Boost your Pug’s health and happiness with the right exercise routine

The Pug is one of the most popular dog breeds. Small, relaxed, and loving, it is ideal for a busy city lifestyle. However, that very relaxed, even lazy nature can have a downside.

Pugs are prone to obesity, and without adequate exercise, this can seriously affect their health.

However, they also experience breathing difficulties, so too much exercise can be problematic.

Finding that perfect balance is crucial. Let’s find out a little more.

Why exercise is vital for Pugs

Improve muscle tone

Exercise improves muscle tone, which provides proper support around the hips and knees. Pugs can get hip and elbow dysplasia, so this is very beneficial.

Reduce health risks

Exercise helps reduce the risk of health issues like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.

Prevent weight gain

Exercise plays a crucial role in helping your Pug maintain a healthy weight. Keeping your dog from gaining weight can reduce the risk of conditions like hip dysplasia.

Avoid problem behavior

Regular activity helps release pent-up energy so your Pug doesn’t vent it through barking, chewing, or destruction.

What type of exercise is suitable for a Pug?

At the minimum, a Pug should have two 20-minute exercise sessions daily, at least half of which should be spent walking.

Exercise should be light or moderate cardio that increases the heart rate slightly and keeps the Pug’s body moving.

Ideal options include walking or playing games like fetch.

You can extend the 20-minute rule for healthy, enthusiastic, and energetic adult Pugs. With care, a Pug can walk for more than an hour. Monitor your dog for any signs that the walk is causing pain in its joints.

Different Pugs have different tolerances—some people even take their active Pugs on a hike — but ideally, they should bring a doggy backpack to rest in when needed during the trek.

Pug exercises

Leisurely walks

Pugs enjoy short walks, but it’s important to be mindful of their breathing and not push them too hard, especially in hot weather.

Swimming

Swimming can be a great low-impact cardio exercise if your Pug enjoys the water.

Some Pugs love to swim, but this is also a very strenuous activity.

If you take your Pug swimming, limit it to short bursts with lots of rest. Even in the water, pugs can still overheat.

Indoor play

Interactive games like fetch or hide-and-seek can provide light exercise while keeping your Pug entertained. Just be sure to monitor their breathing and avoid overexertion.

Mental stimulation

As part of their exercise routine, mental stimulation and interactive play are crucial for Pugs. Pugs are intelligent dogs that require physical and mental exercise to stay healthy and happy.

Interactive play, such as puzzle toys and playtime with their owners, helps keep their minds sharp and provides the mental stimulation they need.

This type of engagement also strengthens the bond between Pugs and their owners, making it a win-win for both dogs and owners.

Pug exercise dos and don’ts

Don’t overexercise young dogs

Avoid excessive exercise when a Pug is under 10 months old.

For a Pug puppy, This is a time of growth, and strong exercise can affect the soft areas at the ends of bones, where cells continually divide and cause damaged or malformed limbs.

Normal walking and play are not considered excessive. But avoid running or long walks.

Consider taking several shorter walks rather than one longer walk.

Avoid exercise after eating

No exercise until 1 hour after eating, as Pugs can suffer from bloat.

Watch your Pug’s breathing

Stop exercising if your Pug begins to breathe heavily. Pugs are brachycephalic, so their breathing system is not perfect and can be narrow.

This can cause noisy breathing and limit a Pug’s ability to exercise.

Using a harness also avoids any stress on the throat area and reduces the risk of breathing problems.

Monitor the heat

No heavy or even moderate exercise in high temperatures.

Again, this is due to a Pug’s respiratory system. Heavy breathing also indicates heat stress that can lead to heat stroke.

Keep your Pug cool

Bring plenty of water

Find shade

Use a cooling vest or mat

Limit outdoor activities during peak heat

Watch for signs of overheating

Final thoughts on Pug exercise

You can keep your Pug in good shape and maintain a healthy body weight with just a little work.

Even from the very best Pug breeder, you cannot guarantee a perfectly healthy Pug forever.

But you can keep your Pug in the best condition as long as you remember there is a limit to what your little bundle of fun can tolerate.

Make exercise part of your Pug’s daily routine. If you’re unsure where to begin or about how much activity your dog can tolerate, consult your veterinarian.

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