How Often Should I Walk My Dog?

Dogs need exercise to stay physically and mentally fit. Big or small, puppy or senior, your dog needs daily physical activity. But how often you should walk your dog each day depends on their particular needs. If you’ve ever wondered, “How often should I walk my dog?” “We have what you need.

Walking is good for your dog’s health (and yours too)

Let’s talk about why walks matter in the first place. Of course, your dog needs to go outside to pee and poop. But walking is about so much more than going to the bathroom!

Walking your dog keeps him healthy in several ways:

• weight control. Regular exercise will help your dog burn extra calories and maintain a healthy weight.
• joint health. Have you ever had stiff legs after sitting for a long time? Your dog’s joints are similar; Keeping them moving will keep your joints in good shape.
• Digestive/Urinary Health. We all know what happens when dogs go for a walk: they poop! Regular walks keep them regular. And peeing in the neighborhood isn’t just good for your health; It’s also part of how dogs communicate through smell.

Have you noticed anything about the above benefits of walking the dog? They don’t just benefit your dog! Regular dog walks can improve it his healthPlus, they’ll even help you lose weight (although you probably won’t have to pee in everything you’re going through).

Walking the dog vs potty breaks

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You may be wondering if your dog really needs more than one walk a day or if a brisk walk around the yard will do. Of course it depends on your dog. But everywhere Dogs love longer walks as they give them the opportunity to explore the world.

Longer walks also keep your dog mentally healthy. Without enough exercise to stimulate their minds, some dogs become anxious or destructive. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, single walks can help discourage attention-getting behaviors like whining or barking. Plus, it’s a great way to bond with your pet.

Remember that walking the dog should be fun! It’s a fundamental activity of canine company and one of the best ways to maintain their emotional, mental, and physical health.

Different dogs have different needs when running.

via pixabay

When deciding how often to walk your dog, Consider your age, activity level, health status, and race. Young dogs with more energy will benefit from more frequent walks. On the other hand, older dogs with mobility issues do well with fewer walks.

These high-energy dog ​​breeds may benefit from more frequent walks:

On the other hand, these less active dog breeds can get by with a shorter walk or two a day:

Of course, young dogs of all breeds generally need more exercise than older ones. And injured or sick dogs may have limited stamina to walk. Consult your veterinarian to create an appropriate training schedule for your dog.

How often should I walk my dog?

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Usually, Most dogs benefit from 30 minutes to two hours of physical activity per day (the fountain). This corresponds to an average of 3.5 to 14 hours of walking per week. Many people divide this time into two or three walks a day. But the exact number and length of walks can vary from dog to dog and from day to day.

General bathroom needs aside, there is no perfect formula for determining how often you should walk your dog. Start with an easy 30-minute walk. This is a good starting point for both dogs and humans, especially if you’ve been sedentary for a while. From there, gradually walk longer or add a second walk later in the day.

On days when time is short or your dog’s energy levels exceed yours, you can enliven your walk with other energizing activities. Try adding a game of fetch, playing with other dogs, or going for a brisk jog. And you can always rent a Rover Walker or daycare to help your dog with their daily exercise.

The best time to walk your dog

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Wondering if it’s better to walk your dog first thing in the morning? The last thing before bed? Before the meal? And of course the age-old question: How long should I walk my dog ​​after eating so that it has the best possible pooping opportunities? I hate sounding like a broken record but the answer is: It depends on! The most important thing is to keep your dog on a schedule. Dogs thrive on routine.

According to veterinarian Michael W. Fox, writing in The Washington Post, an ideal time to walk a dog is:

• A short morning walk before breakfast.
• Another short walk or lunch break
• A longer walk or run before dinner
• Another walk or bathroom break right before bed

This routine is generally tailored to the diet, exercise, and intestinal needs of healthy dogs. But of course not all families can keep to this exact schedule! But a long walk and a few short walks or bathroom breaks will do just fine for many dogs.

So what’s the definitive answer to the question, “How often should I walk my dog?” At least once a day, but preferably twice, not counting bathroom breaks.

If a busy day at work keeps you from walking the dog in the middle of the day, don’t worry. Contact a Rover Walker for all of your dog walking needs.