8 Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise, According to a Vet

While we've seen our fair share of hyperactive dogs on the internet, we've also seen plenty of pups who couldn't be any less interested in getting exercise. Although we don't deny we've also fallen victim to wanting to sleep in for an extra hour or two, it's not always a good idea for dogs to stay sedentary and skip on exercise. Just like humans, our furry friends require exercise to help them stay healthy and live longer.

The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on their breed. Some breeds, like golden retrievers, may need much more daily exercise to stay mentally and physically stimulated, while others, like bulldogs, likely need much less. However, no matter what breed your pup is, they must get their daily recommended exercise time.

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Without exercise, our dogs will not only become lethargic, but they may also become more prone to various illnesses and injuries. While our pups can't tell us when they're starting to fall into this downward cycle, there are plenty of signs that you can look out for that will let you know it's time to increase your pup's exercise time.

To learn the exact signs your dog needs more exercise, we turned to Iryna Smyrnova, DVM, a zoologist and veterinarian at MeoWoff.

Signs Your Dog Needs More Exercise

For dogs that might struggle with extra physical activity or more arduous games, there is another solution that can help increase their exercise.

"Providing your pet the ability to stop and smell during a walk provides a strong cognitive function because most dogs use scent to identify their surroundings," Smyrnova says. "Sometimes a 'sniff-walk' at a slower pace can give the same level of satisfaction as a longer, faster-paced walk, depending upon your pet's needs. This is true for senior dogs, anxious dogs and any breed of dog that has a high sense of smell."

A good ‘sniff-walk' is the perfect way to get your dog moving and engaged, even if you're going at a slower speed. They'll get the benefits of both exercise and mental stimulation just like they would on a longer walk, while still moving at a manageable pace.

Related: 5 Common Houseplants That Are Actually ‘Hidden Dangers' for Your Pets, Say Vets

How to Safely Increase Your Dog's Activity Level (The 10% Rule)

While you may want to jumpstart your dog's activity level ASAP, it's not wise to go full steam ahead right away. Instead, try the 10 percent rule, which Smyrnova says helps you "significantly decrease your risk of causing injury to your pet by limiting the extreme variation in speed of a single exercise session." Some potential risks may include joint strain, muscle injuries, irritated paw pads and overheating.

"Many owners don't realize how well they know their pet until something goes wrong with one of these types of exercises," Smyrnova says. "Pay attention to your pet's recovery time from an exercise session. If your pet shows signs of stiffness, limping, exhaustion or reluctance to get up the next morning, this could signal that the intensity was too much for your pet."

To help keep these risks at bay, try slowly increasing your dog's exercise by 10 percent, which may look like adding a bit more distance to a long walk, adding a 'sniff-walk' to their routine or adding an additional short walk to their day.

"Unlike walking, exercising with your pet should always be based on what works best for that specific pet," Smyrnova says. "Each pet has unique characteristics that determine what type of exercise is right for them. Examples include their breed, age, body condition, medical history and personality."

She says a young working breed dog may love going on hikes and playing advanced training games, but a brachycephalic breed or older dog would likely benefit from short, low-impact periods of exercise that's broken down into smaller segments of time throughout the day.

Regardless of what type of exercise is right for your pup, the important part is making sure their mind and body stay active every day. Enough exercise can help your dog stay healthy and help them feel their best for years to come.

Related: What to Do If Your Dog Gets Destructive From Separation Anxiety

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 6:55 PM.