Walking your dog isn’t just a vital element in their overall good health — it’s also a great way to socialize your dog and, of course, let them relieve themselves. But the biggest question many new pet owners we meet ask us, is “how often should I walk my dog?” The answer is more complicated than it may seem. There are a number of factors that affect how often you should walk your dog, from breed and size to age and energy level.

Generally speaking, veterinary professionals suggest every pup should get, at the very least, three 15 minute walks a day.

There are countless breeds that require a lot of exercise, like shepherds and collies. These dogs will definitely need more than three short walks a day. Not just that, they’ll need long walks and ideally a trip to the park so they can exert even more energy. Smaller breeds that don’t need a lot of exercise, such as bulldogs and Pomeranians, will do just fine with less time out and about.

If you’re at work during the day and you’re wondering how often your dog needs to be let out while you’re away, age and size play a huge factor. A puppy or a senior pooch will have less control over their bladder as a dog in their prime. Additionally, smaller dogs will have smaller urinary and digestive systems, resulting in more trips outside to relieve themselves. If you’ve got a busy day planned, and you know you’re not going to be able to provide your pup with the right amount of time outside, give us a call, so we can be there for your pooch when you’re not able to!

Be in tune with your pet’s needs, and they will thank you!