There are too many variables to make a general recommendation. When creating the ideal walking plan for your dog, take them all into account.
There isn’t a reliable general guideline that specifies how far or how long you should walk your dog. The frequency of dog walks should be determined by several pertinent aspects that are unique to each person’s health and requirements. These factors include:
7 things to consider about how often to walk your dog
Age: Adolescent and middle-aged dogs require more activity than young pups or elderly dogs do. In fact, if you try to exercise your dog too much—that is, walk them too far or too frequently during the day—you run the risk of injuring them physically.
Fitness: A fit, slender dog can stroll for multiple long, brisk walks each day. A canine that is overweight and out of shape should walk slowly and not too far.
Elimination Habits: Some dogs only poop once a day, while others poop three times throughout each stroll. Furthermore, some dogs seem incapable of passing gas until they have gone a mile or more. Once you’ve found what works best for your dog, if you stick to a regular schedule for his elimination opportunities, it will minimize his physical discomfort.
Health: For short-term illnesses like as a scraped or lacerated paw pad, heartworm treatment, or temporary rehabilitation following surgery, walking should always be limited in length and frequency. Walking should be slower and shorter when dealing with chronic health issues like respiratory problems or painful illnesses like arthritis.
Breed or Type: Large breeds like the St. Bernard or Mastiff, or short-legged brachycephalic breeds like the English Bulldog, French Bulldog, and other similar short-nosed dogs, can (and should) take far longer walks than dogs intended for high activity, such as working, sporting, and herding types.
Environment: Extreme heat or cold can affect your dog, so you should take shorter walks during these periods. Once more, it can be somewhat breed-specific: your Siberian Husky, bred to pull sleds in the winter, will be able to withstand subfreezing temperatures far longer than your Chihuahua, and your Pomeranian (whose ancestors were also bred to pull sleds!) will probably experience heat exhaustion far sooner than your Greyhound, bred centuries ago to track down wildlife in the Egyptian desert.
Desire: Even while we frequently believe that all dogs like long walks on foot, we are starting to pay more attention to what our dogs are telling us! Dogs require stimulation and mental and physical activity to flourish, but walks aren’t the only method to provide these things! A five-mile walk can be just as exhausting and far more pleasurable for the dog than a “sniffari,” which is a leisurely stroll across a field or park while wearing a long leash and going at his own speed. On the other hand, a dull walk at human speed can be less enjoyable and less exhausting than chasing a ball or flying disc in the garden. Consider your dog’s favorite activities and occasionally provide them for her to enjoy.
A few warnings: Longer and quicker walks may not be in your dog’s best interest if she is an exercise addict who is constantly pushing herself to go farther and faster. This could cause her to get overly excited about starting a half-marathon or footrace every time you put on her leash. Alternate her long walks with shorter ones to help her learn how to take a more balanced approach to walking while also encouraging her to sniff and look around.
On the other hand, you are probably overdoing it if your dog occasionally refuses to go on walks, lays down, or runs for home. She may be in some bodily discomfort that you are unable to identify, in which case you should speak with your veterinarian. There’s never a good reason to make your dog participate in something she doesn’t appreciate.
Beyond the ones we’ve already discussed, there might be other medical issues. When it comes to physical concerns about your dog getting too much or not enough exercise, your dog’s veterinarian is the best person to ask. Looking to purchase a Posh Dog Knee Brace or would like information on it contact us via our contact page or visit our Facebook page for more information.
