Just like humans, every dog has different needs when it comes to the amount of physical activity they need in order to stay healthy. The main purpose of taking your dog on walks is to help them to get the exercise that they need. To better understand what your dog’s personal needs might be, it is important to consider a number of factors.
One of the most important factors is the size of your furry family member. Smaller dogs typically require a lot less activity than a large dog. This is due to their natural tendencies, which largely vary depending on their size. Of course there are small dogs that have a lot of energy that they need to get out and there are large dogs that don’t desire to be active, but for the most part, their size will play a major role in their energy level and exercise needs.
Another factor is their age. Older dogs require a lot less activity simply due to their age. This is especially true for those that have joint issues or other pain problems. However, younger dogs, especially those that are under 10 years old, typically need a great deal of exercise each day. The more vigorous the exercise, the better.
Essentially, no matter the age or size of your furry family member, they should get at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Going for a walk is a great way for you to bond with your animal while getting them the exercise that they need. There are a lot of other ways in which you can get them some exercise as well, that don’t require you to have a place to take them for a walk.
Simply playing with your fur baby is a great way to get them the exercise that they need. This can include basic games, like playing fetch, or it can be chasing them around the yard. It really isn’t important what it is that you are doing with your dog, what matters most is that they are getting their heart rate up and blood flowing. Just like humans, they need this to keep their heart and other organs in the best shape possible. The right amount of exercise can go a long way towards extending their life span significantly, which clearly is a goal of anyone that loves their furry family member.
Walks do serve a purpose that other activities may not fulfill. For example, some animals are extremely curious about the environment around them. They have a very strong sense of smell and likely wonder where a number of smells have been coming from. Quelling this curiosity by allowing them to see the area first hand can actually go a long way towards curbing some negative behaviors. If you notice that your dog gets particularly upset when other animals and people pass by the home, the chances are that they are just curious. By taking them for a walk you are giving them a front row seat to all the things that they may feel that they are missing out on. It’s also a great way to get in a workout yourself.
There is no one answer as to how often you should take your dog for a walk. In all reality, walks really aren’t even necessary. The only thing that you should really be focused on is ensuring that they are getting the activity that they need each day so that they can live their best lives. Remember that it is just as important, if no more important, for them as it is for you.
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