How Often Should You Be Walking Your Dog? Vet Weighs In on the Importance of Daily Exercise

Newsweek - Mar 26th, 2025
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Walking is a crucial activity for a dog's physical and mental health, beyond just a bathroom break. Veterinary experts like Dr. Jerry Klein of the American Kennel Club emphasize that regular exercise helps maintain a dog's strength, coordination, and weight while reducing obesity, the top preventable health issue among dogs. Exercise also enhances cardiovascular health and prevents behavioral issues like boredom and anxiety. Dr. Emily Wilson from Fuzzy Pet Health underscores the importance of routine, noting that regular walks can stabilize a dog's behavior and improve emotional regulation. Such activities also foster a stronger bond between dogs and their owners.

Dog walking needs vary by breed, age, and health condition. While adult dogs generally require 20 to 30 minutes of walking, puppies and senior dogs have different needs. Puppies should avoid high-impact activities to protect their developing bones, while senior dogs benefit from slow, frequent movements. Walking isn't the only way to keep dogs active; hide-and-seek games, leash training, and agility exercises can provide both physical and mental stimulation, ensuring that dogs remain engaged and healthy throughout their lives.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive overview of the importance of exercise for dogs, supported by expert opinions from reputable veterinarians. It effectively communicates the benefits of regular exercise for dogs' physical and mental health, making it a valuable resource for pet owners. The clarity and readability of the content ensure that the information is accessible to a wide audience. However, the article could improve by incorporating additional perspectives, discussing potential challenges, and providing more detailed evidence to support its claims. Despite these areas for enhancement, the article remains a useful guide for dog owners seeking to improve their pets' health through exercise.

RATING DETAILS

9
Accuracy

The story accurately presents the importance of exercise for dogs, highlighting its role in maintaining physical and mental health. Dr. Jerry Klein's statements about exercise benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health and preventing obesity, are supported by veterinary literature. The claim that obesity is a major health issue aligns with data showing a significant percentage of dogs being overweight. The story also correctly notes the varying exercise needs of different breeds and ages, emphasizing the need for age-appropriate activities. While the article is mostly accurate, it could benefit from additional statistical data to further substantiate the claims about obesity prevalence.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view by including perspectives from two veterinary professionals, Dr. Jerry Klein and Dr. Emily Wilson. However, it primarily focuses on the benefits of exercise without addressing potential challenges or risks, such as overexertion in certain breeds or health conditions that may limit exercise. Including views from dog owners or trainers could have provided a more rounded perspective. The emphasis is heavily on the positive aspects of exercise, which may overlook situations where modifications are necessary for certain dogs.

8
Clarity

The article is well-structured, with clear and concise language that makes it accessible to a general audience. It logically progresses from discussing the general benefits of exercise to specific recommendations for different dog breeds and ages. The use of expert quotes adds authority and clarity to the information presented. However, the article could improve by providing more detailed explanations of terms like 'high-impact activity' or 'emotional regulation' to ensure all readers fully understand the content.

8
Source quality

The article cites reputable sources, including Dr. Jerry Klein from the American Kennel Club and Dr. Emily Wilson from Fuzzy Pet Health, lending credibility to the information presented. Both sources are authoritative in the field of veterinary medicine. However, the article could enhance its source quality by incorporating additional expert opinions or studies, particularly from peer-reviewed journals, to provide a broader evidence base. The reliance on two primary sources limits the diversity of expert input.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing quotes to Dr. Klein and Dr. Wilson. However, it lacks detailed explanation of the methodology behind the claims, such as how exercise impacts specific health outcomes in dogs. The article could improve transparency by discussing any potential conflicts of interest, such as the affiliations of the quoted veterinarians with organizations that might have specific agendas. Additionally, providing links to the studies or guidelines referenced would enhance transparency.

Sources

  1. https://en.as.com/latest_news/veterinarian-reveals-the-truth-how-often-should-you-really-walk-your-dog-you-might-be-doing-it-wrong-n/
  2. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/the-benefits-of-walking-your-dog
  3. https://www.helpguide.org/wellness/pets/health-benefits-of-walks-with-your-dog
  4. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog/
  5. https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog