The amount of exercise a dog needs can vary depending on the breed and one vet has shared the best dog breeds for people who might have mobility issues
The amount of exercise a dog needs can vary depending on the breed and one vet has shared the best dog breeds for people who might have mobility issues
Whether you’re pressed for time or find it difficult to get out, a pet companion can add immense joy to your life. While all responsible pet owners must meet the needs of their dogs, some breeds have “lower needs for exercise during the day”.
Vet Dr Kirsten Ronngren, working with ManyPets pet insurance, shared some insights, she said: “Exercise is an essential aspect to consider when it comes to the well being of our pets. However, not all pets have the same requirements for activity to keep them healthy.
“Generally speaking, there are breeds that tend to have higher or lower needs for exercise during the day to promote physical health and mental stimulation.”
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Small dog breeds such as chihuahuas, terriers, or dachshunds usually need less daily exercise and are content with “30 minutes of walking each day,” noted Dr Ronngren. She added; “This could be two short steady 15 minute strolls down the lane.”
Even so, she has seen terriers happily “hike 10 miles with their owners”, highlighting that there’s always “a degree of variation” in every dog’s needs, regardless of breed, reports the Express.
It’s vital to consider the breed when choosing a dog that matches the level of activity you can provide, but Dr Ronngren underscored the individuality of each dog: “Taking breed into account when determining what type of dog would suit the amount of activity you can provide is important, but we also have to remember it’s very dog dependent too.”
Dr Ronngren encouraged pet owners to stay active with their dogs, she said: “I encourage clients to remember that even if their mobility is limited, there are lots of ways they can still provide activity for their dog. Short walks, playing fetch, scent work games, and agility training classes are all excellent opportunities for owners to facilitate this.”
Additionally, Dr Ronngren emphasised the importance of individualised care, she said: “Again, it’s important to remember that this 30 minutes is just a starting point.
“Picking the right amount and type of activity should be based on your dog’s age, breed, general health status, any diseases that are present, what the owner is capable of following through with, and the dog’s individual personality type.”