Exercise. The activity that many of us dread during winter. With frosty breezes and darker nights on the rise, throwing on our gym wear and heading outside seems to be the last of activities we rush out to do. But as us humans opt to wrap up warm and cosy around in blankets and pjs, our pets gaze upon those big eyes waiting for the time they go for their daily walk. 

Often, during the colder months, we opt for less adventurous walks with our four-legged friends to rescue us both from the icy winds that wait for us as soon as we leave the front door. However, with what we like to call “Treatmas” just around the corner, keeping your dog active can help prevent unnecessary weight gain and keep your pooch from piling on those pounds.

So, to make life as Soopa as pawsible, here’s all you need to know about keeping your dog active and how much exercise your dog really needs to keep healthy and happy this winter. 

There no “One Size Fits all”

Just like us humans, there is no one-way approach to exercise. Depending on the breed, age and even the size of your dog, will change the required amount of exercise to prevent them from gaining weight and being unhealthy. 

It is recommended that your dog, no matter what breed or size, should get at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, either by a walk, run or even indoor play. 

Activity by Age

Throughout your dog’s life, their activity regime will change depending on their stage of development. Needing lots of attention in younger years, it is suggested that you should aim to exercise your puppy for 5 minutes per their month of age, twice a day. Exercising your puppy regularly and spending time with them will not prevent behavioural problems deriving from boredom but can solidify your bond making your relationship the best it can pawsibly be. 

When it comes to our adult dogs, exercise is very much dependent on breed. 

• For smaller breeds, such as miniature dachshunds, it is advised that 30 minutes walking and added extra-time for play is suitable. 
• Medium breeds needing between 1-2 hours of walking/exercise per day. These breeds include Cocker Spaniels, West Highland Terriers and pugs. 
• For larger breeds and dogs often used for working/active purposes like Springer Spaniels and Retrievers between 2-3 hours of exercise per day is advised. 

To help give you additional guidance on exercise to suit specific breeds, our friends at PDSA have information to support you in ensuring your dog, no matter what breed or size, is active and healthy throughout their life. 

Supporting Senior Dogs

Less active and energetic in their later years, our senior dogs require less exercise than they would have had in previous years. For larger breeds of senior dogs, between 30minutes and 1 hour of exercise will be sufficient in keeping weight gain and poorly joints at bay. It is important to remember that your senior dogs joints and muscles aren’t as wholesome as they once were so supporting them with tasty treats such as our Puppy Stick Banana & Pumpkin Dental Stick, that are low-in fat and high in joint support, can be a pawfect way of keeping your golden oldie as healthy and happy as ever. 

So, as the winter season wanders in, grab your coat, hat and scarf because no matter what, our dogs need a venture outside no matter what the weather might bring.