If you have a large, gated backyard that you allow your dog to roam, then you might think that your dog is getting all the exercise she needs. After all, when she comes back inside, she usually takes a nap, right?
The truth is that giving your dog access to your backyard probably isn’t providing your dog with all the exercise she needs. Dogs require interaction to get moving, and if she’s left to her own devices outside in the yard, then she’s probably spending more time sniffing, digging, and laying in the grass than she is actually exercising.
If you want your dog to live a healthy and happy life for as long as possible, then it is up to you, the pet parent, to be your dog’s main motivator.
Why Is Exercise Important For A Dog?
When you ensure that your dog is getting enough exercise, you accomplish two important things.
First, you greatly reduce the risks of her practicing unwanted behaviors. This is because your dog will be too tired to act out in negative ways, which is what usually happens when a dog has too much excess energy. For instance, if your dog chews things she shouldn’t be or she barks constantly or she has a tendency of raiding the garbage can, then these are signs that she has too much energy and simply providing her with the appropriate amount of daily exercise can help put an end to those behaviors.
The second, and most important benefit is that exercise improves your dog’s overall health and wellbeing. Exercise helps keep your dog agile and her joints limber. It helps reduce gastrointestinal problems and keeps her bowel movements regular. Exercise also plays an important part in the quality of your dog’s sleep and her mental health.
Failing to provide your dog with ample daily exercise opens up the door for certain health problems to arise. Just like humans, dogs that live mostly sedentary lives can develop dangerous health conditions like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, liver problems, and respiratory disease.
How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need Per Day?
This can vary based on your dog’s breed and size, but the answer might still surprise you. If you take your dog on a 30-minute walk during the day, then you’re off to a good start, but most dogs will still need more exercise to burn off their excess energy. In fact, along with a good steady walk, a dog should ideally also receive some form of daily aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise is any activity that gets your dog panting, so this can be anything from running and jumping to swimming or even dancing.
Of course, puppies and senior dogs will have more specific requirements as well as some limitations, so if you have a very young or old dog, then your best bet is to speak with your veterinarian to find out what types of exercise are appropriate.
Best Types Of Exercise By Breed
Dogs come in a wide range of breeds and sizes, so there is no one-size-fits-all exercise solution. But knowing a little bit about your breed can help you create a plan that best benefits your pet. Here are some things you should know about certain breeds and their exercise needs.
Terriers: One of the things that terriers are most known for is their seemingly boundless energy. These dogs tend to bark a lot and can get destructive if they have too much excess energy. As a result, terriers need at least 60 minutes of exercise every day.
Herding Dogs: Dogs that are bred for herding tend to be large and built for hard work, so they need a lot of exercise. These breeds should get at least two hours of exercise per day, ideally separated into two one-hour sessions. Plus, because these dogs get bored so quickly, the exercise should be of the more rigorous variety.
Short- or Flat-Nosed Breeds: Pugs, Bulldogs, Pekingese, and Japanese Chins are among the most popular short- or flat-nosed breeds, and these breeds are well known for their breathing issues. As a result, their exercise needs to be light with regular breaks taken when necessary. If the weather is hot or humid, then their exercise should be restricted to indoor activities only.
Toy Breeds: Toy breeds rarely get enough exercise because they’re often carried from place to place and as a result, they can easily become obese. The good thing is that they’re so small that you don’t even have to go outside to exercise toy breeds. Simply playing ball with your dog indoors or teaching her to hop around and dance will help burn off some of her energy.
Sighthounds: This type of canine includes Greyhounds and Whippets. These breeds are best exercised in short, intense bursts and using interval training. They are not designed for lengthy jogs around the neighborhood.
Can’t Commit To Daily Dog Walks? Hire A Dog Walker
Ensuring that your dog gets enough daily exercise isn’t always easy when we’re already living such busy lives. But if you want to give your dog the best life possible, it’s a must.
The good thing is that you have options available to you if you just can’t find the time to exercise your dog. For instance, hiring a professional dog walking service will take the burden off your shoulders and ensure that your dog gets all the exercise she needs.
At Suburban Pets, we’re the number one dog walking service on Long Island. We are the professionals caring dog owners call first when they want to ensure that their precious pets get the exercise they need when they can’t be home to provide it themselves. Contact Suburban Pets of Long Island today for a free consultation and price quote or to schedule an upcoming visit from one of our professional dog walkers.