Being a pet owner can be stressful. Taking care of your furry best friend is a difficult task that involves scheduling annual veterinarian visits as well as maintaining regular feeding schedules.
The simplest task, like taking your dog for a walk, can seem tedious. All dogs need to go for walks, no matter their size, breed, or age. Walks are good for your dog’s health, whether they are a leisurely stroll, an endurance run, or a bathroom break.
The frequency of your dog’s walks will depend on a few different factors, but the main point to remember is that exercise is beneficial for all pets.
How Long Should You Walk Your Dog?
This question’s response is influenced by your dog’s age, breed, and other elements.
Puppies need shorter walks than adult dogs. Puppies easily get tired because they have a lot of energy but not a lot of stamina. Puppies benefit from regular, brief walks, which also aid in potty training and leash training. Take your puppy for walks at least three times per day, aiming for quick strolls of five to ten minutes.
Young puppies can typically walk longer than senior dogs, but many senior dogs need shorter walks than they did as young adults to avoid muscle and joint injuries. Your senior dog may also have less stamina and tire out quicker than a young adult dog depending on its age.
Aim for one or two 20 to 30 minute walks per day for seniors. If your senior dog is in great shape, eager to continue walking, and doesn’t limp or become overly stiff after longer walks, you can go a little further.
Senior dogs and puppies cannot walk as far as adult dogs can. Depending on the breed, physical characteristics, and temperament of your dog, your walks may be longer or shorter. The majority of adult dogs are content to accompany you on as many walks as you like. At least two daily walks are ideal, but if you have the time, feel free to add one or two more.
Chihuahuas, Maltese, Papillons, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers are small breeds that typically require shorter walks. To cover the same amount of ground as a larger dog with longer legs, those tiny legs need to move a lot more.
Breeds with pushed-in faces, such as the boxer, bulldog, French bulldog, and pug, are known as brachycephalic breeds and may also need shorter walks. This is due to the fact that the dog may have trouble breathing due to those adorable short snouts, especially when exercising.
Long-backed and short-legged dog breeds like the Basset Hound, Dachshund, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and Scottish Terrier—though this will depend on the breed and individual dog—might need shorter walks. Longer walks are perfectly fine for some short-legged dogs, so consult your veterinarian and determine your dog’s capabilities accordingly.
Start out by taking small dogs, flat-faced breeds, and dwarf breeds for 15 to 30 minute walks twice daily. To make these walks easier for your dog, start them when the weather is cooler. If your dog enjoys walking and seems content to go for longer distances, you can gradually lengthen the walks while making sure to stop before your dog gets too tired.
If the dog is physically healthy and in good condition, medium to large breeds like the beagle, English springer spaniel, golden retriever, and Labrador retriever can typically go for longer walks. These breeds can typically walk for moderately long distances with ease.
Breeds that are built for speed and endurance include the Australian shepherd, border collie, Siberian husky, vizsla, and Weimaraner. These breeds can enjoy longer walks, but they may even demand them (along with other forms of exercise) in order to be calm and content at home.
Start out by going for walks that are between 30 and 60 minutes long, twice daily, with medium and large breeds, with an emphasis on athletic breeds. Increase the length and frequency of your dog’s walks as much as he or she seems at ease and enthusiastic about them.
What Times of Day Are Best for Dog Walks?
Even though many dogs enjoy going for walks at any time of day, the morning and early evening are typically the best times. Before leaving for work and after returning home from work, you can exercise and potty your dog during these times. When walking becomes hazardous due to the midday heat in the summer, these are also the best times of day. Utilize the cooler temperatures early in the morning and later in the evening when it’s not quite so hot.
The best way to determine how your dog feels about the distance of the walk is to observe his behavior. If he’s active, you’ll notice he’s enjoying the stroll and keeping up with you without any trouble. A less energetic dog might move more slowly and require more breaks.
The Move Your Doggie team is your pet parenting partner. For our clients, we offer dog walking services in Whitby and Oshawa for periods of 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. To ensure that your dog gets the socialization, interaction, and exercise he needs, schedule your walks with us right away.
Walking is an important part of every dog’s life. Regular walks give dogs the chance to experience different environments, sights, smells, and sounds. Additionally, regular walks give dogs the chance to interact with other canines, which makes them calmer, happier, and healthier than canines with little access to exercise. Additionally, if you are walking a longer distance, remember to bring water so that your dog can stay hydrated.
For puppies, a 15-minute walk is advised until they are fully grown in order to prevent joint damage from long walks. It is best to consult your veterinarian for senior dogs or dogs with health issues to ensure that your dog doesn’t have arthritis or other conditions that could make walking painful. In this situation, shorten the walks so that your dog can enjoy them without experiencing any discomfort.
You can use a few veterinarian recommendations as a general guide for how long to walk your dog. To your dog’s specific needs, though, it is typically best to modify this advice. Some dogs simply have more energy to burn than others. As a general rule, it is typically advised that an adult dog of medium size exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Larger or more energetic dogs can often go for longer walks than smaller or older dogs, who frequently need less exercise. While 45 minutes or more is ideal, most dog owners can usually achieve a 30-minute walk goal, which will help to keep their dog healthy and balanced.
FAQ
How long is a decent walk for a dog?
While 45 minutes or more is ideal, most dog owners can usually achieve a 30-minute walk goal, which will help to keep their dog healthy and balanced. For puppies, a 15-minute walk is advised until they are fully grown in order to prevent joint damage from long walks.
How long a dog should walk a day?
According to PetMD, the majority of dogs benefit from between 30 minutes and two hours of physical activity each day. Although it can be done all at once, most people spread it out over two or three daily walks.
Is a 20 minute walk enough for a dog?
Most dogs, provided they are in reasonably good physical condition, can tolerate daily 20–30 minute dog walks. Some dogs in excellent physical condition can endure walks of up to two hours or hours-long hikes.
How many walks a day does a dog need?
Most dogs require at least 1-2 daily walks (unless your vet recommends otherwise). A slow, meandering walk where you allow your dog to sniff and explore for as long as they want is great for their mental health. A brisk walk is a great opportunity for your dog to burn off extra energy.