Every dog needs its daily walk, some more than the others
Dogs are genetically from the wild. They have minds of their own. Yet, domesticated dogs share striking similarities with humans in more than one way. The need for physical exercise to keep fit and stay healthy is one such.
When it comes to exercise for dogs, nothing comes close to walking. It’s not only a physical activity, but also helps improve mental health and reduces unwanted behaviours like chewing or digging, being anxious or hyperactive and whining or unnecessary barking.
As for health benefits, regular walks keep your dog’s bones stronger, ward off obesity concerns and let your furry buddy urinate, eliminate, and socialise with other dogs. Your dog’s cardiovascular and digestive systems will both work better with walks. The activity also improves their joint health and reduce the severity of arthritis. Any dog needs new adventures and locales to stay mentally alert, and walking to new places and seeing new things can help the cause.
Although exercise regimen has to be determined based on a dog’s age, breed, size and overall health, your dog should spend between 30 minutes and two hours on some physical activity every day. Most of the breeds in the hunting, working, or herding groups (for example, Labrador Retrievers, Hounds, Collies and Shepherds) will need the most exercise. If your dog is in one of these groups and in good health, she should be getting at least 30 minutes of rigorous exercise, along with her 1-2 hours of daily activity.
While some breeds need just one walk a day, some others, especially the high-energy ones, can do better with more walks. The thumb rule, however, is that it’s ideal to walk your dog at least 15 minutes, twice a day. Also, some of the smartest breeds are the most active, and size doesn’t matter here. Your Pomeranian may need more exercise than your German Shepherd does! Smaller dogs may not need lengthy walks as long as they get a chance to potty and some exercise.
How to figure out the best time for a walk? If she is restless or pacing, she is probably itching to get out for a nice long walk. If, on the other hand, your dog is content to just lie around, there may not be such a great need for exercise. A short walk will be enough to keep everything in order.
If you don’t have enough time to take your dog out on walks, there are professional walkers who can step in and carry out the activity for you. Have you started yet?
