One of the most common ways to get our dogs some exercise is to go for a walk. Our dogs love it, and it gets us up and moving as well. However, not all dog owners know the correct ways for walking our dogs. Some walk them for too little, while others walk them too much. There are also safety concerns too, such as hot pavement, dehydration, cold temperatures, and more.
Below we discuss the right ways to walk your dog so both you and your four-legged friend are happy:
Don’t walk them too much or too little
It’s important that your walks are neither too long nor too short. Finding the right length of time, however, can take some experimentation. On average, dogs should be walked from 30 minutes to 2 hours each day. But different dogs will need different amounts of exercise. Smaller or older dogs will likely only need 30 minutes, while bigger or younger dogs will need closer to 2 hours. Start off small and then gradually increase the amount of time you spend on walks each day. As you do so, keep an eye on your dog to see when they start getting tired. If you notice any signs of exhaustion, it’s time to head back right away.
Check the weather conditions before you head out
It may be sunny out, but that doesn’t always mean it’s suitable for a walk. High temperatures can cause heat stroke and the hot pavement can burn your pup’s paws. Additionally, cold temperatures can cause frostbite even if your pup has a thick coat. As a rule of thumb, anything over 90 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot, while anything below 20 degrees Fahrenheit is too cold.
Be aware of other people or pets
Chances are that you and your dog are not the only ones out for a morning or evening stroll. Even if your dog is friendly with other people or pets, it’s a good idea to keep your distance. You don’t know how other dogs or people will react. If you see others walking towards you, switch sides of the street or give them as much space as possible as they walk by.
To learn more about how to care for your four-legged friend, read through our blog or contact Family Puppies today!
