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January 14, 2025

How Often Should You Walk Your Dog? Our Vet Explains

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How Long Does My Dog Need to Walk?
Walk Duration Based on Dog Types
Health Considerations
Walking Puppies
Importance of Sniffing on Walks
How to Know the Dog Has Enough Exercise?

Many dog owners can attest to the excitement that follows when they pick up a leash and their pup realizes it’s walk time! Walking is not only a great form of exercise, but it also offers important mental benefits for dogs as well. A study has even shown that performing regular scent work promotes a more optimistic state of mind in dogs!

Most dogs need 1-2 walks per day. On average, aim to walk your dog for 20 minutes to 1.5 hours a day, depending on their breed, age, and energy level. We have lots of information about the exercise requirements of individual breeds that you can look for on our site. This can be a long walk a day, or various shorter walks that will add up the time your dog needs.

How Long Does My Dog Need to Walk?

This depends on a lot of different factors. For example, a senior Great Dane will probably be happy with a slow saunter around the block, while an energetic young border collie might hike for two hours and still be ready for more!

Your veterinarian will be able to offer specific guidance for your particular pup—taking their age, breed, and overall health into consideration.

Keep in mind that walks don’t have to be the same every single day. While it is important to prioritize walks for your dog, don’t worry about being super regimented. Schedules change, and weather can also be a factor. Likewise, walks need to be kept short when it’s excessively hot or cold outside.

Hiring a dog walker may be a good option if you have an energetic dog, but you don’t always have time for a long walk. You can also check out these ways to provide enrichment on days that opportunities for physical exercise may be limited.

Loving Couple Walking With Pet Golden Retriever Along Autumn Woodland Path Through Trees — Image Credit: Monkey Business Images, Shutterstock

Walk Duration Based on Dog Types

Among the many dog breeds in the world, some require longer exercise sessions to burn off their high energy, while others will do fine with a short stroll around the block. To help you determine the best routine for your dog, we’ve categorized dog breeds into three groups so you can identify where your dog fits and tailor their daily walks to meet their specific needs.

Low-Energy Breeds: aim for 20 – 30 minutes of exercise

Medium-Energy Breeds: aim for 30 minutes – 1 hour of exercise

High-Energy Breeds: aim for 1 – 1.5 hours of exercise

While we haven’t listed all the dog breeds in this list, we hope this breakdown will help you identify your dog’s category.

dog in harness with leash walking in the forest with owner — Image Credit: Stephm2506, Shutterstock

Health Considerations

There are certain health conditions that will limit your dog’s ability to take long walks. Always consult with your vet to make sure their exercise time is suitable for their health. These are the most common health conditions to watch for when walking your dog.

Brachycephalic Breeds

When walking a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog, such as a Bulldog, Pug, or Shih Tzu, it’s important to be mindful of their unique needs. Brachycephalic breeds are prone to overheating and can struggle to breathe in hot conditions due to their shorter airways.

It’s important to monitor them closely for signs of fatigue, such as heavy panting, drooling, or slowing down. During the warmer months, particularly during humid conditions, it is safer to only take these breeds out for a short toileting walk, preferably first thing in the morning and after sunset.

Dogs Suffering From Arthritis

If your dog suffers from arthritis, it’s important to be cautious of the conditions where they’re walking. Walking on softer surfaces like grass rather than pavement can reduce joint impact.

Dogs with arthritis may experience stiffness, pain, or discomfort, especially in cold weather or after long periods of rest. Opt for shorter, more frequent walks at a relaxed pace to avoid putting too much strain on your dog’s joints. Pay close attention to any signs of discomfort, such as limping, slowing down, or reluctance to move, and adjust the walk accordingly.

Joints start to warm up after 15-20 minutes of exercise, making them more susceptible to damage. For dogs with arthritis or issues like hip or elbow dysplasia, it is best to modify their exercise routines to reduce the risks of causing inflammation to the joints.

black dog taken to a morning walk — Image Credit: Oliver Hewett, Shutterstock

Overweight or Obese Dogs

If your dog is overweight or obese, it’s important to exercise them daily, but be cautious of not surpassing their limits. Watch out for signs of fatigue, panting, or reluctance to walk, as this may be a sign that they have reached their limit.

To help your dog get used to walking and exercising, aim to slowly increase walk sessions in intervals of 5 minutes until you reach the exercise time recommended by your vet. This will offer more exercise to your dog while avoiding over-exercising them. Using a properly fitted harness, like the Halti no-pull harness, instead of a collar will also reduce strain on their neck, especially if they tend to pull. Remember to consult with a vet before starting any exercise plan to ensure it’s safe for your dog’s specific health condition.

