Good pet owners know that owning a dog is not justified about cuddling on the couch and belly rub. Our fur babies need a lot of care and attention, and most importantly, they need daily physical exercise and mental stimulation.
To keep their bodies and minds healthy, dogs should be walked at least once a day. They probably won’t let you sleep past 9am without alerting you that it’s time to go out anyway! Walking your dog is also good for you as it keeps you in shape and helps you bond with your pup.
While it’s common knowledge to walk your dog every day, do you know how long the walk should be? According to veterinarians, this varies depending on your dog’s breed and size. You can read their advice below.
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How Long Should You Walk Your Dog?
Daily walks with your dog keep them healthy in many ways. It reduces stress, strengthens bones and muscles and also helps against cardiovascular diseases. But while you strive to maintain your dog’s health, avoid the mistake of taking him on long walks that will unduly tire your pet.
dr Kelly Diehl, a small animal internal medicine specialist and executive director of science and communications at the Morris Animal Foundation, said Newsweek that the length of your dog’s walk depends on his age, breed and environmental conditions.
“Is it really hot or cold outside? Is it raining? Or is it snowing? Or does sleet fall? All of these factors need to be considered,” she said.
Small Breeds
Smaller breed dogs have less resistance than large dogs, so their gait should be tailored to their size and strength.
dr Grant Little, veterinary expert at question-and-answer platform JustAnswer, said Newsweek that what a Labrador retriever perceives as an easy jog can prove to be a full-fledged run for a smaller dog like a Chihuahua. “A small dog can tire more quickly on a long walk because it has to keep up with the owner and run faster,” he said.
Little suggested considering about 20 minutes of exercise at a time for small dogs weighing less than 15 pounds. Dog owners should always contact their local veterinarian if they find walks are becoming a problem, he added.
Big Breeds
For larger breeds, Little suggested a 30- to 60-minute walk at a time, adding that more athletic breeds, like Labrador Retrievers and Australian Shepherds, can often go on long hour-long walks and experience little to no pain.
“Work early on in the training and be able and ready to recognize if your dog is getting too late or if he seems to be in pain or mobility issues,” he said.
Other factors to consider
Another important factor to consider is the pet’s age. According to Little, a young, healthy dog up to 4 years old will be much more energetic and will be able to go for long walks without much strain on his system.
“A young pet that goes for a walk can be prone to exercise-induced illnesses like low blood sugar and dehydration. older dogs can have similar issues, especially when underlying issues are also present,” he said. “One way to combat these problems is to always get the result you want.” If you have an older or younger pet that isn’t used to walking a lot, try short walks first, then lengthen them the time when you don’t notice any problems with the new amount of exercise.
You should also consider any previous medical issues your dog may have suffered from, Little warned. Arthritis, hip dysplasia and torn ligaments are just some of the issues that cause significant pain and can lead to bigger problems in the future, he said. Previous heart or lung diseases can also lead to difficulties in supplying oxygen to the rest of the body.
“When this happens, walks should be reduced and the frequency can be changed, for example, walking 15 minutes twice a day instead of an hour once a day,” he said. “Any medical issues should be actively addressed with your veterinarian’s advice before engaging in strenuous exercise.”
How can you help your dog when he’s walked too much?
According to Diehl, you should never put yourself in a situation where you’ve walked your dog for too long and he’s extremely tired.
“If you’re hiking 4 miles from the trailhead and your dog collapses, that’s a serious problem,” she said. “As a vet I have seen dogs at the clinic that have collapsed during training and it can be life threatening. When your dog is tired it may be necessary to carry him in a backpack or use a stroller.”
“Providing food, water and shelter can help a tired dog. Getting rest can also help, but think to yourself: if you’re tired, how much rest would you need to complete a long hike you’re fit for now? Avoid.” Those situations really are for the best – I can’t stress that enough!”
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