How Much Exercise Is Too Much For Dogs?

Dogs need exercise to stay physically and mentally healthy, but it is possible to over-exercise them. Just like humans, dogs have their limits when it comes to physical activity, and these limits vary depending on the dog's age, breed, health, and fitness level. Over-exercising can lead to decreased energy levels and cause more harm than good. Signs of over-exercising in dogs include exhaustion, stiffness, sore muscles, damaged paw pads, joint injuries, and heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In extreme cases, over-exertion can lead to exertional rhabdomyolysis, which causes muscle tissue to break down, resulting in serious pain and kidney damage. Therefore, it is important to monitor your dog's behaviour and movements during exercise and adjust the intensity or duration if necessary.

How much exercise is too much?

Exercise is crucial for keeping your dog healthy and happy. However, it is possible to over-exercise your dog, and this can be harmful to their health. Over-exercising occurs when there is a sudden increase in the level of activity for your dog, and this change is too frequent. For example, if you go from half-hour walks four times a week to 1-hour walks daily, this significant change in your dog's routine can cause them to feel overworked.

The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on several factors, including age, breed, health, energy level, and individual personality. Most healthy adult dogs will do well with 30 minutes of exercise or activity, such as fetch, each day. However, there are exceptions for dogs with health issues or mobility problems. It is important to be mindful of the temperature as well, as dogs can become overheated or fatigued in warmer weather.

• Wear and tear on paw pads: Overworked pads may have tears with visible flaps of skin, and they may appear red, worn away, or thinner than normal. If the dog's pads are infected, there may be swelling or pus.
• Muscle soreness or stiffness: If your dog is stiff during or after exercise, or if they struggle to get up or jump, they have probably exceeded their limits.
• Exhaustion after exercise: While it is normal for a dog to snooze after exercise, it may have been too much for them if they stay that way all day.
• Slowness or lagging behind during exercise: If your dog is normally out in front, this is a clear sign they are struggling if they are lagging behind or being noticeably slower during exercise.
• Heat exhaustion: All dogs are at risk, especially if the weather is warm or humid and/or they've been taking part in intense exercise. Brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs, shih tzus, bulldogs, and boxers) are at higher risk.
• Behavioural changes: For example, if your dog normally likes to run with you but suddenly refuses to go any further, this may be a sign of over-exertion.

Signs of over-exertion

Yes, dogs can be over-exercised. Their limits depend on their age, breed, health, fitness level, and other factors. Over-exercising can lead to decreased activity levels, energy, and harm to your dog. Here are some signs of over-exertion to look out for:

Wear and Tear on Paw Pads

Dogs can be so driven to play that they will continue to run even with torn paw pads. Pad injuries can be extremely painful, like walking on a ruptured blister. Overworked pads may have visible flaps of skin, appear red, worn away, or thinner than normal. If infected, you may see swelling or pus.

Muscle Soreness and Stiffness

Muscle soreness can result from overworked muscles that need rest to regenerate and heal. If your dog is stiff during or after exercise, struggles to get up, or jump, they have probably been overworked. You may need to reduce the intensity of their activities for a few days until the soreness improves.

Heat Exhaustion and Overheating

Heat exhaustion is one of the most dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences of over-exercising. All dogs are at risk, especially if the weather is warm or humid and/or they have thick coats or are brachycephalic breeds (short snouts) such as pugs and bulldogs. Symptoms of overheating include panting, noisy breathing, collapsing, change in gum colour, vomiting, diarrhoea, and increased body temperature.

Joint Injuries

Dogs carry about 60% of their weight on their front limbs, which puts stress on those joints. Excessive exercise can lead to joint injuries, particularly in the toe, wrist, and elbow joints. Some breeds, such as Basset Hounds and Dachshunds, are more susceptible to joint injuries due to their unusually shaped joints.

Behavioural Changes

If your dog normally enjoys running but suddenly refuses to go any further, this could be a sign of over-exertion. They may also show signs of lethargy, such as lying down and refusing to move.

Over-exercising dangers

Exercise is crucial for keeping your dog healthy and happy, but it is important to be aware of the dangers of over-exercising your dog. Over-exercising can lead to decreased activity levels, energy, and overall do more harm than good.

