Obesity in dogs is a big problem for pet owners. Dogs are becoming more and more obese, says the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP). 56 percent of dogs in the US were obese in 2017.
Additionally, having an overweight dog can result in serious health issues despite the fact that you may think its fur-covered rolls and big bellies look adorable.
At the first indication that their dogs are gaining weight, pet owners should consult their veterinarians, advises Dr. Animal Medical Center of Mid-America’s Kelly Ryan, the director of veterinary services there, “If a healthy diet and exercise program are started right away, serious health issues may be managed or even prevented.” ”.
How Many Calories Can You Burn Dog Walking?
A person of average weight can burn about 205 calories per hour while walking a dog at a leisurely pace of 2 mph, including potty and idle sniffing breaks, although it ultimately depends on the pace and general temperament of the dog. Dog walkers actually burn more calories trying to keep up with fast-moving dogs who pull on their leash as they try to maintain control by pulling back on the leash.
Although 205 calories may seem insignificant, they add up over time. Every day of the week, if you walk your dog for an hour, you will burn 1,435 calories that you would not have burned if you had been sitting at a desk. Given that it only takes 3,500 calories to lose one pound, dog walkers are already halfway there after one week.
But it’s also important to keep in mind that heavier people will be burning more calories, and there are ways to do so like walking uphill or moving more quickly. Unfortunately, you must make sure that the length and pace of the walk are suitable for the dog’s breed. Labradors, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers are active breeds that will always be up for long, brisk walks until they reach an advanced age.
However, less energetic breeds, such as Basset Hounds and Dachshunds with their short legs and squished noses that make it difficult to breathe, and dogs with a lazy temperament won’t want to go for excessively long or fast walks. They will eventually become exhausted, begin to sluggish down, and even complain about wanting to go home. Instead of taking these dogs on one long walk every day, it is preferable to take them on shorter walks more frequently.
What sort of equipment do I need?
If you want to work off some serious calories with your dog, ditch the leash and collar. When a collar is pulled, the trachea (windpipe) can be compressed, resulting in breathing problems or even a neck injury. Particularly risky collars include choke chains and any other devices that apply pressure to the neck in a constricting manner. Your safest choice is a head halter (Gentle Leader®, etc. (Ultra Paws® Harness, Gentle Leader® Easy Walk, etc.) or walking harness ). Look for wide, soft, padded straps and breathable materials.
A leash of a relatively short length is preferable. Because they endanger both the dog walker and the dog, retractable leashes are not recommended. To maintain a steady pace, you’ll keep your canine companion close by. Keep the long leash for exploring the park or taking leisurely strolls around the neighborhood.
In cold climates, protective booties and dog coats may be needed for prolonged winter walks. Don’t forget to bring water for you and your dog if you’re going to be walking for more than 30 minutes or in hot weather (above 80-85°F or 26-29°C for most dogs). There are many different types of portable water bottles available for dogs on the go if you want to give your dog a fashionable outfit.
There aren’t many dogs that naturally walk at a pace that raises heart rates enough to promote sustained aerobic activity and weight loss. According to observations, people walking with their dogs typically move at a slow strolling pace of 25 minutes per mile (15 minutes per kilometer). They stop frequently (typically every one to two minutes) to let the dog sniff something interesting or mark territory.
Walking for weight loss is very different than walking for pleasure. Make your objective to walk briskly from the beginning of the walk. Too often, if you start slowly, allowing the dog to sniff and smell everything, you may have a challenging time getting them to speed up. It is not necessary to warm up before a walk or a slow jog; as hunters, dogs have adapted to be able to accelerate rapidly with very little risk of injury.
Draw your leash close, typically between two and four feet (0 centimeters). Set off at a pace you feel comfortable maintaining within five to one meters) of your body. This should be done at a pace of 7-9 minutes per kilometer, or 12-15 minutes per mile. You should feel like you’re walking quickly and start to perspire lightly. The key is to keep it up!.
When your dog inevitably stops to smell something or marks a fire hydrant, do not look down at them. Give a command like “No stop,” “Come,” or “Here,” keep moving straight ahead, tighten the leash (but don’t jerk it), and continue. “Using head halters is an excellent way to teach dogs to heel while taking a brisk walk You might need to go back home if your dog sits or is unwilling to move. If this occurs, you should crate him or place him in a quiet area away from you and try again later. However, given that most dogs are receptive to this new form of exercise, this is uncommon.
For the majority of overweight or obese dogs, we advise beginning with 30-minute walks at least five times per week, provided their heart and lungs are functioning normally and they have no other underlying medical conditions. In a perfect world, you would walk for exercise seven days a week. A sample schedule follows:
Consider low-impact alternatives to just walking for exercise.
While most overweight dogs can manage brief walks, those with joint issues or arthritis may benefit from other types of exercise. Carrying around extra weight is exhausting and taxing on the joints, just like it is for people, says Dr. Liff. Additionally, some pets gain weight as a result of arthritis, which limits their ability to exercise. ”.
If so, hydrotherapy is a form of exercise that is kind to the joints and involves having your overweight dog run on an underwater treadmill. Pets can burn extra calories with this hydrotherapy machine’s low-impact workout, according to Dr. Ryan. “The water reduces the stress on the pet’s joints. Additionally, the warmth of the water can lessen joint swelling in arthritis-stricken canines. ”.
FAQ
How much do I need to walk my dog to lose weight?
You should aim for a daily brisk 30-minute walk. Within a few minutes of walking like this, you should start to slightly perspire. See the handout “Walking Your Dog for Weight Loss” for information on creating a healthy walking schedule for your dog. “Increase the intensity and length of your daily walk. “.
How many calories do you burn walking a dog for 30 minutes?
A person of average weight can burn about 205 calories per hour while walking a dog at a leisurely pace of 2 mph, taking into account potty and idle sniffing breaks.How Many Calories Can You Burn Dog Walking?While it ultimately depends on the pace and general temperament of the dog,
Is 2 30 minutes of walking enough for dogs?
Dogs should engage in between 30 minutes and 2 hours of low to moderate exercise each day, according to veterinarians. Veterinarians advise 30 minutes of vigorous, high intensity exercise in addition to one to two hours of moderate activities for high-energy or working breeds.
Is 1 hour walk a day enough for dog?
Some require as little as one to two hours of exercise per day, while others require more than two hours, and some—mostly working breeds—need significantly more in addition to constant mental stimulation.