For many dog owners, walking the dog is just part of the daily routine. But veterinary professionals say it plays a far more essential role in a dog’s overall health than most people realize.
“Exercise is extremely important for a dog’s physical and mental well-being,” Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian of the American Kennel Club (AKC), told Newsweek.
A Walk Is More Than a Bathroom Break
Exercise helps dogs maintain strength, coordination and mobility, while also helping manage weight.
“Obesity is the number one preventable health issue of dogs in this country,” Klein told Newsweek.
“Exercise strengthens muscles and joints, keeps weight under control by burning calories, improves cardiovascular health, increases confidence and helps prevent boredom, anxiety and hyperactivity, which many dogs may convert to destructive behavior.”
Regular walking also benefits the relationship between dogs and their owners.
“People exercising with their dogs help to strengthen the dog/human bond, a win/win situation,” Klein said.
Stock image: A Labrador carries a large stick up a hill.
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Dr. Emily Wilson, a veterinarian at Fuzzy Pet Health, told the AKC that consistent daily exercise can stabilize a dog’s behavior and improve emotional regulation.
“It doesn’t just have to be your dog sniffing bushes and relieving themselves,” Wilson said, “It can be really interactive.”
According to Wilson, walking your dog at the same time each day gives them a sense of structure. She said in an AKC article that a routine is, “Really comforting to the dog and helps them anticipate what the schedule is.”
Different Dogs, Different Needs
While most adult dogs can walk for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, physical ability varies based on breed, age and health. Puppies, for instance, have different needs than adult or senior dogs.
“Different ages have different exercise requirements and different breeds of dogs have different types of exercise abilities, or needs,” Klein told Newsweek.
The veterinarian warned against pushing puppies into high-impact activity too early.
“Puppies less than 12 months of age, or large and giant breeds of dogs, should not be forced to perform a regimented exercise program, such as sustained jogging on hard surfaces like concrete, as it can cause damage to their developing bones and joints,” Klein said.
“As puppies, playing, running, turning on softer surfaces such as grass or sand is the ideal type of exercise until they fully mature physically and mentally.”
Senior dogs still benefit from walks, even if their pace is slower, or their range is limited.
“If your dog has arthritis, slow and frequent movement is beneficial for them,” Wilson said.
A PetMD guide advises that most dogs in good condition can manage 20 to 30 minute walks daily, though high-energy breeds may need more.
Alternatives to Walking
While walking is the most common form of dog exercise, it’s not the only one.
Hide-and-seek games with treats, leash training in the yard, or supervised play in a dog-safe area can all provide both physical activity and mental engagement.
Owners of high-energy dogs may choose to supplement walks with obedience, or agility training. As Wilson explained “As [dogs] get older and evolve, it should be something they look forward to.”
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