How Much Should You Walk Your Dog?

January is National Walk Your Pet Month. Walking your pet regularly is essential in preventing canine obesity, which is a serious problem today. According to Pet Obesity Prevention, around 53 percent of dogs are overweight or obese.

Why Is Walking Your Dog So Essential?

Physical activity is very important for your dog. If your dog doesn’t get enough physical activity, he can become bored and destructive. Also, exercise tones your dog’s muscles and helps his body and metabolic system function properly.

How Much Should I Walk My Dog?

There isn’t an exact time limit when it comes to dog walking. The amount of exercise that your dog need depends on his age, his breed, his size, and his overall health. The average healthy dog requires about 30 minutes of physical activity each day. Since different breeds require more or less walking, there is a guide that you should follow.

• Herding, hunting, or working dogs: These dogs are hounds, collies, retrievers, labradors, and shepherds. Since these dogs have been bred for working, this means that they need more physical activity than most. To keep these active dogs in good health, they will need at least 30 minutes of vigorous exercise. They will also need an hour or two of daily activity such as walking.
• Shortnose breeds: If you have a short-nosed dog, such as a bulldog, he won’t need as much exercise as working dogs. You can take him for a casual walk around the neighborhood, and it should be enough.
• Small or toy breeds: Small dogs don’t require much physical activity. You can take a small dog around the block or even down the street, and it will be all of the walking that he needs.

Listen To Your Dog

Since all dogs are different, you should listen to what he is trying to tell you. If your dog seems to be restless or if he is pacing around often, he might need more exercise than he is getting.

If you are out walking your dog and he slows down and stops often, you might be taking him for too long of a walk. Older dogs tire out faster than younger dogs.

To be sure that your dog is getting enough exercise, but not too much, you should listen to his signals.

If you find that your dog is having trouble walking or if you need some advice regarding the amount of physical activity that he needs, you should make an appointment with Casillas Veterinary Hospitals. We treat patients in East Los Angeles, Lynwood, and Montebello. The veterinarian at our veterinary clinic can give you the help and advice that you need. To schedule an appointment, call our animal hospital today.