After months of stay-at-home orders where your pets may have been thrilled with your companionship, they may have missed out on some quality activity time as many dog parks and other public spaces were closed. Plus, regularly scheduled visits to doggie day care or with pet sitters and dog walkers may have been put on hold, which may also have cut down on important pet exercise time.

And even now as states are reopening, individual comfort levels with being in groups at dog parks or close contact with others may make a return to regular exercise habits something that won’t happen for the foreseeable future. (Here’s a helpful guide to see where your state stands on what is open.) So it’s important to find ways to add exercise for your dog into your routine to keep you both active now.

“Dogs need exercise every day,” says Rosemarie Niznik,” DVM, CVA, CVSMT, a veterinarian in Bristol, WI. “It’s good for their physical wellbeing and weight management, as well as their mental health,” she says. “You need to keep a dog moving. They love to walk—it’s almost how they meditate.”

And just like humans, exercise can help relieve stress in pets, explains Sylvalyn Simpson, DVM, a veterinarian in Austin, TX. “If dogs have too much pent-up energy and don’t receive the appropriate amount of exercise, it can lead to behavioral disorders, destructive behavior, or uncontrollable barking,” she says.

 So what’s the appropriate amount? There are three things you need to keep in mind:

Your dog's breed:

Dr. Niznik says to think of what your dog was bred for when considering the amount and type of exercise that’s best for your dog. If your pup was designed to herd or is a member of the working group, they’ll have lots of energy and endurance so you’ll need to keep them mentally and physically engaged more than other dogs.

If you picked a dog with a short snout like a pug, bull breed, Boston terrier, boxer, or shih tzu among others—these are brachycephalic breeds. This literally translates to short-headed. These dogs have flattened faces that appear to be pushed in, and as a result have smaller airways which makes it harder for them to cool down. Dr. Niznik says these breeds can benefit from exercising indoors or during the coolest parts of the day to avoid overheating.

Deep-chested dogs like Doberman Pinschers and Great Danes shouldn’t exercise right after a meal because they are at risk for a condition called gastric dilation-volvulus. This type of bloat can develop after large meals and can be life threatening.

Your dog's age:

Puppies by nature are going to require more stimuli and be more engaged and curious, says Dr. Simpson. They have higher energy levels and will need to divert that energy into physical and mental activity. In general, the younger the dog, the more frequently you’ll need to exercise—but you can keep your sessions shorter.

“With puppies you have to be careful with running on hard surfaces,” Dr. Niznik warns. “You shouldn’t take them on long hard runs until their joints stop growing.” Most puppies shouldn’t run until they are at least a year old. This is especially true with larger breeds like Saint Bernards and Great Danes whose growth plates don’t close until they are about two years old.

And of course senior dogs have likely slowed down a bit. According to the American Animal Hospital Association, senior years are the last 25 percent of a dog’s life expectancy, so depending on the breed this can be as early as when a pooch is 7 or 8 years old. When your dog is in its senior years, go for shorter periods of exercise at a gentler pace to help maintain muscular and cardiovascular health without pushing too hard.

Your dog's weight:

According to Fetch by WebMD, up to (a whopping) 50 percent of dogs are overweight. And if this is your dog, your instinct may be to get them moving as much as possible. However, this could be actually be harmful rather than helpful to your pup’s health. Suddenly increasing activity levels can stress your dog’s joints, spine, and cardiovascular system. It's important to avoid overexerting a dog who’s not used to activity.

Just as with humans, exercise combined with a healthy diet is key in helping your dog maintain an ideal weight. Increasing activity levels can help manage the risk for health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, endocrine disorders, high blood pressure, and cancer. But too much exertion can be unhealthy. It’s best to start out slow and exercise your dog in small amounts and build up over time. And with an overweight dog, it’s important to monitor them for signs of getting overheated if you’re exercising outside. (If your dog starts acting lethargic or panting more than usual, stop and offer some water! If your pet lays down, be sure to get your dog inside immediately and provide a way for him to cool down.)

General pet exercise guidelines:

No matter your dog’s breed, age, or size, there are some guidelines everyone should follow when it comes to exercising your dog. 

