A walk is often the highlight of your dog’s day and an important part of their routine, but there are times when you simply might not be able to take a walk with your pet.
This can often make us feel guilty so is it okay for us to skip the occasional walk with our dogs?
There are simply some times when we cannot get out with our dogs and when it just wouldn’t be right to. Although our dogs do love exploring on a walk, it will not do them any harm if they miss the occasional outing as long as they have the opportunity to get out in the garden to go to the toilet.
When should you think about not walking your dog?
There are a few occasions when you might want to consider not taking your dog for a walk.
If the weather is extremely hot, then it might be too much for your pet and could risk them suffering from heatstroke.
Likewise if the weather is particularly bad such as snow and ice you might want to think about keeping your dog inside as it could be dangerous for them.
If you are feeling unwell, then it is probably best not to take your dog out as they will pick up on your energy and may become agitated.
It is also worth considering if you are injured as walking your dog when you are in pain is probably not going to be much fun.
If your dog is unwell or recovering from illness or injury then you’ll need to check with your vet before you go out on a walk.
There will be other occasions when it just might not be possible or practical to take your dog for a walk such as if you have to work late or go out for the evening.
Sometimes we just need a break and that is okay too.
Will it harm my dog if he misses a walk?
Skipping the odd walk is not going to do your dog any harm as long as they are able to get some exercise in the garden or have some playtime indoors.
It is important that they have the opportunity to go to the toilet so if you know you won’t be home for a while, make sure they have been before you leave.
If you are going to be skipping a few walks in a row, then it might be worth considering hiring a dog walker or taking your pet to doggy daycare so they can still get out and about and socialise with other dogs.
Is it necessary to walk my dog every day?
The amount you need to walk your dog will depend on their age, breed and health.
Some dogs need more exercise than others and if your pet is particularly active then they might need two or three walks a day.
Puppies also need lots of exercise as they are full of energy but be careful not to overdo it as their little bodies are still developing.
Talk to your vet about how much exercise your dog needs and make sure you stick to a regular walking schedule as much as possible.
This will help to keep your pet healthy and happy and means they are less likely to become bored or destructive if they are used to a certain amount of exercise each day.
Is one walk a day enough for a dog?
One walk a day is usually enough for most dogs but some might need more exercise than others.
Puppies, large breeds and those with lots of energy will often need two or three walks a day whilst smaller breeds and older dogs might be happy with just the one.
It is important to check with your vet about how much exercise your dog needs and to make sure you are sticking to a regular walking schedule.
Is it okay to miss a dog walk occasionally?
Yes, it is generally okay to miss a dog walk occasionally, as long as your dog’s overall exercise needs are being met.
However, consistent exercise and mental stimulation are important for your dog’s well-being, so it’s best to maintain a regular walking routine.
What are the potential consequences of regularly missing dog walks?
Regularly missing dog walks can lead to various consequences, including increased pent-up energy, behavioural issues, weight gain, and boredom.
Dogs need physical activity and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy, so it’s important to prioritize their exercise needs.
How can I ensure my dog’s well-being if I have to miss a dog walk?
If you have to miss a dog walk, there are alternative ways to ensure your dog’s well-being.
Consider hiring a dog walker, engaging in indoor play or mental exercises, providing puzzle toys, or using a backyard or enclosed area for supervised play. These activities can help compensate for missed walks and keep your dog stimulated.
Final Words
There will be occasions when you cannot or do not want to walk your dog and that is perfectly normal.
Skipping the odd walk will not do them any harm as long as they are able to get some exercise in the garden or have some playtime indoors.
Remember that a walk is one of the most important things in your dog’s life as it gives him the chance to explore, sniff, meet other dogs and people and to burn off both physical and mental energy.
If you have difficulty taking your dog out then consider asking someone such as a neighbour if they can help so that your dog can still enjoy his favourite activity.
