What is the best exercise for an overweight dog?

The best type and amount of exercise for your dog will vary with their age, breed, current fitness level and general health. However, there is one exercise that both you and your dog can benefit from immediately and that most veterinarians will recommend as part of a weight management program: multiple walks outdoors every day. Walking is an ideal exercise because it puts less stress on joints than running, jogging or playing fetch. If your dog is overweight (but not obese) and has no joint, heart or respiratory issues, Ernie Ward, DVM, of Calabash, N.C., recommends starting with 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week. If walking five days a week seems a bit daunting, another approach to starting your portly pooch on an exercise program is to take a 30-minute walk three times a week for the first month. If your dog has been inactive for a long time or is obese, consider starting with 5-minute walks. From there, your goal will be to work up to a brisk 10- to 20-minute walk once or twice a day. For overweight or obese dogs with limited mobility, you should talk with your veterinarian about options such as physical therapy or rehabilitation and low-impact exercise alternatives such as swimming or walking on an underwater treadmill.