Talk to your vet

Before you put your dog on an exercise plan, make sure you consult with your veterinarian. Dr. Niznik says your vet can ensure your dog doesn’t have any underlying heart conditions that could limit his ability to exercise. You should also be aware of any kidney disease or liver disorders that would be worsened with physical activity.

Plus, your doctor can spot joint and back issues that might limit the activities you want your pup to partake in. “In general you should consult with your vet to make sure there’s nothing abnormal you need to be aware of before starting a new exercise plan with your dog,” she says.

Your vet can also advise on when is a good time to start giving your dog supplements. “If you have a dog predisposed to hip dysplasia or arthritis, it’s good to do preventative care before the damage is done,” Dr. Niznik says. She often puts dogs on glucosamine or chondroitin when they are three or four years old for joint protection. Dr. Niznik says that Omega-3s can also provide anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect the knees.

Take it slow

“Walking half an hour twice a day is ideal,” Dr. Niznik says. But you can break this up into four 15-minute walks. You can keep the pace slow for older or smaller dogs. The key is to pay attention to your dog and stay at a pace that’s appropriate for him. “Your dog wants to please you and won’t stop until it’s too late and exhaustion sets in,” Dr. Niznik says. “In the summer you risk overheating.”

Dr. Simpson suggests going for more frequent games of fetch or several short walks rather than one long run. This helps you build a more realistic routine that you both will stick to.

Know when to stop

Look for signs that you’re overdoing it like excessive panting. “When your dog’s tongue starts to hang out much longer and turns into a spoon shape, that means he’s getting overheated,” Dr. Niznik warns. "Also if your pup is slowing down or if his face looks stressed, these are warning signs you need to take a break and let your dog cool down."

Be prepared

Before you set out for any form of exercise with your dog, make sure you’ve trimmed his claws. You want to avoid risking snagging or tearing them on anything which can lead to a painful and sometimes serious injury. Dr. Niznik warns that a torn nail on a walk could turn into an emergency.

It's also important to ensure you’re current on any flea and tick medication even if you’re just going on backyard playdates. The threat from parasites and disease is one you don’t want to have to worry about every time you leave the house.

If you’re headed out in the heat, always pack water for your pup. You should make sure you’re prepared to help cool them down. They will be happy to have some to sip, and you can also use it to cool off the pads on their paws to help regulate their temperature.

The good news is exercising with your dog doesn’t require an elaborate plan. Here are the best ways to keep them moving:

In your apartment:

Try a modified form of horse training the American Kennel Club recommends called cavaletti. Set up an obstacle course with pool noodles or PVC pipes, and have your pup step over them in different formations and heights. Or set up your own improvised obstacle courses with sofa cushions and guide your dog through them with a treat. If your dog is able you can play fetch on the stairs or roll a ball across the floor.

In your yard:

Fetch is a great option but stick to a ball or a Frisbee. Dr. Niznik has seen dogs get injured with sticks. “Not only can a dog pick up a stick and chew it which can damage its mouth,” she explains, “but it’s possible for a stick to go down its throat and get lodged in the esophagus—especially if the dog is running at a high speed.”

You can also set up obstacle courses outdoors for more agility work and mental engagement for dogs that need more stimulation.

On the sidewalk:

“Walking is fun and easy for you and the dog—it’s one of the best things you can do,” Dr. Simpson says. "You should try to go on one walk a day outside of the house or yard to decrease boredom for your dog and reap all the benefits of exercise."

Allow for sniff breaks—you don’t have to keep a high-intensity pace the entire time.

The American Kennel Club suggests walking with a sturdy, non-retractable leash for more control, and a harness rather than a collar to avoid stressing the neck. If you’re going for a run, check with your vet to make sure your dog’s age, size, and breed are suited for it.

On the trail:

“Trails are usually nicer for walks because they are usually more shady and the ground is dirt or grass rather than asphalt,” Dr. Simpson says. These are great ways to work on your dog’s agility by letting them walk on uneven terrain and experience different stimuli.

Dr. Niznik suggests keeping your dog on a lead because they’re like kids and will naturally want to run without thinking what’s on the other side of a rock or cliff. And there is a risk of snakes or other wildlife that could also cause your dog to act unpredictably. Keep your dog with you at all times to avoid trouble.

