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Owning a dog is one of the greatest joys in life, and with that joy comes the responsibility to exercise them properly. All dogs need physical and mental stimulation, but it can be difficult to know just how much exercise a dog needs. Always consult with a veterinarian about your specific pup, but here’s a general guide to dog exercise.

A Guide to Exercising Your Dog

General Exercise Overview

How much exercise a dog needs will vary by breed, size, age, and ability level. A general rule of thumb is to exercise your dog anywhere from around 30 minutes to two hours. Some particularly active breeds will need even more exercise.

Twice daily walks are the most common way to exercise your pooch, but this activity is not always good enough on its own. Try taking longer walks or varying the route so your dog has different experiences on each outing. A veterinarian is the best person to consult on what type of exercise a dog needs.

How to Incorporate Exercise

veterinarianIn addition to walks, you can jog, play fetch, or engage in a game of tug-of-war with your pup. Toys filled with treats provide both mental stimulation and a physical outlet for dogs that are chewers.

For particularly active dogs, consider obedience training or take the time to learn new tricks. Playing hide-and-seek or teaching them to find toys around the house are other excellent ways to incorporate exercise into your dog’s day.

Signs a Dog Needs More Exercise

Most dogs were originally bred to do a job, like hunting, digging, or protecting. Now, most domesticated dogs’ only jobs are to eat, sleep, and hang out waiting for you to come home from work.

If your dog isn’t getting enough exercise, they may engage in undesirable behaviors like chewing furniture and shoes, excessively barking, or raiding the trash. Dogs who need more activity may also be particularly playful at night when you’re trying to sleep.

 

For help figuring out how much exercise your dog needs, turn to Troy & Wentzville Veterinary Clinic. This skilled veterinarian has served Missouri’s Lincoln and St. Charles counties for more than six decades and has the knowledge to take care of your beloved pet. Whether you need pet vaccinations, heartworm prevention, pet microchipping, or pet wellness exams, this clinic can help. They’re committed to treating your pet like members of the family. Visit their website for more information. Call their Troy office at (636) 528-4534 or their Wentzville office at (636) 327-6488 to set up an appointment.

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