Vet's official verdict on how long you should be walking your dog each day
A vet has shared how long you should be walking your dog each day, and it all depends on the breed and age of your pet. It's important to ensure they get enough exercise
Dog owners understand the importance of keeping their four-legged friends fit and active through regular walks, but many may be unaware of exactly how much exercise their pets actually require. Whilst walking routines vary considerably, from lengthy countryside rambles to quick trips round the neighbourhood, there's actually a recommended amount of time you should be spending outdoors with your canine companion.
A veterinary expert has recently revealed crucial guidance that could significantly impact your dog's wellbeing, with the ideal duration depending entirely on your pet's age and breed. Dr Nicole Rous outlined her recommendations in a straightforward TikTok video.
For those considering extending their winter walks, it's also worth bearing in mind when temperatures become too harsh for dogs to venture outside safely. There are some things you need to know when walking your dogs in the cold weather.
She explained: "The rules are different for puppies and for adult dogs. There is a great rule of thumb for puppies - it's five minutes per month of life, and you can do this twice a day.
"So, if you have a four-month-old puppy, four times five is 20, looking at exercising for 20 minutes twice a day. That includes walks and things like that, but it also includes exercise in the back yard and games you're playing."
She continued: "Adult dogs average 30 to 60 minutes a day, but this one's variable. So, if you've got a really active breed like a Border Collie, you're probably looking at one to two hours.
"If you've got a more sedentary breed, you might be looking at two 20 minute walks a day rather than the full hour. Now, for senior dogs, we're at a similar level, 30 to 60 minutes, but the type of exercise is really important to look after their joints.
"We want to look at low impact exercise, so walks, look at the surface you're walking on and then consider things like hydrotherapy. That's a really good exercise for the oldies to include in their regime."
However, she stressed it's "so important" to maintain exercise routines as dogs get older. Dr Nicole explained you need to ensure they continue using their brains as much as they can.
After the video was posted, it racked up hundreds of views, with people rushing to share their opinions. Pet owners were eager to discuss their own walking schedules.
One commented: "My dogs are walked twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. Leny is almost 15 and Stanley is nearly 10." Another wrote: "We love long walks."
A third responded: "I walk my two doggos every day. My lab stops to sniff every few steps." Regarding dog walking, most specialists recommend a typical pooch should get 20 to 30 minutes per walk, with the vast majority requiring at least one daily outing.
Though ideally they need two, this varies depending on their breed, age and general wellbeing. It's crucial to keep an eye on your dog's energy levels and adjust walk duration as needed.
This is due to the fact that some breeds may require significantly more or less exercise than others. If you're unsure, it's best to do your homework and seek advice from a professional.