Fun Ways to Keep Your Pet Active as the Weather Warms Up

As the days grow longer and Melbourne begins to warm up, it is a great time to think about how your pet is spending their energy. With more daylight comes more opportunities for play, adventure and enrichment, along with the need to be mindful of heat and hydration.

In this guide, we cover fun exercise ideas for dogs and cats, how much activity they really need, and simple ways to keep them safe and comfortable as the temperature rises. These tips can help your pet stay happy, healthy and active throughout the warmer months.

Fun Exercise Tips for Dogs

Longer evenings and warmer weather make it much easier to fit in extra movement for your dog. A walk around the neighbourhood, a visit to a dog park or a game in the backyard can all help burn energy while providing mental stimulation. 

Some dogs love a challenge, while others prefer a relaxed play session or a gentle stroll. The key is to choose activities that suit your dog’s age, breed and energy level.
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 A few fun ways to exercise your dog include:

• Dog park visits, such as Fawkner Park, can be a great way for your dog to socialise, explore new smells and run freely.
• Agility classes or training sessions help build coordination, focus and confidence. Locally, Glen Iris Dog Training Club runs friendly community-based agility and obedience classes, while Underdog Training in Hawthorn East offers dedicated agility sessions for dogs of most ages and fitness levels.
• Dog-friendly beaches such as Elwood Beach offer space to run, sniff, swim and enjoy a change of scenery.
• Fetch and tug games in a shaded yard are easy ways to get your dog moving without a long walk.
• Swimming is a fantastic low-impact option that also helps cool your dog down in summer.

​Mixing physical exercise with a little mental stimulation often leaves dogs calmer and more content by the end of the day. If you've recently welcomed a new puppy and want expert guidance on safe socialisation and exercise from the very start, our Ripponlea puppy preschool program is a great place to begin.

How Much Exercise Does My Dog Need?

One of the most common questions we hear at Ripponlea Vet is how much exercise my dog needs. The answer depends on your dog’s breed, age and overall health, but most adult dogs benefit from around 30 to 60 minutes of activity each day, whether that's a walk, an off-leash run, or structured play.
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Here is what we typically recommend:

• Adult dogs generally need 30 to 60 minutes of exercise each day. 
• High-energy breeds such as Border Collies, Kelpies, and working dogs may need closer to an hour or more, often split into a few sessions across the day.
• Puppies require short, frequent bursts of play rather than long walks.
• Small or Senior dogs usually do best with gentle, low-impact activity.
• Any pet recovering from illness or surgery should be exercised strictly according to your vet's advice.
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If you are unsure what is right for your dog, our team can help you work out a plan that suits their breed, age and lifestyle.

How to Cool a Dog Down in Summer

As temperatures rise, it is important to adjust when and how your dog exercises. Dogs do not cool themselves as efficiently as people do, so it is important to be alert for signs of overheating.

Swimming is one of the best ways to help your dog cool off on a hot day. If you are heading out locally, Elwood Beach is a popular spot for a dip with your dog, but off-leash access and permitted hours can change with the seasons, so it is always best to check the current City of Port Phillip signage before you go, especially over summer.
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Here are some simple steps to keep your dog safe during the warmer months: 

• Exercise dogs during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or evening, rather than the middle of the afternoon.
• Always carry water and offer regular breaks, especially during longer walks or play sessions.
• Avoid hot pavement and sand, as these surfaces can burn sensitive paw pads quickly.
• Provide access to shade and, where possible, a paddling pool, sprinkler or damp towel for a quick cool down.
• Watch for signs of overheating, including excessive panting, drooling, lethargy or collapse, and contact your vet immediately if you're concerned.
  
  

Flat-faced breeds, senior dogs, puppies and overweight dogs are especially prone to heat stress, so extra care is needed with these pets in the warmer months. If your dog is carrying a bit of extra weight, it's also worth chatting to us about a weight management plan, as excess weight makes it harder for dogs to regulate their body temperature.

Fun Exercise Tips for Cats

Cats are often thought of as low-maintenance when it comes to activity, but regular play is just as important for their physical and mental well-being, particularly for indoor cats. The good news is that most cat exercise fits neatly around the warmer months, too, since it usually happens safely indoors, out of the heat.

Interactive toys such as wand toys or feather teasers tap into a cat's natural hunting instincts, while puzzle feeders and treat balls turn mealtime into an activity your cat has to work for. A cat tree, window perch or set of shelves gives your cat somewhere to climb, stretch and watch the world from a safe height.