In the water:

“Swimming can be extremely beneficial because you can get a full-body workout with minimal stress on joints—and they stay cool,” Dr. Simpson says. She advises putting your dog in a life jacket and staying with them at all times in the water. “Swimming isn’t intuitive for all dogs and stockier dogs tend to sink,” she says. “But a life jacket is a huge help so they can enjoy the water.”

You can play fetch or keep-away in the water just as you do on land and will soon have an exhausted and happy pup.

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Tell us: What are some of your dog's favorite types of exercise and activities?

When a dog has over 10 million followers on Instagram, it’s no surprise that 88 percent of pet owners say they consider their four-legged companion a member of the family. And with that devotion comes the desire to keep our beloved furry companions safe and healthy. That’s where pet insurance comes in.

According to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA), 2.5 million pets are insured in the United States and 83 percent of those pets are dogs.

“Where pet insurance benefits are nice is that veterinary medicine has come a long way in what we can and can’t do,” says Jerry Scheck, DVM, CVA, CSMT, a veterinarian in Hopewell Junction, NY. “We can do more for pets. Now acupuncture, CAT scans and MRIs are more common. We routinely do knee, brain and heart surgeries. And with those treatments come big expenses. With pet insurance, it makes people more comfortable with saying ‘yes.’ It allows you a comfort level with extending a pet’s quality of life and not worrying about the cost.”

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know if pet insurance is worth it. One way to look at insuring your dog is to consider it a way of planning for an emergency, says Sara Ochoa, DVM, a veterinarian in Whitehouse, TX. “[Pet insurance] is a forced saving account for your pet that will actually pay more if your pet is injured,” Dr. Ochoa explains. “This will help give you the peace of mind that you can get your dog whatever medical care that they need whatever the cost.”

If you’re deciding whether or not pet insurance is worth it for you, here are some reasons a plan for your pup might be a good investment.

1) Pet Insurance Companies Allow You To Choose Your Vet

Unlike human health care, there are few restrictions on who can provide service to your pet. In most cases pet insurance companies don’t have in network or out of network doctors so you don’t have to worry about searching for available vets, emergency clinic or specialist in your area or shop for doctors who take your plan.

Typically the only requirement is that the veterinarian is licensed. Some insurers may have an additional stipulation that the doctor has joined the American Veterinary Medical Association or the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association so check with the pet insurance company and your favorite vet before signing up for coverage.

2) You Can Find Affordable Pet Insurance to Fit Your Budget

Most pet insurance is highly customizable so you can decide the amount of coverage you want to invest in. The rates vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, size and geographic location.

Value Penguin reports you can pay from $10 to more than $100 a month but most people pay between $30 and $50 a month for pet insurance benefits. According to the North American Pet Insurance Association’s (NAPHIA), the average cost of premiums in the U.S. for dogs was about $534, or $43 a month. When it comes to claims, the average was $278 per claim.

What can make pet insurance affordable is that you determine what copay you want to have and how much the pet insurance company will reimburse you. Typical reimbursement levels are 70, 80 and 90%.  And there is usually a deductible that you have to pay out of pocket before the plan will pay any expenses. You can also choose a range of deductibles anywhere between $0 and $1,000. But as it is with human insurance, generally the lower your out-of-pocket costs upfront, the higher your monthly premiums will be.

“It’s never once policy fits all,” Dr. Scheck says. “It’s important that you read the fine print to find something will work for what you need for your pet.”

3) Pet Insurance Benefits Cover Lots of Useful Expenses and Unexpected Expenses

When determining if pet insurance is worth it for you, look for the plan options available. Generally you’ll be able to select from accident, illness and wellness plans.

An accident plan covers expenses related to your dog getting injured or poisoned. One company covered $2,200 toward a plate and screws to repair a broken leg.

If your dog gets sick, you’ll need an illness plan to help cover the costs of cancer treatment. For example, Trupanion reports paying over $13,000 for treatments for a Labrador with lymphoma.

According to an analysis of pet insurance claims by Nationwide Pet Insurance, the most expensive condition to treat for dogs was noncancerous skin masses with an average cost of $347. Skin allergies were the most common condition health issue costing $210 per dog.

