{"id":668,"date":"2025-01-13T08:09:43","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T09:09:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.georgi-publications.com\/?p=668"},"modified":"2025-03-06T12:36:46","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T12:36:46","slug":"how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog-our-vet-explains","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.georgi-publications.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/13\/how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog-our-vet-explains\/","title":{"rendered":"How Often Should You Walk Your Dog? Our Vet Explains"},"content":{"rendered":"
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How Long Does My Dog Need to Walk?<\/a> Many dog owners can attest to the excitement that follows when they pick up a leash and their pup realizes it\u2019s walk time! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, <\/span>but <\/span>it also offers important mental benefits for dogs as well. A study has even shown that performing regular scent work promotes a more optimistic state of mind in dogs! <\/span><\/p>\n Most dogs need 1-2 walks per day. On average, aim to walk your dog for 20 minutes to 1.5 hours a day, depending on their breed, age, and energy level. <\/b>We have lots of information about the <\/span>exercise requirements of individual breeds<\/span> that you can look for on our site.<\/span> This can be a long walk a day, or various shorter walks that will add up the time your dog needs.<\/span><\/p>\n This depends on a lot of different factors. For example, a senior Great Dane<\/a> will probably be happy with a slow saunter around the block, while an energetic young border collie might hike for two hours and still be ready for more!<\/p>\n Your veterinarian will be able to offer specific guidance for your particular pup\u2014taking their age, breed, and overall health into consideration.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that walks don\u2019t have to be the same every single day. While it is important to prioritize walks for your dog, don\u2019t worry about being super regimented. Schedules change, and weather can also be a factor. Likewise, walks need to be kept short when it\u2019s excessively hot or cold outside.<\/p>\n Hiring a dog walker may be a good option if you have an energetic dog, but you don\u2019t always have time for a long walk. You can also check out these ways<\/a> to provide enrichment on days that opportunities for physical exercise may be limited.<\/p>\n Among the many dog breeds in the world, some require longer exercise sessions to burn off their high energy, while others will do fine with a short stroll around the block. To help you determine the best routine for your dog, we\u2019ve categorized dog breeds into three groups so you can identify where your dog fits and tailor their daily walks to meet their specific needs.<\/p>\n While we haven\u2019t listed all the dog breeds in this list, we hope this breakdown will help you identify your dog\u2019s category.<\/p>\n There are certain health conditions that will limit your dog\u2019s ability to take long walks. Always consult with your vet to make sure their exercise time is suitable for their health. These are the most common health conditions to watch for when walking your dog.<\/p>\n When walking a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog<\/a>, such as a Bulldog, Pug, or Shih Tzu, it\u2019s important to be mindful of their unique needs. Brachycephalic breeds are prone to overheating and can struggle to breathe in hot conditions due to their shorter airways.<\/p>\n It’s important to monitor them closely for signs of fatigue, such as heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down. During the warmer months, particularly during humid conditions, it is safer to only take these breeds out for a short toileting walk, preferably first thing in the morning and after sunset.<\/p>\n If your dog suffers from arthritis, it\u2019s important to be cautious of the conditions where they\u2019re walking. Walking on softer surfaces like grass rather than pavement can reduce joint impact.<\/p>\n Dogs with arthritis may experience stiffness, pain, or discomfort, especially in cold weather or after long periods of rest. Opt for shorter, more frequent walks at a relaxed pace to avoid putting too much strain on your dog\u2019s joints. Pay close attention to any signs of discomfort, such as limping, slowing down, or reluctance to move, and adjust the walk accordingly.<\/p>\n Joints start to warm up after 15-20 minutes of exercise, making them more susceptible to damage. For dogs with arthritis or issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, it is best to modify their exercise routines<\/a> to reduce the risks of causing inflammation to the joints.<\/p>\n If your dog is overweight or obese, it\u2019s important to exercise them daily, but be cautious of not surpassing their limits. Watch out for signs of fatigue, panting, or reluctance to walk, as this may be a sign that they have reached their limit.<\/p>\n To help your dog get used to walking and exercising, aim to slowly increase walk sessions in intervals of 5 minutes until you reach the exercise time recommended by your vet. This will offer more exercise to your dog while avoiding over-exercising them. Using a properly fitted harness, like the Halti no-pull harness<\/a>, instead of a collar will also reduce strain on their neck, especially if they tend to pull. Remember to consult with a vet before starting any exercise plan to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s specific health condition.<\/p>\n If you have questions about walking frequencies, etiquette, or your dog’s health specifically, you should contact a vet.<\/p>\n
\nWalk Duration Based on Dog Types<\/a>
\nHealth Considerations<\/a>
\nWalking Puppies<\/a>
\nImportance of Sniffing on Walks<\/a>
\nHow to Know the Dog Has Enough Exercise?<\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
How Long Does My Dog Need to Walk?<\/h2>\n
Walk Duration Based on Dog Types<\/h2>\n
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Health Considerations<\/h2>\n
Brachycephalic Breeds<\/h3>\n
Dogs Suffering From Arthritis<\/h3>\n
Overweight or Obese Dogs<\/h3>\n