 A few fun ways to exercise a cat include:

• Wand toys and feather teasers, encouraging natural hunting instincts and getting your cat moving.
• Puzzle feeders and treat balls make mealtime more engaging and mentally stimulating.
• Cat trees, shelves and scratching posts, giving cats the chance to climb, stretch and observe from height.
• Homemade toys, such as a ball of paper or a cardboard box tower, are refreshed or rotated regularly to hold interest.
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If you are wondering how to exercise a cat that spends most of their time indoors, the answer is usually a mix of short play sessions, enrichment and a bit of creativity. Even 10 to 15 minutes at a time can make a real difference to their health. 

How Much Exercise Does My Cat Need?

Cats generally need less total activity than dogs, but they still benefit from daily play. Most cats do well with around 20 to 30 minutes of dedicated activity each day, spread across several short sessions.

Younger cats and kittens usually want more frequent play, while older cats may prefer calmer bursts of movement. The best guide is your cat’s behaviour, because once they lose interest, it is usually time to stop.

Here is what we typically recommend:

• Aim for a few short play sessions throughout the day rather than one long one.
• Kittens and younger cats often need more frequent bursts of play than senior cats.
• Watch your cat's cues. Walking away or losing interest is a sign that a session has run its course.
• Rotate toys and games regularly to keep your cat engaged and prevent boredom.

​If you're ever concerned your cat isn't getting enough activity, or you've noticed changes in their weight or behaviour, our Ripponlea Veterinary team is happy to chat through options tailored to your cat.

How to Cool a Cat Down in Summer

Cats are usually good at finding cool spots on their own, though all cats can be affected in extreme heat, especially if they're elderly, overweight, unwell, or a flat-faced breed. 
Keeping your cat cool is usually about making their home environment comfortable and giving them plenty of options to regulate themselves.

Here are some simple steps to keep your cat comfortable during the warmer months:

• Make sure fresh, cool water is always available in more than one spot.
• Keep your cat indoors during the hottest part of the day.
• Provide access to a shaded, cool and well-ventilated room.
• Brush long-haired cats regularly in summer to help reduce excess coat.
• Offer a pet-safe frozen treat, such as an ice cube tray filled with tuna or salmon broth, for a little cooling enrichment.
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Watch for signs such as open-mouth breathing, lethargy or restlessness, and contact your vet immediately if you are concerned. Cats are very good at hiding discomfort, so it is always worth paying attention to subtle changes.

FAQs

Q: How much exercise does my dog need each day? 
A: Most adult dogs typically require around 30 and 60 minutes of exercise daily, though this varies depending on breed, age and health. Speak with our Ripponlea Veterinary team to discuss a tailored plan for your dog.

Q: What are some fun ways to exercise your dog without a long walk?
A:  Fetch, tug games, agility classes, a visit to a local off-leash area such as Elsternwick Park, and swimming at the local Elwood Beach (off-leash access and permitted hours can vary with seasons) are all great options that keep exercise varied and enjoyable.

Q: How do I exercise an indoor cat? 
A: Short, regular play sessions with wand toys, feather teasers, puzzle feeders and a cat tree for climbing all help indoor cats stay active and engaged, ideally spread across a few sessions each day.

Q: How much exercise does my cat need compared to my dog? 
A: Cats generally need less activity than dogs, often around 20 to 30 minutes a day, but it should come in several short bursts rather than one long session, matching their natural hunt and rest pattern.

Q: How can I cool my dog down in summer?
A: The best way to cool your dog down is to keep activity to the cooler parts of the day, offer plenty of fresh water, provide shade, and avoid hot pavement or sand. Swimming can also help, but always supervise your dog and stop if you notice signs of overheating, such as heavy panting, drooling or lethargy.

Q: How do I know if my dog is too hot during exercise? 
A: Watch for heavy panting, drooling, lethargy, stumbling or collapse. If you notice any of these signs, stop activity immediately, move your dog to shade and contact your vet.

Q: How do I know if my cat is struggling in the heat? 
A: Signs include open-mouth breathing, restlessness, lethargy or seeking out unusual spots to lie down. Cats can mask discomfort well, so it's worth checking in with your vet if you're at all concerned.
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Q: Is swimming safe for all dogs?
A:  Swimming is a great low-impact activity for many dogs, but not all dogs are natural swimmers. Introduce water gradually, always supervise, and check with your vet if your dog has any health conditions that might affect their ability to swim safely.

Ready to Keep Your Pet Active Through the Warmer Months

Staying active through the warmer months is one of the simplest ways to support your pet’s health and happiness. Whether it is a game of fetch, a swim down Elwood Beach or a puzzle feeder, small routines can make a big difference.
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If you'd like tailored advice on the right amount and type of exercise for your dog or cat, or if you have any concerns about how they're coping with the warmer weather, our team at Ripponlea Vet is here to help. Book an appointment with us today and let's make sure your pet is set up for a fun, safe and active season ahead.