The information provided is for general guidance only. We always recommend consulting your vet for personalised advice.
Puppy: Exercise for puppies should be carefully monitored due to their developing growth plates, which are soft and prone to injury until about 12-18 months of age for most breeds (and up to 24 months for giant breeds). There is no definitive rule for the amount of exercise a puppy needs. Some people follow the ‘5 minutes of exercise per month of age’ guidelines, but evidence supporting this rule is lacking. The appropriate amount of exercise depends on your individual puppy. We always recommend consulting your vet for personalised advice.
Daily exercise is essential and should be part of the routine for all puppies. However, it should be low-impact and controlled. Focus on the type of activity you puppy engages in and avoid repetitive, high-impact activities such as:
- Jumping, including on and off furniture, out of cars, or from heights
- Sharp turns
- Climbing stairs
- Highconcussive activities like chasing balls or sticks at high speeds
- Playing on slippery surfaces and floors
Monitor your puppy for signs of excessive tiredness or lameness. Normal puppy play is important and natural, as it helps in the development of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bone, cartilage strength, coordination, and proprioception. Ensure play occurs on non-slip surfaces and monitor puppies within a multi-dog household when playing and interacting with other dogs.
Adult: Most adult dogs, if fit and healthy, benefit from 45 minutes to 2 hours of exercise daily.
Senior: Senior dogs (over 7 years old) may prefer shorter, more frequent walks. For example, two 30-minute walks instead of one longer session. Monitor your senior dog for signs of overexertion, such as:
- Excessive panting during or after exercise.
- Extreme thirst.
- Lagging behind or reluctance to continue walking.
- Limping or reluctance to move.
- Appearing overtired or sleeping more than usual after walks.
- Stiffness when rising after walks.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek veterinary assistance promptly.
It’s important to be mindful of the temperature when walking your dog and avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day.