How Long Should I Walk My Dog?

My dog has a relatively short list of activities she absolutely loves. She enjoys playing fetch with a very specific small blue rubber ball. She also likes carrying her many, many toys from room to room. Last but certainly not least, she demands to go on 45-minute walks at 4 p.m. every single day. 

Now, my furry friend weighs 10 pounds and is eight years old. While she has an incredibly high level of energy, I do get concerned that I am pushing past her limits. 

If you are like me, you may have wondered what is the appropriate length of time you should be walking your furry friend.

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According to Shallowford Animal Hospital, how much you should walk your dog is dependent on several factors, including their breed, weight, and age. However, it is recommended to allow your furry friend to walk for about 45 minutes to an hour each day. To make it easier on you and your dog, you can always break up the time into 3 or 4 15-minute chunks. 

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In a 2022 interview with the American Kennel Club, Dr. Emily Wilson, DVM, stated that dogs benefit from having walks at specific times daily. I found this somewhat surprising, as I was under the impression that my furry friend was the only canine companion who was extremely strict about her schedule. 

Wilson explained that “what’s essential for dogs is consistency” when it comes to walks because it is “really comforting to the dog and helps them anticipate what the schedule is.” 

Photo by Lawrence Makoona on Unsplash

Now, some furry friends may have low stamina due to health issues or old age. If this is the case, please speak to your vet to determine the best course of action. According to Wilson, vets usually recommend giving your furry friend a 10-minute walk to start.

How long does your dog like to walk? Let us know in the comments below!