For routine care and preventative care like exams and vaccines, you’ll have to enroll in wellness coverage that addresses these expenses. “One of the best things that some pet insurance companies cover is preventative medicine,” Dr. Ochoa says. “This would be things such as vaccines, spay or neutering, heartworm, and flea and tick prevention.”

Some plans include supplements, therapeutic diets and medications if a doctor prescribes them. And there are options that cover alternative medicine, rehabilitative care, physical therapy, and even grooming.

4) Your Dog is Still Healthy

No plan covers preexisting conditions for any illness or injury—so any health issues your dog has before you enroll in a policy won’t be covered. That’s why it’s best to enroll your dog as young as possible for the most coverage.  Any insurer will request records from your vet to see what health conditions have been flagged. As long as you keep your payment current, your pet will be covered under the policy. And as your dog gets older, you may be required to follow guidelines for senior care such as annual visits and certain wellness testing to remain eligible for plans.

As your dog gets older and develops more health conditions, rates can increase. Monthly rates can easily quadruple from a puppy to a 12-year-old dog. And the older your dog gets, the harder it can be to insure your pup. Some companies cut off plans at 10 to 14 years. ASPCA has no upper age limit and Healthy Paws and Trupanion doesn’t decrease coverage as pet gets older. When you get a quote for your dog, also get a quote for when your pup is 5 or 10 years older to see how the plan changes.

5) You Have Lots of Options for Pet Insurance Companies

To find the best pet insurance plan for you, you should comparison shop plans with different pet insurance companies so you can do a head-to-head comparison of what the plan costs would be for your pet. Companies will be able to give you the breakdown of the expenses for your dog to make comparison shopping for the best price simple.

The good news is there are several different companies that offer a range of options. Here are five of the best pet insurance companies with highlights of what they offer:

(Sample plans were for a 5-year-old medium size mixed breed male dog in Indiana.)

ASPCA: ASPCA Pet Health Insurance offer comprehensive coverage for accidents, illness, and behavioral issues as well as chemotherapy, stem-cell therapy and acupuncture. Their Complete Coverage plan was $50.24 a month with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement. There’s an option to add on a preventative care plan for $9.95 or $24.95 a month that covers dental cleaning, wellness exams and some tests. Plus, there’s a 10% discount for multiple pets.

Embrace: Embrace Pet Insurance offers a diminishing deductible that reduces your annual deductible by $50 for each year you don’t have a claim payment. You can opt for a Wellness Rewards plan that covers up to $650 a year of costs including exam fees, vaccinations, flea and heartworm medication, spay and neuter surgery, microchipping, supplements, grooming and training. For $36.62 a month you can get an accident and illness plan with a $300 deductible with 90% reimbursement. And you earn a 10% discount for enrolling multiple pets.

Healthy Paws: A major perk of Healthy Paws Pet Isurance is that there are no maximum per-incident, annual or lifetime payouts. They cover hereditary, congenital and chronic conditions. And will include payment for diagnostic treatment, X-rays, blood tests and ultrasounds. Healthy Paws also earns high customer reviews for speedy processing of claims. For $41.77 a month you can buy plan with a $250 deductible and 80% reimbursement.

Nationwide: As the first pet health insurance company (they insured Lassie in 1982), Nationwide is the largest provider. Their Whole Pet with Wellness plan offers unlimited annual benefits and covers hereditary and congenital disorders. And their comprehensive plan includes behavioral treatments and diagnostic testing as well as medications, nutritional supplements and therapeutic diets that are prescribed by a veterinarian. A comprehensive plan with a $250 deductible and 90% reimbursement is $82.20 a month or major medical is $37.85 a month. (They have a handy comparison tool on their site worth checking out.)

Trupanion: There are no coverage caps or payout limits with Trupanion and you can select any deductible from $0 to $1,000. A $200 deductible with 90% coverage is $88.27 a month. While there’s no wellness plan offered, you can opt to add coverage for recovery and complementary care that includes acupuncture, behavioral modification, chiropractic, homeopathy, hydrotherapy, naturopathy, physical therapy and rehabilitative therapy for $11.14 month. Trupanion also offers a direct pay option that covers a portion of the bill at checkout so you don’t have to wait for the full amount to be reimbursed.