National Walk Your Dog Week is this week, October 1-7, 2018, and what a great time to celebrate how important – and wonderful – it is to walk your dog regularly. Going for walks together is a great way to cement the bond between you and is essential for the health of your dog (and for you!)
Why Walking Your Dog is So Important
Even if you have a yard that your dog can use to relieve themselves, walking your dog is an essential part of being a dog owner. Regular exercise is important for both of you. Walk time will help keep your dog physically active and mentally happy.
Here’s why regular walks are so important for dogs.
- Health
Your dog needs to walk in order to keep his or her cardiovascular and digestive systems functioning properly. Walking will improve your dog’s muscle tone and reduce the impact of arthritis. It will help keep your dog agile and limber and keep his or her weight under control.
- Reduce destructive behavior
When animals don’t get enough exercise, they may engage in destructive behaviors like chewing, digging or scratching. Exercise is a constructive way for them to release their energy.
- Mental stimulation
Walking helps to stimulate your dog so that he or she remains mentally alert. Walks help your dog stay happy and engaged.
- Reduce attention seeking
Walking as a pack is a natural group activity for dogs. Regular walks will help your dog reduce barking, whining and other attention-seeking behaviors.
- Bonding and trust
Regular walks will strengthen the bond between you and your dog, leading to a strong, trusting relationship. Regular walks will help your dog build confidence and trust, allowing your dog to be more comfortable around other dogs and people.
- Socialization
Walking places your dog in new social situations where he or she can learn to respond appropriately to various situations. Going on walks presents your dog with new learning opportunities and will help them feel more comfortable in different situations.
How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?
The frequency and length of time your walk your dog really depends on your dog. Some breeds need more exercise than others. As a general rule, it is recommended that you walk your dog twice a day for 30 minutes, but some dogs need more frequent walks and/or longer walks. Hunting breeds, such as Labrador retrievers, hounds, collies and shepherds will need more exercise than most other breeds.
When is it Too Hot or Cold to Walk Your Dog?
While it may seem like dogs react differently to weather conditions than people, in reality they may be more susceptible to weather extremes. A general rule of thumb is that, if it’s too hot or cold for you, it’s too hot or cold for them. Hot temperatures can cause dehydration and heatstroke, and temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit can cause hypothermia or frostbite.
There isn’t a hard and fast rule for determining whether weather conditions are too extreme for your dog. There are variables to consider, such as the thickness of your dog’s coat, the size of your dog, your dog’s age as well as health condition.
In general, if you have a small dog or a dog with a thin coat, or your dog is older and/or sick, you should be cautious if the temperature is below 32⁰F. If your dog is healthy and is a breed with a thick coat, they may be able to withstand temperatures as low as 20⁰F, but look for signs such as shivering, slow breathing, lethargy, fixed pupils, muscle stiffness or coma. Pay attention to your dog’s paw pads, which can be injured from pavement that is too cold (or hot). Want more information? Here are 16 tips to keep your dog comfortable during winter weather.
Hot weather is especially dangerous for dogs. Again, pay attention to your dog’s needs. Dogs with short snouts (i.e. pugs) and with thick coats (i.e. Huskies) are more at risk in the heat. In general, be cautious if the temperature goes over 85⁰. Word of caution: do not leave your dog in a hot car! Read more here…
Signs to look for that your dog is overheated include panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, vomiting blood, disorientation, muscle tremors and unconsciousness.
How Far Should You Walk Your Dog?
The length and distance of your walks really depend on your dog. Some dogs will thrive on long walks but other dogs will tire easily. Dogs are generally fine to walk until they are tired. And, just like people, their stamina will increase with regular exercise.
Interested in taking your dog for a hike? Check out our exclusive guide to 35 local hiking trails in the Colorado Springs area. Click here to download your FREE copy….
Walking your dog is truly one of the great joys in life. Make the time to walk your dog regularly every day. You – and your dog – will be the better for it.
Bring your dog to Canine Campus to get exercise, especially those days where the outside temperatures are too hot or too cold. Dogs at Canine Campus love to run and play and expend their energy. Your dog will have a blast – and you can relax knowing he or she is in good hands! Contact us today at 719-448-9600 to enroll or make a reservation!
What is your favorite thing about walking your dog? How do you determine if it’s too hot or cold to take your dog out? Please leave your comments below…
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