Dog owners are well aware of the importance of walking their pets.
Dogs need exercise, enjoy fresh air and love to run around and play. But, how much time should you really spend outside with your dog?
A vet has recently provided an answer, and it depends on the type of dog you have. Dr Nicole Rous shared 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.”
Dr Nicole added: “So, if you have a four-month-old puppy, four times five is 20, 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.
“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 stressed the crucial importance of maintaining exercise for dogs as they age to keep their minds active. The advice has resonated with numerous dog owners, as they were quick to share their own stories.
One dog owner shared: “My dogs are walked twice a day for a minimum of 30 minutes. Leny is almost 15 and Stanley is nearly 10.”
Another chimed in with: “We love long walks.” A third commented: “I walk my two doggos every day. My lab stops to sniff every few steps.”
Experts agree that a typical dog should be taken on 20 to 30-minute walks per session, advising at least once daily, but ideally twice. It’s important to take the dog’s breed, age and health status into account.
It’s also critical to assess your pet’s energy and adjust walk durations. For those uncertain, it’s recommended to do some research or seek professional guidance.