Walking a dog is part of making sure to keep your trusty companion healthy and happy. However, many first-time dog parents – and even seasoned dog owners – may not be sure about how often they should walk their dogs or for how long. It is essential to understand your dog’s needs so you can prepare and make sure to set some time aside to dedicate it to your dog walks.
Dogs need to go outside at least three to four times every day. This can help them keep their mental, gastrointestinal, joint, and overall health in check. Setting this time aside may be too much for some dog parents, which is why they may need assistance from a professional dog sitter.
Critter Sitters is a company with over four decades of hands-on experience helping thousands of dog owners walk their dogs and take care of them while their owners make it home. To learn more about all of our services, call Critter Sitters today at (404) 793-6178.
How Often Do I Need to Walk My Dog?
As a dog parent, you know your dog needs to walk pretty much every day. This is something many dog lovers write about constantly. However, how often are you walking your dog, and how much should you? While it may seem like walking your dog is a given, many variables should let you prepare and plan your dog’s walks. Typically, you should walk your dog at least three or four times every day. Generally, every walk should last anywhere from 15 to 25 minutes. Although the time you can walk your dog can change, depending on your pup’s breed, age, size, and energy levels.
However, other elements may affect the times you may need to walk your dog. For instance, if you live in a warm state, it is essential to shorten your walks to prevent exhaustion, overheating, and heat strokes. If you live in a breezy place, where it is excellent all year round, you can extend your pup’s walking sessions.
However, what happens during the winter? Walking your dog in very cold weather can also be detrimental to their health and well-being. If you have a short-haired breed, they may not respond well to colder weather. If this is your case, you should plan for shorter walks (five to ten minutes) off the snow. Shortening your dog’s walking time means you need to plan for other activities that can help them deplete their energy levels.
What Are the Benefits of Walking Your Dog More Often?
Dogs are adventurous, energetic, and social, just like you. Keeping your dog inside the house for too long can make them feel bored, sad, and depressed. Moreover, not walking your pup can lead to health issues, which can be avoided by planning your pup’s walking schedule. There are many benefits associated with walking your furry buddy every day. Some of the benefits your dog can take advantage of include the following:
Body Conditioning
While many dogs are huge couch potatoes, they still need to move, stretch, and play. A dog that sits in its home all day and night without exercising can become obese. Obesity can lead to many different health issues, including heart disease, joint disease, and digestive problems. If you never take your dog for a walk and their exercise is minimal, their health will decline quickly. Regular exercise like walking is the best way to burn calories, keep their cardiovascular health in check, and keep their tail wagging with joy.
Joint Health
A dog’s joints are critical for its very day life. Without healthy joints, your pup may not walk correctly, develop issues on their hips and back, and their health can take a turn for the worse. Your pup must walk every single day to prevent joint damage and issues. Even if your dog is already facing joint issues, short walks in the morning, noon, and evening are essential to their health.
Digestive Health
Dogs use their walking time to regulate their digestive system – who knew! When you establish a walking routine, your dog immediately associates their walking time with “go” time. Walking your dog regularly can help them do their business on schedule while preventing constipation and other digestive issues. Additionally, this helps your pup keep their bladder healthy and overall health in check.
Mental Health
Yes, you need to keep a close look at your pup’s mental health. Like us, a dog that spends too much time doing nothing but the same thing over and over in an enclosed space can feel overwhelmed, annoyed, or depressed. Dogs need to go outside, explore, smell, interact with their surroundings, and, more importantly, exercise. When you walk your dog, you create an environment where they can stimulate their brain, interact with you and others along the way, and strengthen your bond. A mentally healthy dog will always reciprocate by giving you extra love and memories to cherish for a lifetime.
What Is the Best Time to Walk Your Dog?
Deciding when to walk your dog is as important as the exercise itself. This is because your dog will create a routine and get used to the times you take them outside. Generally, it is recommended to take your pup at least four times during the day – as we mentioned. Therefore, you should plan for an early morning walk so they can do their business and stretch after their goodnight sleep, one walk before noon, one walk afternoon – around 3:00 pm – and one late in the evening, or right before bedtime.
However, there are times where your schedule makes it impossible to make it home on time. A last-minute meeting, a work emergency, or any other interruptions can interrupt your daily routine. This means that your pup will not only miss you, but they will also miss their walking time. Fortunately, you do not have to worry about this situation. One of the ways you can solve this issue is by hiring a professional dog sitter. Your dedicated dog walker and sitter can walk your pup and make sure they are ok while you return home. Critter Sitters can provide you with these and other services to ensure your pup is always cared for and happy.
Professional Dog Walkers Providing Dog Sitting Services
If you need a professional to take care of your dog while you are unable, we can help. Our dedicated, skilled, and Alpharetta reliable dog walkers at Critter Sitters can make sure your fluff ball is always cared for while you are away. To learn more about our services, call (404) 793-6178.
