07/11/2019
Fact of the day
We found this article very interesting ❤️
According to a recent research only Less Than Half of Dogs (4 in 10) Are Walked Daily, so How Often Should You Walk a Dog?
The research, commissioned by natural dog food producer Forthglade, found that more than half of dog owners admit to not walking their dog as often, and for as long, as they should, with the average weekday dog walk a mere 19.9 minutes long – despite guidelines that dogs are exercised for a bare minimum of half an hour a day, with up to two hours for larger breeds.
Why Are Fewer Dogs Being Walked?
Alongside behaviour, owners admitted that the main reasons related to time, or a lack of it, confessing that they squeeze their dog walks in around their busy lives, exercising on school runs or by taking a quick walk around the block after work because they're too tired or prefer to watch TV.
Some pet owners blamed their dogs too. Saying that when it's wet or muddy their dogs don't want to go outside.
Little wonder then, perhaps, that according to Forthglade more than a third of dog owners confess that their dogs are overweight.
Let's Remember the Benefits of Walking.
Undoubtedly, it has health benefits, both physically and mentally, for dogs and humans.
Most dog owners say that walking their dog makes them feel happy, helping them relax and unwind, resulting in them feeling positive and energised, and strengthening their bond with their dog at the same time.
The Vet says: “Without regular exercise, dogs are at increased risk of health problems, such as joint disease, obesity and stress-related disorders. Like humans, exercise is an important part of mental and physical wellbeing.”
“If you can walk your dog even just a little bit more, not only will your dog reap the health benefits of regular exercise, but it will strengthen and enhance the bond between you and your dog.”
So, How Often Should You Walk Your Dog?
Dr Carri Westgarth, a dog behaviour expert and Lecturer in Human-Animal Interaction at the University of Liverpool, has conducted extensive research into the positive effects of dog walking on health and wellbeing of both owners and dogs.
She says: “Puppies need much less exercise than fully-grown dogs. A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown, i.e. 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old etc. If you have an older dog, perhaps choose shorter but more regular walks rather than long ones. If in doubt check with your vet.”
(Source of an article extract:K9 magazine)
How often do you walk your dog (dogs)? 🐕☺️
