Walking and mealtime usually go together for dogs, but in what order? Which do you prefer?
If you have never had a pet dog before or are interested in learning more about certain pet care questions, then you are in the right place. Feeding, grooming, and walking your pet are basic parts of caring for your pet well, and setting up a routine makes it easy. Should you walk your dog before or after eating? It’s a popular question; we’ll discuss the possibilities of both.
Determining Your Dog’s Meal Times
An adult dog usually does well with two meals a day, spaced about ten hours apart. For example, you could feed your pet once at 8 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. However, your pet’s meal portion size and frequency will depend on its age, activity level, and appetite. Some pets will need 3-4 mealtimes per day, and others will eat more or less at one time.
Deciding When to Walk Your Dog
If you have already determined your pet’s ideal diet, number of mealtimes, and portion size, then it’s time to see whether it’s better to walk your dog before or after eating.
Before Eating
If you walk your pet before it eats, you won’t have to worry about your pet having digestive issues from exercising while digesting. Keep in mind that your pet should have some time (at least half an hour) to rest after it exercises before it eats.
After Eating
If you walk your dog after eating, you may want to let your pet rest first to avoid it getting a twisted stomach. At the same time, allowing your dog to walk outdoors after a meal could be timed with when it needs to relieve itself 15-20 minutes later.
Weather Concerns
Other factors can affect whether you walk your dog before or after eating, such as the weather. In Maryland, the heat of the day can last well past 6 p.m., making later in the evening a more comfortable time to take a walk for you and your dog. If a storm breaks out, you could exercise your pet indoors instead. Your dog’s mealtime and walking schedule can be flexible.
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!