A Note About Walking Puppies

Have you ever watched a puppy fall asleep in the middle of a play session? Their bodies are very good at telling them when to take a break! Puppies should never be encouraged (or forced) to keep exercising when they are tired.

Expect that walks will be short, especially at first, while your puppy is getting used to being on a leash. Walks at this age are less about exercise, and more about training and socialization! Always remember to stop if your puppy seems to be getting tired.

woman walking beagle dog in the park — Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

The Importance of Sniffing on Walks

While it can be a little annoying when your dog wants to stop and sniff everything, try to indulge them at least some of the time. When given free choice on a walk, it is estimated that dogs spend about a third of their time sniffing!

Walks are your dog’s chance to get out of the house and see what’s going on in the neighborhood. Consider varying your route to provide novelty, and check out this article for ideas on how to take your dog for a special “sniff walk”.

How Do I Know if My Dog is Getting Enough Exercise?

Generally, calm behavior and ability to settle at home are good indications that a dog’s exercise and mental stimulation needs are being met. A dog who isn’t getting enough of these things may display destructive behavior, restlessness, or excessive barking.

Walks alone may not be enough for high-energy dogs and working breeds, who often also require high levels of mental stimulation. For these types of dogs, consider providing outlets for the natural behavior(s) your dog is driven to perform. Examples include scent work, retrieving, herding, and agility.

man and dog walking — Image Credit: Jaromir Chalabala, Shutterstock

Summing Up

Daily walks contribute greatly to your dog’s physical and emotional well-being. There are many benefits to consider, some of which include:

Helping your dog maintain a healthy body weight, which may reduce their risk of certain diseases and help them live longer.
Providing important mental stimulation.
Creating opportunities for social interactions with people and other dogs.
Strengthening the bond between you and your pup.

Remember to check with your veterinarian before changing your dog’s exercise routine, and never force them to keep exercising if they seem tired.

Related Reads:

Sources

https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-often-should-you-walk-your-dog

Featured Image Credit: Olena Yakobchuk, Shutterstock

The post How Often Should You Walk Your Dog? Our Vet Explains appeared first on PangoVet.

January 4, 2025

Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass? 6 Vet-Verified Reasons

Most dogs love a good roll around in the grass when out on their walks. One minute they are trotting along without issue, and the next they’ve spotted something interesting and take off to start wiggling around on their backs.

While it is completely normal behavior for dogs to roll in the grass, as their pet parent, you might be worried about why they’re doing it, and more than a little put out if they’re rolling in something unpleasant.

There are numerous reasons for your dog to roll in the grass, the most common being that it just feels good. The texture of the grass is bristly and provides the perfect scratching material, giving relief and relaxation. However, they could be rubbing their bodies on something toxic or disgusting, there could be something making them particularly itchy, or they might be allergic to grass and this rubbing is going to make matters worse, in which case the activity needs to be stopped.

Read on to get a better understanding of why your dog is rolling in the grass, and whether it is a problem.

The 6 Main Reasons Why Dogs Roll in the Grass

1. Masking Their Scent

Grass holds many smells made up of the grass itself and its surrounding environment. Investigations into this topic suggest one reason dogs romp about in it is to cover up their own scent with that from the grass and ground.¹ This is a throwback to a survival instinct that would have helped their wild ancestors avoid predators or rivals, or sneak up on prey.

Happy Dalmatian dog rolling grass — Image Credit: Elisa Day, Shutterstock

2. Covering Up a Smell

On the flip side of masking their scent with another scent to protect themselves against the unwanted, they also roll in the grass to remove unwanted smells inflicted upon them. For example, shampoos and sprays smell good to us, but a dog’s nose and olfactory system are far more powerful than any human’s. These kinds of products can be offensive or upsetting to them. A good roll in the grass solves this problem.

3. Relieving an Itch

A good and luscious grass patch to a dog is like the equivalent of a loofah and a quick massage to us humans. Dogs often have itchy or tight spots they simply can’t reach with their paws. A decent roll on their back and sides helps to scratch the itch, thus giving relief.

Happy dog rolling in grass — Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock

4. Skin Conditions

If your dog has a dermatology issue, then rolling in the grass will become more intense, frequent, and lengthy. The itchier and more irritated the skin feels to your dog, the more they will roll to itch and try to find relief. If you notice this pattern, have your veterinarian check them out, as an underlying skin complaint or allergy could be the cause of the excessive rolling. Rolling in the grass due to allergies is usually accompanied by other signs, such as red or irritated skin, hair loss or hair thinning, hives, or sneezing. The trouble is, they are often also reacting to the grass, so by scratching that itch, they are making things worse!

