Ready for a heart-to-heart? Just like us, pets need regular exercise and preventive veterinary care to keep their hearts strong. But between the belly rubs and afternoon naps, how can you be sure your pet is staying heart healthy?
“Heart health starts with daily habits,” says Dr. Karen O’Connor, Regional Veterinary Medical Director at Pet Paradise + NewDay Veterinary Care. “Consistent movement, healthy weight management, preventative care, and routine veterinary visits are essential to maintaining long-term cardiovascular wellness in dogs and cats.”
Let’s take a closer look at how movement and veterinary care come together to support your pet’s cardiovascular health.
How Much Exercise Does Your Pet Need?
While every pet is different, daily activity is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. “Pet parents often ask, ‘How much exercise does my pet really need?’” says Dr. O’Connor. “The answer depends on breed, age, and overall health, but almost all pets benefit from some type of activity each day.” Always speak with your veterinarian before beginning an exercise regimen with your pet.
For dogs: Most healthy dogs need daily exercise. Some high-energy breeds may need more than others, especially younger or always-on-the-go breeds like Border Collies or Siberian Huskies. Other breeds, like Basset Hounds, tend to be "couch potatoes" and may not need as much activity, but they still benefit from regular movement to stay healthy. Depending on your dog’s needs, they may need anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours of daily exercise.
For cats: We recommend that cats get some form of interactive play daily. It doesn’t have to be all at once. Short sessions of chasing a feather wand or batting at a ball can go a long way! Cats prefer brief, high-intensity activities rather than long bouts of exercise.
“Even 10-to-15-minute play sessions, spread throughout the day, can make a meaningful impact on your pet’s heart health,” adds Dr. O’Connor. “Try to make physical activity part of your pet’s daily routine, not an afterthought.”
There are plenty of benefits to exercise beyond just physical health. Dr. O’Connor adds, “Did you know that the number one reason pets develop behavior problems is because of a lack of proper exercise?” Regular activity helps reduce boredom and anxiety, which can lead to unwanted behaviors. A well-exercised pet is often a happier, calmer companion.
Counting Steps: Keeping Tabs on Your Pet’s Daily Activity
Wondering how much your pet actually moves in a day? Pet step counts are becoming a popular way to track activity. Devices like pet activity trackers attach to your pet’s collar and can help give you some insight into how active your pet is.
While there’s no universal “perfect” number, studies show that medium to large dogs can get anywhere from around 5,000 to 40,000 steps per day. It's quite a range, and it all depends on your pet’s individual needs. For cats, there’s no standard step goal, but frequent, short bursts of play are key.
Easy Ways to Exercise Your Dog
Looking for fresh ways to get your pup moving? Here are a few heart-healthy ideas:
- Day Camp at Pet Paradise: Sometimes your dog just needs a social day to run, play, and spend time with friends. Pet Paradise’s day camp is a convenient way to make sure your dog gets supervised exercise, mental stimulation, and lots of tail-wagging fun while you’re at work or on the go.
- Walks around the neighborhood: A simple stroll can do wonders, especially if you vary your route and let your dog take breaks to sniff around. Walks are mentally stimulating, too. Just be sure to provide extra water and check the pavement temperature on warm days!
- Swimming: For dogs who enjoy the water, swimming is low-impact and easy on their joints. It’s the perfect exercise for older pets. If you don't have a body of water or swimming pool handy, visit Pet Paradise to let your dog take a dip in our pool!
- Jogging or running: If your dog is high-energy and physically fit, they may love being your running partner. Be sure to start slow, gradually increase distance, take water breaks (for yourself and your pet), and check the pavement temperature.
- Hiking adventures: Trails are great for dogs who enjoy nature and a bit of a challenge. Opt for shady trails in warm weather, and make sure the terrain suits your pet’s ability level. As always, bring water and take breaks as often as your pet needs it.
- Backyard games: Activities like fetch and tug-of-war are fun, interactive ways to get a bit of exercise without leaving home. These can be great games to play when it's a bit too warm outside for a long walk.
Signs Your Pet May Need More Activity
Not sure if your pet is getting enough exercise? According to the London College of Animal Osteopathy, watch for these common signs:
- Destructive, boredom behaviors like biting or chewing
- Daily or nightly hyperactivity, or excessive bouts of “the zoomies”
- Attention-seeking behaviors like barking or howling
- Weight gain or gradual loss of muscle tone due to inactivity
If you’re seeing any of these signs, it might be time to boost your pet’s playtime or check in with your veterinarian. Increasing your pet’s daily activity is a smart and simple step toward better wellness.
The Role of Preventive Veterinary Care
While exercise is essential for heart health, it’s not the only factor that matters. A strong heart also depends on regular veterinary care, early detection, and disease prevention. Conditions like heartworm disease, high blood pressure, or early-stage heart murmurs often don’t show obvious signs until they’re more advanced.
Heartworm disease, for example, is common in warmer parts of the country, especially the southeastern United States. It’s transmitted by mosquitoes and causes life-threatening damage to the heart and lungs. The good news? It’s entirely preventable with routine medication and annual testing. Your veterinarian can help make sure your pet stays heartworm-free.
At NewDay Veterinary Care, all wellness visits include a full physical exam. The veterinarian will listen to your pet’s heart, checking for any murmurs or arrhythmias. Your veterinarian can help you catch potential heart issues early and perform additional diagnostics or make recommendations based on your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Your vet might also suggest diet changes or supplements to support a healthy weight and circulatory system.
Vaccines are another critical part of preventive care, helping to safeguard your pet’s overall health. Illnesses like leptospirosis and canine influenza can place additional stress on the heart and other internal organs, especially in pets with preexisting conditions. Keeping your pet up to date on vaccinations helps reduce the risk of complications that could otherwise negatively affect their heart health. Vaccines are one of the simplest ways to help keep your pet protected year-round.
Heart Health is a Habit
Whether it’s a walk around the block or playtime at camp, daily activity helps keep your pet’s heart strong. Pair that with regular preventative veterinary care, and you’re giving your pet the best chance at a happy, healthy future. A little movement goes a long way toward heart health!
