How Much Exercise Does Your Pet Actually Need?

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By Dr. Lila Brooks | Health & Wellness Column | The Pet Standard

When it comes to caring for your pet, exercise is just as important as proper nutrition and routine vet visits. Yet many pet owners are left wondering how much exercise is actually enough?

Whether you’re parenting a lively Labrador, a sleepy senior cat, or a sprightly rabbit, understanding your pet’s exercise needs is key to their physical and mental well-being.

In this guide, we’ll explore how much exercise different pets typically need, how to tailor activity to your animal’s age and health, and the signs that your pet may need more (or less) movement in their routine.

Why Exercise Matters for Pets

Regular physical activity helps pets to:

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Build strong muscles and joints

• Reduce behavioural issues linked to boredom

• Support heart health and digestion

• Promote better sleep and mood

• Prevent chronic diseases, such as arthritis and diabetes

In short, movement is medicine for both body and brain.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

Dogs are wonderfully diverse in both size and energy levels. Exercise needs can vary dramatically based on breed, age, and individual temperament.

🐕 General Guidelines:

Dog Type	Daily Exercise
Toy Breeds (e.g. Chihuahua)	30 minutes – 1 hour
Small Breeds (e.g. Pug, Cavalier King Charles)	30 mins – 1 hour
Medium Breeds (e.g. Cocker Spaniel, Staffie)	1 – 2 hours
Large Breeds (e.g. Labrador, German Shepherd)	1.5 – 2+ hours
Working Breeds (e.g. Border Collie, Husky)	2+ hours (plus mental stimulation)

Puppies:

Puppies need short, gentle bursts of activity to protect growing joints. A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice daily (e.g. a 4-month-old puppy = 20 minutes x

2 sessions).

Seniors:

Older dogs benefit from regular, low impact movement like short walks and gentle play. Listen to their pace and adjust to avoid overexertion.

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats may not demand walks, but they still need activity—especially indoor cats, who don’t burn as many calories hunting or exploring.

General Recommendations:

• Aim for two to three play sessions of 10–15 minutes per day

• Use interactive toys (feather wands, laser pointers, puzzle feeders)

• Encourage vertical movement with shelves or cat trees

• Rotate toys to keep things interesting

Play mimics hunting behaviour and keeps muscles and minds sharp particularly important in indoor or overweight cats.

Rabbits, Guinea Pigs & Small Pets

Smaller animals often get overlooked when it comes to exercise, but they also need daily movement to stay fit and mentally stimulated.

Rabbits:

• Need at least 3–4 hours per day of free-roaming time

• Provide tunnels, platforms, and digging boxes

• Ensure they have a safe, enclosed space to hop, stretch, and explore

Guinea Pigs:

• Require 1–2 hours per day outside the cage

• Offer floor time with hideouts and tunnels

• Avoid wire bottom cages which can limit movement

Hamsters & Ferrets:

• Use exercise wheels (solid surface only)

• Allow supervised play in a secure area

• Add chew toys and tunnels to prevent boredom

Tailoring Exercise to Your Pet's Life Stage

Young Animals:

• Use play and gentle walks

• Avoid high-impact activity on developing joints

• Keep sessions short and fun

Senior Pets:

• Try swimming, slow walks, or stretching exercises

• Watch for stiffness or limping

• Avoid stairs or slippery floors

Pets with Health Issues:

• Ask your vet about modified routines

• Consider physiotherapy or hydrotherapy

• Use ramps and joint supplements where appropriate

Signs Your Pet May Not Be Getting Enough Exercise

• Weight gain or obesity

• Restlessness or destructive behaviour

• Excessive barking or meowing

• Poor sleep or low energy

• Boredom-related habits (chewing, overgrooming)

On the flip side, overexercising can also cause harm, particularly in young, senior, or flat-faced breeds (like pugs or bulldogs). Look out for:

• Excessive panting

• Limping or reluctance to move

• Refusal to eat or drink after exercise

Don’t Forget Mental Exercise

Physical activity is important—but so is mental stimulation. Use enrichment activities such as:

• Puzzle feeders

• Hide-and-seek games

• Scent trails

• Basic training sessions (even for cats!)

Boredom is often behind many behavioural problems, especially in intelligent or high-energy breeds.

Easy Ways to Add More Movement

• Add short walks before or after work

• Turn mealtimes into games with puzzle feeders

• Teach new tricks or commands weekly

• Set up a “catstacle” course at home

• Book a dog-walking service or pet day care if you're busy

Even a few extra minutes each day can add up to a big improvement in your pet’s physical and emotional wellbeing.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how much exercise your pet needs—but there is a right balance for every pet. By observing your animal’s energy levels, adjusting with age or health, and keeping activity fun and varied, you can make movement a joyful part of your daily routine together.

Remember: an active pet is a healthier, happier pet and that means a happier you, too.