Signs of over-exercising

• Stiffness and sore muscles: If your dog is stiff during or after exercise or struggles to jump or climb stairs, they have probably had too much exercise.
• Exhaustion: While it is normal for a dog to sleep after exercise, if they are exhausted and sleepy all day, it may be a sign that they have over-exerted themselves.
• Slowness or lagging: If your dog is lagging behind or being noticeably slower during exercise, it can be a clear sign that they are struggling, especially if they are normally out in front.
• Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion is one of the most dangerous and sometimes fatal consequences of over-exercising. All dogs are at risk, especially if the weather is warm or humid and/or they’ve been taking part in intense exercise.
• Wear and tear on paw pads: Overworked pads may have tears with visible flaps of skin present, and they may appear red, worn away, or thinner than normal.
• Muscle soreness: Too much exercise can make a dog's muscles sore, and moving can become uncomfortable.
• Heat-related sickness or overheating: If your dog's body temperature stays raised for a prolonged period, this can be dangerous and have deadly consequences.
• Joint injuries: Joint injuries can cause additional pain in your dog's everyday movements and affect the way they walk and respond to physical activity.
• Behavioural changes: If your dog goes from being excited about going out to not responding in their usual manner, this may be an indication that something is not right.

Preventing over-exercising

• Set a realistic daily activity goal: Know what levels of activity your dog requires and adjust for their health issues, age, and other needs.
• Monitor your dog’s progress: Track your dog’s daily activity levels to figure out whether their activity goals are appropriate.
• Build up their fitness: Gradually increase your dog's activity levels each day, making sure to include rest days with gentler walks.

How to prevent over-exercising

It is important to prevent your dog from over-exercising, as it can lead to decreased activity levels, energy, and overall do more harm than good. Here are some tips to prevent your dog from over-exercising:

Set realistic daily activity goals

It is important to know the level of activity your dog requires. This depends on various factors such as age, breed, health, and fitness level. Most healthy adult dogs will do well with 30 minutes of exercise or activity each day, but there are exceptions. For example, older dogs or those with health issues may need less exercise, while working dogs or those that participate in canine sports may need more.

Monitor your dog's progress

Use tools such as a dog activity monitor or GPS tracker to track your dog's daily activity levels and see if they are meeting their activity goals. This will help you determine if their exercise routine is appropriate or if adjustments are needed.

Build up their fitness gradually

Just like humans, dogs need to build up their fitness levels gradually. Start with shorter walks or play sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity over time. This will help your dog build stamina and reduce the risk of injury.

Be mindful of the weather and temperature

Dogs can overheat if they exercise in warm temperatures. Avoid exercising your dog when the weather is too hot, and opt for morning or evening walks when the temperature is cooler. Also, be aware that hot pavement or sand can burn your dog's paws.

Allow for rest and recovery

It is important to give your dog rest days between exercise sessions. This will help their bodies recover and reduce the risk of soreness and injury. Alternate days of cardio exercise with rest days to give their bodies time to recuperate.

Pay attention to your dog's behaviour and movements

Watch for signs of over-exercise such as panting, limping, refusal to move, stiffness, sore muscles, or changes in their behaviour and personality. If you notice any of these signs, reduce the intensity or duration of their exercise routine.

Dog breed considerations

The amount of exercise a dog needs depends on several factors, including its breed, age, energy level, health, and individual personality. For instance, some dogs like Labrador Retrievers are built to be heavy exercisers, while others like French Bulldogs are not.

Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breeds like Pugs, English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, Pekingese, and Shih Tzus are at a higher risk of heat exhaustion and heatstroke because they can't cool off as efficiently as dogs with longer snouts.

Long and low-to-the-ground breeds like Basset Hounds and Dachshunds have unusually shaped joints, which puts their limbs at risk of injury from excessive exercise. Back problems are also common in these breeds.

Older dogs with osteoarthritis should not be over-exerted as this can cause immediate pain and accelerate joint degeneration.

Very young and old dogs can have difficulty regulating their body temperature, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat.

Large and giant dog breeds can continue to grow up until 18–24 months of age, so over-exercising puppies can negatively impact their musculoskeletal development.

Frequently asked questions