Dogs need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. This includes daily walks. Here are a few reasons why walking is so important
Health Benefits – Exercise helps prevent obesity. Regular walks will make your dog’s cardiovascular system and digestive system work better. Walking can also improve joint health.
Storify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify goStorify go
Mental stimulation – Walking to new places and seeing new things can help keep your dog mentally alert. Walking can improve mental health and reduce undesirable behaviors such as chewing, digging, anxiety and unnecessary barking.
Socialization – Walks can provide your dog with a variety of learning experiences and help him feel more at home in new environments.
The relationship between an owner and their psychiatric service dog is not only of mutual benefit but also one of trust. You need to use the Service dog letters to train them.
How much should I walk my dog?
If you are a dog owner, you may be asking yourself, “How much should I walk my dog?” The answer is – it depends on the dog.
As a general rule, the average dog in good health should be able to tolerate a 20-minute walk each day. If you have a more active breed, your dog can walk for up to 60 minutes. For older dogs or sedentary breeds, a walk of 15 to 20 minutes is best.
We all want the best for our dogs. That means you don’t want your dog to be overweight. The risks associated with being overweight include diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease and a shorter life span. Lack of exercise is a major reason why many dogs are overweight. Walking is a great exercise for your dog and for you. To learn more about obesity in dogs, go to 5 Ways to Fight the Pet Obesity Epidemic.
How do I know when my dog has had enough to eat?
Well, how much should I walk my dog? Kuoser experts say to start with a 30-minute walk. You don’t want to exhaust your dog, especially if he’s sedentary, so you may have to work up to half an hour. If you have an active breed, your dog will need all the outlets for energy he can get. Size doesn’t matter – some of the most active breeds are the smaller ones. For one of these dogs, 30 minutes should be considered the absolute minimum amount of time to walk. You need to walk for 60 minutes to provide your dog with enough exercise and mental stimulation. Very young or old dogs should not be walked for more than one hour. The distance you walk depends on the speed at which you walk and the size of your dog. When he is tired, your dog may show signs of panting, indecision and a slow gait.
While overcoming some fatigue can help you get stronger, at other times you just need to take a break and hydrate before you get hurt. Start slowly and build up to the amount of time you want to walk. Don’t overdo it. Too much exercise can make your dog sore and reluctant to walk next time.
When deciding how far you should walk your dog, you should consider time, not distance. Dogs come in different sizes. Therefore, a Great Dane walking a mile is very different from a Chihuahua walking a mile. Keep in mind how far you are from home, as you will need to backtrack that distance to get home. Always be conservative when deciding how far to walk in one direction. Remember that if you want to add more to your walk, you can always retrace your steps when you get back to the beginning of the trail. Remember also that if your walk starts out mostly downhill, it will end up mostly uphill as your dog gets more tired.
If your dog has a hard time tolerating a full walk, start by breaking the walk into two smaller walks. Shorter, more frequent walks are a good idea for puppies and older dogs.
Also, let the weather dictate how long you will walk. If it is particularly hot, reduce the length of your walk, especially if you are walking on a hot sidewalk. If the weather is cooler and your dog seems active, you may need to add another 5 to 10 minutes.
How often should you walk your dog?
At least two 15-minute walks are recommended for most dogs, but there are many variables to consider when determining how often to walk your dog.
Breed – Some dogs have small bladders and need to be out more often.
Size – Smaller dogs may not need to walk as long or as far. They just need the opportunity to go to the bathroom and get some exercise.
Diet – Grain-free foods reduce the amount of waste your pet produces, so certain diets may result in dogs needing to eliminate more or less.
Water – Some dogs drink a lot of water, while others don’t drink as often. Bigger drinkers will need to go out more often.
Age – If you have a puppy who is just learning the bathroom habit, or an older dog, he may need to go out more frequently.
Many dogs will be happy to walk twice a day, while others may need to go out more frequently.
To learn more about walking your dog, visit the Heararound Dog Walking Guide.
