We all know how important it is for our four-legged friends to take daily walks. Rain, thunder, wind or heat, walking our dogs is essential for them. It’s also the best part of having a pet! (Not when it rains, that’s certainly not), but it also makes us move, breathe fresh air and strengthen the bond that unites us with them. But are we walking our pets properly? How long do our pets have to walk for them to get the most out of the walk?
Now, a veterinarian has gone viral on TikTok because she has shared what a walk with your dog should be like. Do you want to know more? We’ll tell you below.
How important is it to walk your dog?
Walking our pets is vital for their development. They need to socialize with other dogs and the environment, meet other people and get used to stimuli. It’s important for them to expend energy and for the sun to shine on them so that their bones are strengthened. Also, just like people, dogs also need exercise to stay fit.
It will all depend on the size, age and breed of your friend because not all dogs require the same amount of exercise. In her videos, Dr. Nicole Ros explains a very simple rule that is also very easy to remember.
- For puppies, the equation is simple: for every month of life, they will need five minutes of exercise, so if they are 4 months old, you should exercise them for 20 minutes twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, for example. And in these minutes of exercise, you can do more exercises than just walks, you can play with them, train them and similar things.
- For adult dogs, regardless of age, they need walks of between 30 and 60 minutes a day, but it also depends on the breed, for example, dogs like Border Collies need more than two hours of exercise, but a Saint Bernard or a Pug, or more sedentary breeds will need much less exercise and about 20 minutes per walk will suffice instead of a full hour.
- For older dogs, Ros tells us that the time is similar for adult dogs, but it must be taken into account and taken into consideration that the joints of these dogs suffer much more than those of young dogs.
Remember to offer these little dogs gentle exercise and soft surfaces, such as grass or sand, which can be much easier on their joints. Plus, there is now a type of activity called “hydrotherapy” that can be a great alternative to keep these cute little seniors active without putting too much stress on their bones, muscles and joints.
In order for our four-legged friends to be in better condition (physically and mentally), the most important thing is to maintain a constant routine. A dog that exercises regularly is less likely to have behavioral problems such as anxiety or depression, and they will also sleep better! Just like for us, exercise is essential to keep fit.
If you have more doubts about how much activity your dog needs, you can talk to your veterinarian and let him or her recommend the best way for you. Make sure you give your pet everything they need, they came into the world to make us happy and for us to make them happy!