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Exercise is a big part of the responsibility of being a doggy parent. Alongside good nutrition, it’s a critical factor in keeping your furry friend as fit as a flea. Hopefully without having actual fleas, of course! But how do you know how often you are supposed to walk your dog? Could you be over or under-exercising your canine companion?
Why is it important not to walk your dog too much?
A dog walk is great fun and provides essential mental stimulation for your dog. However, too much can cause wear and tear damage to your dog’s joints, muscles, and other soft tissues. This could leave them more prone to injury and could also cause them to suffer from early-onset arthritis. Of course, this is especially true if your dog’s walk involves a lot of running around, changing direction, and sudden stops. This means that activities like fetching balls or sticks and catching frisbees can be particularly tough on your dog’s legs and joints.
Puppies are vulnerable to the effects of too much exercise since their bones and cartilage are immature and more easily damaged. Older dogs who might already have signs of stiffness and arthritis can also be easily over-exercised, leading to pain, inflammation, or injury.
Why is it important not to walk your dog too little?
Most owners are aware of the importance of regular exercise for their furry family members. After all, too little exercise can cause your pooch to pile on the pounds. Being overweight doesn’t just put extra strain on your dog’s joints; it can also put them more at risk of conditions like heart failure and diabetes.
One of the other risks of too little exercise is behavioral rather than medical. Many dogs, especially those who are young or naturally very active, need the stimulation that goes hand in hand with being out and about. Exercise allows high-energy dogs to let off some steam, reducing the risk of destructive behavior or separation anxiety in the home.
Your dog should have at least toilet break walks every day, and ideally, at least 30 minutes of exercise in total.
What is the right amount of exercise for your dog?
As a rule of thumb, every dog should have at least thirty minutes of exercise a day, which can be split into multiple walks. Of course, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula for dogs’ exercise requirements. It’s logical that a small breed like a Yorkshire Terrier wouldn’t need as long a walk as a Great Dane. Similarly, it stands to reason that an active dog like a whippet or a working dog would need more than a less high-energy breed — often a couple of hours per day. As previously mentioned, in addition to breed and size, age is also an important factor when deciding how much exercise your dog needs.
Pee breaks
Another consideration is whether your dog has outside access. Every dog needs to go outside to toilet, so if you have no suitable outdoor space, your dog will need a short walk regularly to allow them to relieve themselves.
Health concerns
If your dog has arthritis, any condition affecting the heart or lungs, or another health issue that could reduce their energy levels, they mustn’t overdo it. Keep an eye on your dog during their walk and learn the boundaries of what they can tolerate and what is too much. You can always get advice from our veterinary team about what level of exercise is reasonable.
Your free time
The amount you walk your dog will vary depending on your schedule. For instance, if you are retired, you might choose to do a medium-length walk every day, as well as regular shorter walks. However, if you work, you may only fit in toilet break walks and the odd longer walk during the week, but make up for it with a long walk on the weekend. The most important thing is to keep an eye on your dog after their walks to ensure that they don’t seem excessively tired, lame, or sore. On the other hand, if you notice their weight creeping up or they seem bored, anxious, or destructive in the house, you should consider increasing their exercise and stimulation. If you can’t squeeze an extra walk into your routine, you could consider hiring a dog walker or providing activity toys to keep your canine companion stimulated.
So, how often should you walk your dog?
Your dog should have at least toilet break walks every day, and ideally, at least thirty minutes of exercise in total. However, when deciding how often your dog needs to exercise and for how long, there are many factors to consider. If you’re struggling to decide on the perfect exercise regime for your canine companion, speak to one of our veterinarians, who will find a routine that works for you both.
FAQ
Do I need to walk my dog every day?
Every dog will need at least short walks to go to the toilet every day unless they have access to a garden or outdoor space. Ideally, they should have at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, but the exact amount depends on their breed, energy level, size, and age, as well as their health. This isn’t a hard-fast rule, though, and if you do one or two long walks in a week, you may be able to reduce the daily exercise slightly on some days.
How often should you walk your dog to pee?
As a guideline, three short walks a day should be sufficient to allow your dog to pee. However, every dog is different, and no one will know your furry family member as well as you do. Getting to know their habits will help you decide how often they need to be let out to toilet.
Dr. Hannah Godfrey MRCVS graduated from the Royal Veterinary College in 2011. Although she initially worked in mixed practice treating all species, she found a love for small animal work and has worked exclusively with dogs and cats since 2014. She lives in Wales with her partner, son, and two cats (named Poppy and Ashton Kutcher), and writes comedy fiction in her spare time.
