How Often Should I Walk My Dog?

My dog has a relatively short list of activities she 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 going on two 30-minute walks at 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. every single day. 

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

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If you are like me, you may have wondered how often you should walk your furry friend. 

According to Shallowford Animal Hospital, how much you should walk your dog is dependent on several factors, including 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. 

In a 2022 interview with the American Kennel Club, Dr. Emily Wilson, DVM, stated that dogs benefit from having walks at specific times daily. 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.” 

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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. From there, you can slowly increase the length and amount of your walks.