3 Things to Think About To Find Your Dog’s Exercise Needs

Exercise. It’s an activity that many humans dislike, but undertake begrudgingly. Many dogs, on the other hand, love going out for walks.  Exercise is important for animals too, particularly for dogs that live in apartments and don’t always have the opportunity to run and play outside. But, how much exercise does a dog need?

That question can be a complicated one to answer, at least as you’re starting your pet ownership journey. It takes time to learn about your dog’s energy levels, and from there, you can set a routine. It’s important to know though, that different breeds have different activity needs, and it also depends on the age of the dog.

At Raleigh Pet Sitters, we know how important it is for your dog to spend time outside, to burn off energy, get fresh air and explore the world in general. That’s part or why we do what we do. If you’re not sure how much exercise your dog needs, we offer these tips:

Consider your dog’s age: Puppies have more energy than adult dogs do, and they need more exercise than an adult.

Consider your dog’s breed:  It’s not true across the board that smaller dogs require less exercise than larger dogs. The amount of exercise needed varies, partly based on their daily routine.

Watch your pet’s behavior: Excessive barking, jumping around and obnoxious behavior in general could mean that your dog needs to work off some energy.

Your vet can give you a guideline of exercise requirements to follow for your dog, but a good rule of thumb, is half an hour to an hour of exercise daily.

Sixty minutes may seem like a lot of time, especially if you have a packed schedule, but breaking it down into shorter walks spaced throughout the day can take a lot of the pressure off, and it gives a dog something new throughout the day.  It’s a breeze to get that in, especially with mid-day dog walks to break up the day if you have to leave Fluffy at home while you’re at work.

At Raleigh Pet Sitters, we can help you keep your pet healthy, happy and entertained. Simply fill out our request form to find out how we can enrich your pet’s life.