Dr Nicole Rous explained that the amount of exercise a dog needs depends on its age, breed and energy levels.
In her TikTok video, she said puppy owners can follow the “five-minute rule”: five minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice a day. That means a four-month-old pup should get around 20 minutes per walk.
Vet's dog walking advice
Adult dogs, meanwhile, generally need between 30 and 60 minutes daily, while high-energy breeds like Border Collies may need up to two hours.
For older or less active breeds, Dr Rous recommended shorter, low-impact sessions and gentle activities such as hydrotherapy to protect joints.
Tailoring walks to your dog’s needs
The vet also reminded owners that mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise.
Her video sparked lively discussion among pet owners online, many sharing their own routines and agreeing that consistent, age-appropriate walks are key to keeping dogs healthy and happy all year round.
