Let’s confess you’d probably take zero walks around your neighborhood if you didn’t have a dog. Little Rover keeps your feet firmly planted on the sidewalk of life, enjoying the sights and sounds in your neighborhood and chatting up other sidewalk denizens: children, teens, seniors, and other dog owners.
Just letting a dog out to play on its own in a fenced-in yard isn’t good enough nor is it fair to the dog. Playing a game of fetch with a ball or flying disc is better than leaving your dog to come up with his own activities – like digging a hole to China.
Exercise dogs twice a day for 15 to 40 minutes
“Dogs should get exercise at least twice a day, generally around 15 to 20 minutes each session for small dogs and 30 to 40 minutes or more for large dogs," according to Kansas State University veterinarian Susan Nelson. In general, small dogs can walk up to a mile or two, while large dogs may be able to handle three or more miles of walking or running.
“It really depends on what the dog can do,” Nelson said. “For short-legged or arthritic dogs, walking is good. Running is good for dogs that are bigger and are in good shape, but how much running to do depends on the dog and how in shape it is. Remember, you can’t run a basset hound like you would a Great Dane.”
Age and health determines amount of exercise
The amount and type of exercise depends on the type of dog as well as its age and health. While running and jumping aren’t good for a dog with arthritis, walking and hiking are good low-impact activities. For dogs that know how to, swimming is especially good for those with joint mobility problems.
An active dog is a happy dog, but it’s also important to make sure your canine friend isn’t overdoing it. “Some signs to look for include an obvious limp, if they’re tugging on their leash and don’t want to go forward, or if they start to lag behind,” said Nelson.
Watch out for overheating in summer
“As the weather gets warmer, watch out for overheating your dog,” she added. “Signs include panting really hard; producing thick, ropey saliva; and getting a dark, red tongue. Taking water breaks along the way is a good idea.”
If your dog gets weak, collapses or seems to struggle while exercising in warm weather, it’s important to get them cooled off and to a veterinarian quickly.
In the warmer summer weather, consider switching your exercise sessions to early morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler. For some dogs even normal summer temperatures can be hazardous to their health.
“Don’t forget about humidity levels in the heat, too. High humidity can make it tough for dogs to breathe and they can’t get proper cooling through panting. This is especially true for dogs with short, stubby noses like boxers and bulldogs.”
Get to know your neighbors
The main thing about your daily walks is that both you and your dog are bonding over regular exercise – and as an added bonus, you’re getting to know your neighbors. Not only is your daily foray into your immediate physical world an enjoyable break from work, it literally grounds you in your place, your time, and your neighborhood. So, you better get moving – it’s time to walk the dog.