How Long Should I Walk My Senior Dog?

As our dogs age, their physical needs change just like ours do. While exercise is still necessary for senior dogs, it’s important to adjust the length and intensity of their walks to match their aging bodies.  So, how long should you walk your senior dog?

Below are some tips to help you implement a comfortable walking routine for you senior dog:

Why Walks Are Still Important for Senior Dogs

Regular exercise helps your senior dogs maintain mobility, muscle tone, and a healthy weight. Walking can also improve their mental wellbeing by keeping them engaged and reducing the risk of anxiety or depression. However, the key is finding the right level of activity that supports their health without causing strain or discomfort.

Not only do you need to adjust your walks, but you want also want to make sure that your home is also more comfortable for your senior dog.

Recognizing Your Senior Dog’s New Limits

As your dog enters their senior years, he or she might not be able to handle the same walks they once enjoyed.

You’ll notice signs such as:

• Slower pace or a reluctance to walk

• Heavy panting after short distances

• Stiffness or limpness after exercise

• Needing more rest breaks and stops

• Difficulty with stairs or even terrain

These are just some of the indicators that your dog’s body is signaling a need for change in their walking routine.

How to Adjust the Length of Walks for Your Senior Dog

1. Start by Reducing Walk Time

If your dog can handle long walks with ease, try gradually reducing the duration. For example, if you typically walk for 45 minutes, try reducing it to 30 or even 20 minutes, depending on your dog's comfort level.

2. Shorter, More Frequent Walks

Instead of one long walk, split it into shorter, more manageable walks throughout the day. Multiple 10–15-minute walks can be just as beneficial without overexerting your dog. This allows for enough movement without tiring your senior dogs out.

3. Watch for Cues

Pay close attention to your dog’s energy and breathing during walks. If they seem eager to continue, you can maintain your current routine. However, if you notice that your dog is looking down or seems fatigued, it’s time to head back.

How to Adjust the Intensity of Your Walks

1. Switch to Gentle, Low-Impact Walks

As your dog ages, avoid high-impact or strenuous walks, such as hiking on steep terrain or running on hard pavement. Stick to flat, even surfaces like grassy parks or sidewalks where your dog can move comfortably without stressing their joints.

2. Slow Down the Pace

Let your dog dictate the pace. Walking slower gives your dog the chance to move comfortably, sniff around, and enjoy the experience without rushing. This helps prevent them from overexerting themselves and straining their joints or muscles.

3. Incorporate Rest Breaks on Your Walks

Make rest breaks a normal part of your walks. Pause every few minutes to give your dog time to rest, especially if they seem winded or are slowing down. Find a shaded spot where your dog can sit and recover before continuing.

How to Monitor Your Dog's Comfort and Energy Levels During Walks

It is important to keep an eye on your senior dog’s comfort and energy during walks to make sure they are managing well and not overly fatigued.

Here are some key signs to look for:

1. Check Their Body Language

Your dog’s body language will tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Signs that they may be uncomfortable or tired include:

Slowing down: If your dog starts to lag behind or seems uninterested in moving forward, they may be fatigued.

Limping or stiffness: Watch for uneven gait or stiffness, especially after walking on hard surfaces. This could indicate joint discomfort.

Panting heavily: While light panting is normal, excessive panting or labored breathing could signal that your dog is overexerted.

2. Gauge Their Enthusiasm

A senior dog that enjoys their walks will show excitement when it’s time to go out. If your dog is less enthusiastic about walks than usual, or seems reluctant to leave the house, this may be a sign they’re feeling unwell or in pain.

3. Take Breaks and Watch Recovery Time

During your walk, allow for rest breaks and observe how quickly your dog recovers after stopping. If your dog seems to bounce back with energy after a short rest, you can likely continue. However, if he or she still appears tired after resting, it’s best to head home.

If you have to stop and carry your dog back home, then you will know next time that the walk was too long.

4. Check Paws and Joints Post-Walk

After each walk, inspect your dog’s paws for any signs of irritation or discomfort, especially if you’ve walked on rough surfaces. Also, monitor how they behave at home—if your dog seems stiff or has trouble moving after a walk, this could indicate that the intensity or duration of the walk was too much for them.

5. Be Mindful of Weather Conditions

Older dogs are more sensitive to extreme temperatures, which can affect their comfort levels. On hot days, aim for shorter walks and avoid midday heat. In cold weather, senior dogs with arthritis may struggle with stiffness, so consider protective gear or shorter outings.

Adjusting Your Senior Dog’s Walks for Health Conditions

If your senior dog has health conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or breathing problems, it’s important to tailor their exercise routine even more carefully:

Arthritis:  If your dog has arthritis, choose soft surfaces to walk on and keep the duration short to avoid putting stress on the joints.

Heart Disease: Avoid walking in extreme temperatures and monitor for signs of exhaustion or breathing difficulties.

Obesity: If your senior dog is overweight, you’ll need to strike a balance between helping them lose weight through exercise while avoiding overexertion.

The Role of Gear

Consider switching to a supportive harness instead of a collar to reduce strain on your dog’s neck. Harnesses can help distribute the pressure more evenly across their body, making walks more comfortable. You might also want to look into joint support supplements like glucosamine to aid mobility.

When to Consult Your Veterinarian

If you’re unsure how much activity your senior dog can handle or notice signs of discomfort, consult your veterinarian. They can assess your dog’s overall health and provide personalized advice on an appropriate exercise routine.

Walking your senior dog is important for so many reasons. By watching the cues from your older dog and implementing the right amount of walking time, it can be beneficial to you and your dog.