Several elements, such as your dog’s breed, age, and level of energy, will determine how frequently you should walk your dog. Of course, how much time you have to walk your dog also plays a role. Here is how each of these considerations affects how frequently a dog should be walked.
Let’s look at the breed of dog you have first. Dogs bred to be lapdogs, like Yorkshire Terriers and Papillons, have lower exercise needs than sporting or working breeds, like Pointers, Collies, and Shepherds.
Some dogs are born athletes, while others spend most of their time being couch potatoes. Of course, this could be a result of the dog’s breed or just a matter of personal preference. The Bassett Hound is not typically considered to be the ideal jogging partner, but I have met several Basset Hounds who live very active lives with their owners.
Younger dogs require more exercise than middle-aged (5-8 years) and senior dogs (9 years and over) because they are generally more energetic. Younger dogs also spend more time playing than older dogs.
But again, there are always exceptions to this rule. Remember that middle-aged or older dogs may suffer from diseases like hypothyroidism or diabetes that cause muscle atrophy, arthritis, or other conditions that reduce their stamina. Although they might be mentally eager to move, their bodies might not be able to keep up.
How much exercise does your dog require? Most dogs, provided they are in reasonably good physical condition, can tolerate daily 20 to 30 minute dog walks. Some dogs in excellent physical condition can endure walks of up to two hours or hours-long hikes. However, it might be challenging for overweight or obese dogs to walk for 10 minutes without stopping frequently or panting a lot from the effort.
Take your dog for a walk and keep an eye on her energy level to determine how long of a walk she needs based on her current health. Invest in a quality dog harness like the Halti dog harness and a robust dog leash like the Halti training dog lead if your dog walks you for a walk at a fast pace. Around 25 to 30 minutes into the walk, if she begins to sag, she might be getting tired. She might begin to pant more and become more interested in her surroundings, such as looking and sniffing more, rather than briskly moving forward.
As you begin to return home, keep an eye on her walking speed. If it slows down even more, then she has walked too far; if she can maintain the slower pace, then it slows down even more. Your walk needs to be shorter the next time because you need to factor in the time it will take to walk back home.
You should keep an eye on your dog’s behavior after the walk, once you get home, in addition to how long it takes for her to slow down. Your dog may have overexerted herself if she drinks water and then immediately collapses on one of her dog beds and stays there for several hours. If your dog begins to limp while out for a walk or after taking a break from a long walk, she has likely had too much exercise. You should take a shorter walk or hike the next time.
As long as a dog is healthy, their tolerance for exercise can be increased. If your dog has been sedentary for months or years, you shouldn’t expect her to walk, run, or hike for hours, just as you wouldn’t sign up for a marathon if you hadn’t run in years. Take it easy and gradually increase your dog’s exercise regimen each week. You can prevent pain and injury by properly conditioning your dog’s body and gradually increasing her stamina.
A dog lifting harness, like the GingerLead dog lifting harness, can be purchased if your older dog requires more support and enables you to bear some of her weight if she gets too tired. Make sure not to put too much pressure on her or you risk injuring her back or abdomen.
How frequently should you walk your dog if you find out that she can walk for 30 minutes without experiencing any discomfort?
The CDC advises people to engage in at least 150 minutes of exercise each week. It would be great if you tried to exercise your pet this much each week. However, we lead busy lives and occasionally work extremely long shifts. Those who can afford dog walkers can easily meet their dogs’ exercise needs. If you can’t afford to pay a dog walker, try to take your dog out for a short walk every day, or at least 2-3 times per week. If you have a yard, you can also use it to play with your dog as additional exercise.
Use dog puzzle toys to focus on lower impact activities if you don’t have enough time for leash walking, don’t have a yard, or your dog is in poor physical condition. Your dog can take its time exploring the house with a Kong Wobbler and stroll more slowly.
Try to keep your dog active for at least 10-15 minutes at a time inside your home. Your dog will be overall healthier and more mentally balanced if you give her both physical and mental outlets.
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Like people, dogs need daily movement to feel their best. Dogs must exercise regularly to maintain muscle tone and a healthy weight for their breed and age. But walking your dog isn’t about physical activity alone. Walking your dog regularly helps to stimulate their minds and prevents potential behavioral problems like anxiety and aggression.
When Is It Safe to Walk a Puppy?
While you want to provide your puppy with a way to release their energy, some viruses, like parvo, can be extremely contagious and even fatal for dogs. By 16 weeks, when the majority of puppies finish their vaccinations, they should be healthy enough to interact with other animals. In the meantime, limit your puppy’s exposure to unfamiliar dogs.
The full series of puppy vaccines must be given, especially if the puppy will be in public. Wilson says. “Normally, I advise giving their immune system two weeks to fully respond after their last booster.” ”.
Additionally, puppies struggle to control their body temperatures, so you should consider the weather before taking them for a walk outside. Make sure you don’t walk your new puppy on hot asphalt if you get one in the summer, advises Dr. Wilson says. The same goes for winter weather. When the weather gets chilly, try to keep your puppy inside and make sure they have cozy things to keep them warm.
How Good Is Walking as Exercise?
“A lot of people think of dog walks as an energy release or a way for their pet to let loose,” says Dr. Emily Wilson, DVM, a veterinarian at Fuzzy. “It doesn’t just have to be your dog sniffing bushes and relieving themselves. It can be really interactive.”
Some dogs, especially younger ones, seem to have boundless energy. Long walks and other forms of exercise can exhaust them, making them a calmer and quieter companion at home.
But what’s essential for dogs is consistency. According to Dr. According to Wilson, the dog finds routines to be “really comforting and it helps them anticipate what the schedule is.” “Dogs are better able to control their emotions when they know what to anticipate, so this means going for routine walks at roughly the same time every day.”
FAQ
Is it OK to walk a dog once a day?
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.
Can you walk a dog too often?
Generally speaking, your pet shouldn’t receive more than an hour’s worth of playtime or exercise per day, including walks. We must also be mindful of how many family members are walking or playing with our pet during the COVID-19 “stay at home” order, and for how long. Get to know your pet’s favorite forms of exercise.
Is it OK not to walk your dog everyday?
The majority of dogs adore them, and they can make a wonderful addition to our day. Having said that, going for a walk each day is not required. Many dog owners believe that skipping their dogs’ daily walks is a sign of failure. In actuality, your dog usually has nothing to worry about, and occasionally, they need it the most.
How many times must a dog be walked?
Generally speaking, it’s advised to take your dog on at least 15-minute walks three to four times per day.