Daily Step Counts for Dogs: What Pet Parents Should Really Know
Daily step goals for dogs may seem like a natural extension of human fitness trends, but dogs' activity needs are far more nuanced. Factors like breed, age, stride length, and environment all influence how much movement a dog needs—and step counts alone don't capture exercise quality. Instead of chasing arbitrary numbers, pet owners should focus on consistent, enriching activity tailored to their dog’s lifestyle and health.
- There’s no universal step count for dogs — activity needs vary widely by breed, age, and individual health.
- Quality of exercise matters more than quantity — focus on varied, stimulating movement rather than total steps.
- Step comparisons between humans and dogs are rough estimates due to differences in stride length and gait.
- Environmental factors like terrain and weather play a big role in determining safe and appropriate activity levels.
