How much exercise does your dog actually need today?

An evidence-based activity guide — not another made-up formula. We show you the number only when there's reason to, and tell you where it came from.

AAHA life stages Peer-reviewed research No sign-up

What breed is your dog?

Not sure or a mix? Leave it as "Mixed / Other" — weight matters more.

How much do they weigh?

How old are they?

Under a year old? Put 0 years and fill in the months.

How energetic are they, really?

We pre-fill this from the breed, but you know your dog better.

How much do they walk on a typical day right now?

This is important — we won't suggest a jump your dog isn't ready for.

Anything affecting how they move or breathe?

What's the weather like today? (optional)

Heat is the single biggest day-to-day risk. Skip it and we'll assume mild conditions.

Where these numbers come from

Why don't you just give one number for every dog?

Because there isn't one. There is no evidence-based formula that works across all dogs — breed, life stage, current fitness, health and weather all change the answer, and the research doesn't support reducing them to a single equation.

So we do the opposite of most calculators: we decide first whether a number is appropriate at all, and only then work out the range.

Where does the "30 minutes a day" idea actually come from?

Most sources trace back to the AKC's FIT DOG program, which asks for 30 minutes five times a week — 150 minutes total. That target was adopted from the American Heart Association's guideline for humans. It is a reasonable reference point, but it is not a dog-specific experimental finding, and we don't pretend otherwise.

Is the puppy "5 minutes per month of age" rule real?

No. It has no scientific basis. It circulates widely, but no study established that ratio, and many vets no longer recommend it.

What research does show is more useful. A prospective study of 501 large-breed puppies found that climbing stairs before 3 months of age raised the risk of hip dysplasia, while free off-lead activity on soft, gently rolling ground lowered it — and that after roughly 3 months, exercise variables no longer had a measurable effect.

In other words: for a young puppy, the surface and the type of movement matter far more than the number of minutes. That's why we don't give puppies a duration.

When is it too hot to walk?

There's no single safe temperature, which is why we use a graded set of cautions rather than shaving minutes off a total. Two findings shape our thresholds: most heat-related illness in dogs follows exercise rather than being shut in a hot car, and a large share of cases happen after fairly ordinary, low-intensity activity — not extreme exertion.

Humidity matters too, because panting is how dogs shed heat, and humid air makes it far less effective. Flat-faced breeds and heavy double-coated breeds get an extra level of caution.

How do you decide when my dog is a "senior"?

We follow the AAHA framework, which defines the senior stage as the last 25% of a dog's expected lifespan — not a fixed birthday. Since expected lifespan varies with size and breed, a Great Dane can reach that stage around 6, while a small dog may not until 11.

This is not veterinary advice. MyWellPup provides general wellness information only and cannot diagnose, treat, or account for your dog's individual medical history. If your dog has a health condition, or if anything changes suddenly, talk to your veterinarian.