Safe Exercise Plans for Dogs of All Ages

Exercise is essential for a dog’s physical health, mental wellbeing and behaviour — but not all exercise suits all dogs. Age, breed, fitness level and Victoria’s climate (especially hot summers) all play a role in what safe exercise looks like.

Here’s how to tailor exercise plans for dogs at every stage of life, while keeping safety front of mind.

Puppies: Building Strong Foundations (0–12 months)

Puppies have endless enthusiasm, but their growing bones and joints need protection.

Best types of exercise

• Short, gentle walks on lead

• Free play on soft surfaces

• Basic training sessions (great mental exercise)

• Supervised social play with compatible dogs

Key safety tips

• Follow the “5 minutes per month of age” rule for structured walks (e.g. a 4-month-old puppy = ~20 minutes)

• Avoid forced running, stairs and repetitive jumping

• Large and giant breeds need extra care to prevent joint damage

Summer considerations

• Exercise early morning or evening only

• Watch for hot pavements — if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws

Adult Dogs: Maintaining Fitness & Mental Health (1–7 years)

Adult dogs benefit from regular, consistent exercise that meets both physical and mental needs.

Best types of exercise

• Daily walks (tailored to breed and fitness level)

• Play sessions (fetch, tug, scent games)

• Training, agility or enrichment activities

• Swimming where safe and appropriate

Key safety tips

• Warm up before intense activity and cool down after

• Build endurance gradually if increasing exercise

• Avoid weekend “warrior” syndrome — sudden bursts of heavy exercise can cause injury

Hot weather adjustments

• Swap long walks for short, frequent sessions

• Use indoor enrichment on extreme heat days

• Provide constant access to fresh water and shade

Senior Dogs: Staying Active Without Strain (7+ years)

Ageing doesn’t mean stopping exercise — it means adapting it.

Best types of exercise

• Short, frequent walks

• Gentle play

• Low-impact activities such as slow sniff walks

• Physiotherapy or hydrotherapy if recommended

Key safety tips

• Watch for stiffness, limping or reluctance to move

• Keep exercise consistent rather than intense

• Joint supplements, weight management and pain control can make movement more comfortable

Climate considerations

• Seniors are more vulnerable to heat stress

• Stick to cooler parts of the day year-round

Dogs With Medical Conditions or Special Needs

Dogs with arthritis, heart disease, respiratory issues or recovering from injury need individualised exercise plans.

Important considerations

• Always follow our vets’ advice

• Short, controlled exercise is often safer than long sessions

• Mental stimulation can substitute for physical activity when needed

If your dog tires quickly, lags behind, coughs or seems uncomfortable, exercise should stop immediately.

Signs Your Dog May Be Overdoing It

Stop exercise and seek veterinary advice if you notice:

• Excessive panting or drooling

• Lameness or stiffness after activity

• Reluctance to exercise

• Behavioural changes such as irritability or lethargy

When It’s Too Hot to Exercise Outdoors

Victorian summers can be unforgiving, especially during heatwaves.

Safe alternatives

• Food puzzle toys

• Hide-and-seek games indoors

• Training refreshers

• Short toilet walks only during extreme heat

Remember: dogs don’t need long walks every day to be healthy — they need appropriate activity.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all exercise plan for dogs. The safest routine is one that matches your dog’s age, health and environment — and adapts as their needs change.

If you’re unsure what level of exercise is right for your dog, our veterinary team can help create a plan that keeps them active, happy and safe all year round.