A veterinary expert has shared guidance on how long dog owners should walk their pets each day, with separate recommendations for puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs. Dr Nicole Rous set out the advice in a TikTok video, offering a simple rule of thumb for young dogs and stressing the importance of low-impact exercise for older pets.
Puppy exercise: five minutes per month of age
Dr Nicole explained that the rules differ depending on a dog's age. For puppies, she recommended five minutes of exercise per month of life, carried out twice a day. A four-month-old puppy, for example, would need 20 minutes of exercise twice a day.
That total includes walks, exercise in the backyard and games played at home, she noted.
Adult dogs: 30 to 60 minutes, varying by breed
Once dogs reach adulthood, the guidance changes. Dr Nicole said adult dogs average 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day, though this varies. Owners of highly active breeds such as Border Collies may need to allow one to two hours, while those with more sedentary breeds might opt for two 20-minute walks a day instead of a full hour.
Age also affects older dogs. For senior dogs, the vet recommended a similar 30 to 60 minutes, but said the type of exercise matters for joint health. She suggested low-impact activities such as walking, paying attention to the surface walked on, and considering hydrotherapy as a beneficial option for older pets.
Why keeping elderly dogs active matters
Dr Nicole said it is "so important" for owners to maintain their elderly dogs' exercise regimes. Outdoor time exposes dogs to a range of smells that enrich them and prevent boredom, while light walking supports joint mobility, muscle tone and circulation.
Other organisations offer similar guidance. The Royal Kennel Club advises that every dog owner has a duty of care to ensure their dog gets at least one walk every day, noting that walking costs nothing but time and is something the whole family can enjoy. The timing of walks depends on the dog's breed, age and needs.
The PDSA states that walking should be part of every dog's daily routine, with most dogs needing at least one to two walks per day unless otherwise specified by a vet. It notes that even a slow stroll is good for enrichment, while a brisk walk suits pets that need to burn off extra energy.
Owners with concerns about their pet's health are advised to seek guidance from a vet, who can provide bespoke advice for individual animals.
