Everyone needs exercise, but at different levels. How often should your dog take walks?
Between 30% and 70% of people walk their dogs regularly, averaging about nine walks per week. Another 40% of dog owners do not walk their pets regularly. How often you should walk your dog doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all rule. However, there are benefits to keeping up with regular physical exercise. Let’s take a closer look at how often you should walk your dog.
The General Rule
The general rule is that dog owners should walk their dogs at least once a day, for more or less twenty minutes. At least one walk per day, according to the pet’s stamina level, should be the minimum for healthy physical exercise, whether it’s summer or winter.
More or Less, Depending on These Criteria
Breed
Taking a twenty-minute walk around the block or the neighborhood with the dog is a normal habit that isn’t too demanding for many pets. However, your pet may require more or less active time based on its breed. A toy breed will likely not have to exercise as much as a working dog breed. If you are looking to get a pet, it is best to research how much physical activity your dog will need to thrive, so you can welcome a pet home that matches your exercise level better.
Age
Puppies and senior dogs are less likely to be as active compared to adult dogs. You will need to adjust your dog walking schedule according to your pet’s age as well as breed. If you would still like to bring your pet along for outdoor adventures, you can use a dog carrier or wagon so it doesn’t become overexhausted.
Health Condition
If your pet has a physical ailment, it will either need to take a break from regular physical exercise or a milder exercise routine. Allow your dog to rest post-surgery and monitor its health for fatigue, lethargy, and other symptoms during and after exercise. If it is happy to play and be more active, you can consult your vet and be ready to entertain your pet.
Walking Your Dog Has Benefits for You and Your Pet
If you ask your dog if it wants to go for a walk, you will most likely be met with great enthusiasm from your pet. Going on a walk is often a pet dog’s favorite time of day, aside from mealtimes. Dog owners are also more likely to get in their physical exercise needs by having a dog to walk. A tired dog also often behaves better than a bored dog, which can end up engaging in destructive behavior. Walking your dog or having someone else walk your dog is fun.
Trust the Care of Your Pet to the Professionals at Everhart Veterinary Medicine!
At Everhart Veterinary Medicine, our veterinary professionals strive to provide your pet with the very best of veterinary care. We believe that the best care for your pet should be provided by experienced, compassionate, and knowledgeable veterinary professionals. With three Maryland locations in Baltimore, Pasadena, and Cross Keys, we are always ready to welcome your pet as a new patient! Give us a call today at 410-355-3131, 410-793-7670, or 443-470-6790! For more information, as well as updates on veterinary news and topics, visit us on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn!