Dogs are active creatures that need a certain amount of physical activity to stay healthy, mentally stimulated, and happy. With so many different breeds of so many different shapes and sizes, it can be difficult to determine how much exercise your dog might need. Your friends at Berkeley Veterinary Center want to help you figure out how much you need to keep your favorite canine moving to ensure he or she stays in the best shape.
How Much Exercise Should Your Puppy Get?
Young pups have different movement requirements than fully grown dogs. Although puppies tend to have more energy than adult dogs, their energy is usually better expended in really short bursts of really high energy (zoomies, anyone?). They do need to be active throughout the day, however, so the best way to get them moving is to take them on a few short walks mixed with a few play sessions. This allows them to be active in a way that will not put too much stress on their growing bodies.
What About Adult Dogs?
Although exercise requirements do change based on breed, age, and the general health of your canine, most adult dogs need between thirty minutes to two hours of physical activity in a day. Some of the best ways to encourage your dogs to move are:
If you are wondering if your dog has certain movement requirements, your Bayville veterinarians can help you decide based on your dog’s health and size.
Active Breeds
Before you bring a dog into your home, it is important to understand how active his or her breed should be to stay healthy. If you are not a very active person, you probably do not want to adopt a dog that requires six walks in a day. Here are some of the most active breeds:
- Poodles: they may look cute and pampered, but poodles are high-energy dogs that need to be very active each day
- Retrievers: Whether it is a labrador or a golden retriever, these breeds live up to their name and like to be active and enjoy activities that provide mental stimulation as well as physical
- German Shepherd: There’s a reason that so many police dogs are German Shepherds. This breed needs to use their bodies and their brains to feel their best
- Russell Terriers: Although they’re small, their energy levels match some bigger breeds and they need plenty of exercise each day
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Their legs might be short, but their energy is as tall as a Great Dane. If you plan to adopt a corgi, be prepared for plenty of daily walks and play sessions
Whether you are wondering how much exercise your dog needs or it is time for a yearly wellness exam, the team at Berkeley Veterinary Center is here to help you keep your canines healthy and happy. To learn more, visit us online or call (732) 269-3600.
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