Dog owners are well aware of the importance of taking their pets for a walk. After all, dogs need exercise, enjoy fresh air and love nothing more than running around and playing.
But how much time should you really spend outdoors with your dog?
A vet has recently provided some guidance, and it all depends on the type of dog you have. Dr Nicole Rous shared her advice in a straightforward TikTok video.
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.”
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“So, if you have a four-month-old puppy, four times five is 20, so you’re 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.”
Dr Nicole said it’s “so important” to keep exercise going as the dog ages. She also emphasized the importance of mental stimulation, saying you want to ensure they still use their brains as much as possible.
The video has been viewed hundreds of times, with many dog owners sharing their own walking routines. One owner said: “My dogs are walked twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. Leny is almost 15 and Stanley is nearly 10.”
Another added: “We love long walks.”
A third replied: “I walk my two dogs every day. My lab stops to sniff every few steps.”
Experts recommend walking a typical dog for 20 to 30 minutes per walk, with most needing at least one walk a day, and ideally two.
However, this depends on the breed, age, and health of the dog. It’s crucial to monitor energy levels and adjust walk lengths accordingly, as some breeds require more or less exercise than others.
If unsure, research and consult a professional for advice.