If you notice that your beloved four-legged companion has recently put on some additional weight or has adopted some less than pleasant behaviors, it’s time to assess their exercise routine. Exercise is invaluable to dogs. It contributes to their physical and emotional well-being and helps mitigate troubling health conditions. That’s why we’re here to make the case for exercise in dogs, helping you discover how much physical activity is necessary and why.
Building Your Dog’s Exercise Routine
Before we get into what activities to include in your dog’s daily exercise routine, it’s important to understand just how much exercise is required to maintain your dog’s physical and emotional health. In short, at least 45 minutes of movement each day is required for a healthy dog. However, this number may vary depending on the size, age, and breed of your dog. Active, healthy, high-energy dog breeds may need an hour or more of exercise. In contrast, older, small breeds may be good with an easy 30 minutes. Start small and work your way up to more movement to determine the best exercise routine for your dog.
The Importance of Walks
Even if you are fortunate enough to have a large backyard for your dog to run and play in, walks are essential. Walking is an excellent way to provide your dog with mental and physical stimulation. It allows them to get moving, burn calories, and maintain their joint health. In addition, walking offers mental stimulation as it provides sensory input and enables your companion to engage with new people, objects, and other animals while sniffing around.
Mental Stimulation and Exercise
Many people associate exercise with physical benefits. While that is true, exercise for dogs is also a key component of their mental stimulation. When a dog does not receive enough mental stimulation, they may adopt bad habits, including excessive barking, destructive tendencies, such as chewing up your belongings, or begin experiencing feelings of depression and anxiety. Exercise combats these occurrences by keeping your pet mentally sharp and engaged.
To learn more about how you can bring more activity to your dog’s life and the benefits of keeping your pet mentally and physically engaged, contact your veterinarian today.