5. Communication (Marking Territory)

Dogs, especially males, like to mark their territory to state their presence to other dogs. Dogs communicate through scent, and you are likely familiar with urine marking: when dogs mark multiple areas with small amounts of urine. One avenue for dogs to leave their scent or pick up the scent of another canine who was there before them is to roll and rub their backs on that area. They also exhibit this same behavior on their beds or toys at home, as well as outside in your backyard or in random grassy patches or places in the park or woods.

A happy Pit Bull Terrier mixed breed dog rolling in the grass — Image Credit: Mary Swift, Shutterstock

6. Relaxation

Many times, your dog just loves how it feels to roll around in the outdoors! The rough surface of grass is therapeutic and relaxing. If you observe your dog’s demeanor and actions, you will see them rubbing and rolling gently about on their backs and generally looking happy. This is because, well, they are! They feel safe, joyful, and secure, and who doesn’t want to celebrate and enjoy that?

Conclusion

For the most part, rolling in the grass is a cute behavior from your dog. It’s rewarding as an owner to see your dog happy and enjoying life. It is your choice, of course, whether you let them do this, because, at times, what they are rolling in is smelly and disgusting (to us) but delightful for them. In these instances, a bath to remove the stink once home is needed, and for this reason, you may wish to end or redirect the behavior.

Having a good recall is a great way for you to stop your dog from engaging in the activity. If you are worried that your dog may have rolled in something toxic substance or dangerous, contact your vet for advice.

Also see: Why Do Dogs Roll In Poop? Reasons & How to Stop It

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Raindog Photography, Shutterstock

The post Why Do Dogs Roll in the Grass? 6 Vet-Verified Reasons appeared first on PangoVet.

December 13, 2024

5Strands Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test Review 2024: Investigate Your Pet’s Health Problems With This At-Home Test

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Overview
Our Experience
Pros & Cons
Key Features
About 5Strands
Is It Good Value?
FAQ

Our Final Verdict

We give the Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test a rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Quality: 5/5

Accuracy: 5/5

Usability: 5/5

Convenience: 5/5

Value: 5/5

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As a pet parent, you know when something isn’t right with your four-legged friend. Whether they’re constantly scratching or they have an upset stomach, it’s heartbreaking to watch them suffer and frustrating to not have answers, especially if you’ve tried everything you can think of to help them feel better. That’s where at-home sensitivity tests can be lifesavers (literally).

In your quest for answers you might have stumbled across intolerance tests you can do at home. They’re pretty popular for humans, but a few brands have tests for pets as well. 5Strands is one of the brands that makes at-home sensitivity tests for humans and animals, and their Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test is one of their most comprehensive tests for pets. With over 460 items tested, 5Strands helps you get to the root of the problem by testing to see if your pet has food and environmental intolerances or vitamin and mineral imbalances.

After sending in a hair sample, you’ll receive a detailed report showing exactly what your furry friend is sensitive to and how bad the sensitivity is. If you’re looking for a non-invasive way to check up on your pet, this test is a great one to get.

Overview

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Product Type:	Non-invasive test that detects if your pet has food or environmental sensitivities or vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Best Suited For:	Cats and dogs with ongoing health concerns
Price Range:	Pricey
Items Tested:	272 Foods 123 Environmental Items 44 Nutritional Imbalances 42 Heavy Metals & Mineral Imbalances
Text Kit Options:	5Strands has nine tests for pets that analyze everything from raw food sensitivities to heavy metal imbalances
Type of Sample:	The test requires a hair sample
Turnaround Time:	Results are available 5 business days after the lab receives your pet’s hair sample
Contents:	Parchment paper bag Anti-static bag Return poly shipping bag Return shipping label Information card

Our Experience

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Since Micah was a puppy, he’s struggled with a few health issues, like digestive upset. As he grew up, he started to show signs of itching and discomfort: constant scratching, paw biting, and dry skin. While these have always been more of chronic and annoying intolerance problems than acute, life-threatening issues (thank goodness!), he’s clearly miserable when the signs flare up.

Over the years, I’ve tried different supplements and vet-recommended diets with little to no success. His vet recommended allergy treatments, but most were based on steroids and I wasn’t keen on giving him these meds right off the bat. Even though there are a few foods I know he’s sensitive to, it’s mostly been trial and error trying to figure out what works for him and what to stay away from.

Needless to say, when I heard about 5Strands, I was eager to give them a shot!

