Taking your dog for daily walks enhances nearly all canines’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Walks provide exercise, which is beneficial to your dog’s health.
Walks are also psychologically engaging for your dog, who can detect new scents, meet new people and dogs. Or simply explore the vast big world outside. Walks can help break up long days at home, alleviate boredom, and result in a happier, more relaxed dog overall. Walking your dog is also beneficial to you. People, like dogs, benefit from outside walks in terms of fitness and cerebral stimulation.
Walking your dog should be beneficial to both
A limited number of dogs should not be walked. Dogs with health issues or physical challenges that prevent them from safely and pleasantly enjoying a stroll should not take long walks. Some dogs simply do not appreciate long walks, whether due to fear or anxiety or for other reasons. If you are unsure whether walking is appropriate for your dog, consult with your veterinarian.
Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked dog-walking questions, such as how long walks should be, the optimum times of day to walk, and more.
How Long Should You Take Your Dog on a Walk?
It all depends on a couple of things. Your dog’s age, breed, and more.
Yonger Dogs
Puppies require shorter walks than adults. Younger dogs have a lot of enthusiasm but not much stamina, so they get tired quickly.
Puppies thrive on frequent, brief walks, which also aid with potty training and leash training.
Aim for short walks of five to ten minutes, and take your puppy out three or more times per day.
Older Dogs
Senior dogs can normally walk longer than young puppies. However, many seniors require shorter walks than they did as young adults to avoid joint and muscle ailments. Depending on its age, your senior dog may have less stamina and tire out faster than a young adult dog.
Aim for one or two 20- to 30-minute walks each day for seniors. You can travel a little further if your senior dog is in good form and wants to keep going. Make sure your dog does not limp or become stiff after extended walks.
Adult Dogs
Depending on the breed of your dog, body type, and disposition, your walks may be longer or shorter. Most adult dogs are content to go on as many walks as you will. Aim for at least two daily walks. And don’t be afraid to add an extra walk or two if you have the time.
Small and Special Breeds
Chihuahuas, Maltese, Papillons, Pomeranians, and Yorkshire Terriers, for example, require shorter walks. These dogs with little legs must move much faster to cover the same distance as larger dogs who have longer legs.
Brachycephalic breeds, such as the boxer, bulldog, French bulldog, and pug, may also require shorter walks. Dogs with those cute short snouts can make long walks challenging to breathe, especially during exercise.
Shorter walks may be required for dog breeds with long backs and short legs, such as the Basset hound, Dachshund, Pembroke Welsh corgi, and Scottish terrier, though this may depend on the breed and individual dog. Some short-legged dogs can tolerate longer walks, so consult your veterinarian and assess your dog’s skills accordingly.
Begin with 15- to 30-minute walks twice a day for small dogs, flat-faced dog breeds, and dwarf dog breeds. To make these walks simpler for your dog, begin them in cooler weather. If your dog enjoys walking and appears to be content with lengthier walks, gradually increase the length of the walks. Always stopping before your dog becomes overtired.
Medium to Large Size Dogs
Medium to large breeds, like a beagle, English springer spaniel, golden retriever, and Labrador retriever, can typically go for longer walks if they are in good physical and mental health. These breeds can generally go on modest to lengthy hikes with ease.
Australian shepherds, border collies, Siberian huskies, vizslas, and Weimaraner are athletic breeds that are built for speed and stamina. Longer walks are not only enjoyable for such breeds but also may be required (together with other forms of exercise) in order for them to be calm and happy at home.
Begin with 30- to 60-minute walks twice a day for medium and big animals, and especially athletic breeds. Increase the length and frequency of walks as your dog appears to be comfortable and excited.
What would be the Best Times of Day for Dog Walks?
Although many dogs enjoy going for a walk at any time of day, morning and early evening walks are often preferred. These hours allow you to exercise and potty your dog before and after you leave for work.
During the summer, when the midday heat makes walking risky, these are also the most dangerous times of the day for walks. Take advantage of the lower temps in the early mornings and late evenings when the weather isn’t as scorching.
Walking Your Dog Safely
Always personalize dog walks for your specific dog. If your dog has extra weight or has a medical condition, consult with your veterinarian before beginning a new walking schedule.
It usually is better to gradually increase the length of your dog’s walks. Begin with shorter walks and gradually increase the distance by a few minutes every few days if your dog is comfortable with the activity.
Always come to an end to walk before your dog becomes overly fatigued. Slowing down, heavy panting with the tongue extending far out, refusing to walk ahead, or lying down are all signs that your dog is growing fatigued. If this occurs, give your dog some time to recover before returning home and making the following stroll short.
Walking in Hot Weather should be Avoided
Taking your dog for a walk on a hot day is not a good idea. If you must take your dog out to relieve him/her, make it a short walk. And try to walk your dog in a shady area.
In the summer heat, limit your walks to dawn and dusk and, if required, shorten their duration. Walking on hot pavement can cause delicate paw pads to burn. Also exercising in extreme heat can cause overheating or even heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Excessive panting and/or drooling, a bright red, blue, or purple tongue or gums, shaking, vomiting, diarrhea, and collapse are all symptoms of heatstroke.
If you detect your dog is panting, or your dog is suffering from heatstroke, remove him/her from the heat as quickly as possible. You should wet its body with cool (not ice-cold) water, and contact a veterinarian as quickly as possible.
Words from Bone2travel
If you plan on walking your dog for more than 30 minutes, always bring water with you. Even in milder weather, your dog can grow thirsty and overheated, particularly if your dog has a long, thick coat or is not used to going extended distances.