch their legs, run, chase sticks or balls, climb, hike, swim, or any other aerobic activities.
- Watch the weather: Extreme cold or extreme heat can be harmful to your pup. If the weather is too extreme, try doing at home exercises that day, such as running up and down the stairs or doing tricks to engage your pup’s brain.
- Mix it up: Having a routine is good for your dog because they will get to know their favorite spots, however, dogs get bored just like humans. Instead of sticking to the same routine everyday try mixing it up every now and then by going to a new dog park or trail. This will keep your dog's mind active and fresh.
To keep your pup’s joints healthy and allow them to be mobile and agile, pick up some of our Hip and Joint Chews. Ingredients such as glucosamine, which is naturally found in the fluid around joints, helps with pain from arthritis. MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural sulphur compound. It is a naturally occurring compound in foods such as fresh vegetables, meat, and dairy products. It has many healing properties such as alleviating arthritis symptoms by reducing pain and stiffness, speeding recovery after exercise by reducing muscle damage and stress, decreasing joint pain, and reducing inflammation. Keep your pup active for years to come and pick some up today!