• Advertise
  • Community
  • Magazine
  • Important Dates
  • About
  • Trust
  • Survey
  • Contact
  • Support Us
01295 367008
No Result
View All Result
Read This Magazine
  • Culture
  • lifestyle
  • Food & Drink
  • Reviews
  • Culture
  • lifestyle
  • Food & Drink
  • Reviews
No Result
View All Result
Read This Magazine
No Result
View All Result
Home Lifestyle

New Year, New Walks: Get Fit with Your Dog!

Read This Magazine by Read This Magazine
8 January 2025
in Lifestyle, Pets
New Year, New Walks Feature

Bound into the new year with New Walks and a walking regime to suit you and your four-legged friend.

The new year is beckoning, which can only mean one thing: festive fatigue, regrets of overindulgence and a promise to try harder in the coming months. And you are not alone, because if you’ve been letting your own fitness slide, there’s a good chance your dog will have been putting his paws up too. 

The good news, is that walking is fantastic for you and your furry pal. Just half an hour a day can reap enormous rewards in the long run. Just be careful not to overdo it, particularly if you or your dog has been taking it a little too easy for an extended period of time (see our guide below for regaining fitness), or is a breed that doesn’t suit long treks.

Generally, most dogs benefit from at least 30 minutes to two hours of exercise per day. Here’s a breakdown:

Small breeds (e.g., Pugs, Chihuahuas): 20–30 minutes of walking daily, along with playtime.

Medium breeds (e.g., Beagles, Cocker Spaniels): 1–1.5 hours of walking, possibly split into two sessions.

Large breeds (e.g., Labradors, Golden Retrievers): 1–2 hours of walking per day, including higher-intensity activities like running.

High-energy breeds (e.g., Border Collies, Huskies): These dogs may require up to 2 hours or more, including mental stimulation activities.

Building up walking for an unfit dog should be done gradually to avoid overexertion and injury. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Start slow

Begin with short, slow walks, around 10–15 minutes once or twice a day. Monitor how your dog responds to the exercise.

New Year, New Walks

Gradual increase

Increase the duration by 5–10 minutes every few days if your dog seems comfortable. You can also add a second walk later in the day to spread out the exercise.

Pace yourself

Keep the pace slow initially, allowing your dog to set a comfortable rhythm. Over time, you can increase this slightly.

Rest and hydrate

Ensure your dog gets plenty of rest between walks and has access to water, especially in warmer weather.

Monitor for signs of fatigue

Look for heavy panting, lagging behind or limping as signs that your dog may be tired or overworked. If this happens, reduce the intensity or length of walks.

Consult your vet

Especially for dogs that are significantly overweight or have health issues, consult a veterinarian before starting any exercise program. They can provide tailored advice and may recommend a weight-loss plan alongside the walking regimen.

Tags: New Year New Walks

RelatedPosts

Polaris
Lifestyle

How to Get the Most from Your Polaris Off-Road Vehicle in the UK

8 May 2025
Middle Aston Pet Supplies
Lifestyle

Middle Aston Pet Supplies: A Friendly New Pet Shop Near Banbury

8 May 2025
Polaris

How to Get the Most from Your Polaris Off-Road Vehicle in the UK

by Read This Magazine
8 May 2025

Whether you're out on the trails, working on the farm, or exploring the British countryside, your Polaris off-road vehicle is...

Middle Aston Pet Supplies

Middle Aston Pet Supplies: A Friendly New Pet Shop Near Banbury

by Read This Magazine
8 May 2025

If you’re searching for a welcoming, well-stocked pet store in North Oxfordshire, you’re going to love what’s just opened near...

Eating less meat feature

Can Eating Less Meat Positively Impact the Environment?

by Read This Magazine
8 May 2025

You recycle religiously, walk wherever possible, and opt for UK holidays instead of long-haul flights. And yet, it still feels...

Communicate with your child's school

How to Communicate with Your Child’s School: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

by Read This Magazine
7 May 2025

Starting school is a significant milestone in a child's life, and as a parent, it's essential to communicate with your...

Read This Magazine

© 2023 Read This Magazine

Navigate Site

  • Business Terms & Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookies Policy

Follow Us

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

No Result
View All Result
  • Advertise
  • Community
  • Magazine
  • Culture
    • Charity
    • Community
    • Education
    • Entertainment
    • Events
    • Film
    • History
    • Interviews
    • Music
    • Reading
  • Lifestyle
    • Beauty
    • Environment
    • Fashion
    • Finance
    • Gardens
    • Health
    • Homes
    • Motors
    • Parenting
    • Pets
    • Sport
    • Tech
    • Travel
    • Wellbeing
  • Food & Drink
    • Baking
    • Recipes
    • Restaurants
  • Reviews
    • Books
    • Product
  • Important Dates
  • About
  • Trust
  • Survey
  • Contact
  • Support Us
01295 367008

© 2023 Read This Magazine