When the test kit arrived, I followed the instructions to register the ID code and collect the hair sample. Micah has a lot of doodle fluff so the sample was easy for me to get (I used scissors to cut a small chunk of his fur). Once I secured the sample in the bag, I folded the box with the sample inside, put the box in the provided mailer, and shipped the package back to 5Strands using the pre-paid label.

The turnaround time was impressively fast. I got the results via email three days after the lab notified me they received the sample.

I thought the results were fairly easy to understand (the color-coded chart definitely helps), but it can be overwhelming to see all the colored dots. Having the test come back with so many red dots was a little alarming for me, but at the same time, they made so much sense.

The flagged items matched up with what I know Micah is sensitive to (beef, quinoa, and yeast to name a few), and the ones that were new to me felt like a lightbulb moment. Even the most random ones made sense. Micah tested in the red for pear trees, which initially seemed irrelevant, but I have a pear tree in my yard that he wanders around all the time!

I love that the test includes vitamins, minerals, and heavy metals as well. These have been crucial in understanding Micah’s health picture and 5Strands does a fantastic job of including the essential ones.

After everything I’ve tried, 5Strands has been one of the most helpful resources. It’s allowed me to take action without worrying about making Micah worse and I’m looking forward to starting the elimination protocol. One of the first things I’ll do is change his diet so he’s not eating any Level 2 or 3 food items and minimize his exposure to Level 3 environmental items (I’ve already sectioned off the pear tree so he can’t go anywhere near it). I’ll also work with his vet to address any vitamin and mineral deficiencies or heavy metal imbalances.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Accurate
Comprehensive
User-friendly
Fast turnaround
Non-invasive
Veterinarian recommended
Over 460 items tested

Cons

Expensive

Key Features

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What to Expect

The test kit arrives in a padded mailer with the contents packaged in a box. This is the same box you’ll use to mail the sample back, so be sure to open it carefully. After opening the package, the first thing you’ll do is register the kit on 5Strands’ website using your unique ID code. This connects the sample to your account so you can see your pet’s results once they’re posted.

Next, collect a hair sample from your pet and place it in the provided bag. How you collect the sample is up to you, but be sure to get at least 20-25 strands of hair if your pup’s hair is less than 1 inch long, for an accurate sample. At this point, you can reconstruct the box and place the sample inside. Put the box in the provided mailer with the prepaid shipping label on it and drop it off at the post office. Results are available within five business days of the lab receiving the sample.

How it Works

The hair sample is tested with bioresonance technology, an innovative technology that uses energy to detect intolerances and imbalances in the body. Humans, animals, foods, and pretty much every other item (environmental agents, minerals, metals, etc.) emit frequencies that can be detected energetically. When the lab gets your pet’s hair sample, they use bioresonance to pick up on those frequencies and identify which items your pet is sensitive to and how severe the sensitivity is.

Results

When the results are ready, you’ll receive an email with a document where you can view them. Your online account will also have a copy of the document, a downloadable spreadsheet, and a list of the results that you can filter and sort through. One of the first things you’ll probably notice is each item is labeled with a color and a level. The colors and levels correlate with each other and tell you what your pet is sensitive to and the degree of severity.

The severity is outlined by the following:

Grey: No significant intolerance/imbalance detected
Green (Level 1): Mild intolerance/imbalance detected
Yellow (Level 2): Moderate intolerance/imbalance detected
Red (Level 3): Severe intolerance/imbalance detected

5Strands recommends eliminating Level 2 and Level 3 food items for 6-8 weeks and minimizing Level 3 environmental items as much as you can. For the imbalances section, they recommend supplementing vitamins and minerals as needed and mitigating heavy metal exposure. If you need help interpreting the results, 5Strands offers one-on-one consultations for an additional cost.

About 5Strands

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Founded:	5Strands was founded in 2017 by Austin Collins and Lisa Blaurock
Mission:	To empower families with a voice about their healthcare and that of their pets
Manufacturing:	Test kits are produced and shipped from Lawrenceville, Georgia
Shipping:	Orders are fulfilled Monday through Friday and are sent out the same day of purchase if placed before 2 PM EST
Returns:	Unused test kits can be returned for a refund within 30 days

Is the Pet Imbalances and Intolerances Test a Good Value?

This is an expensive test, but if your dog has chronic issues that you can’t seem to figure out, it’s well worth investing in. Within a few weeks, you’ll have a clear picture of what’s causing their discomfort and a solid understanding of how you can help relieve it. 5Strands has several different test options for pets as well, so if the Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test is a bit too pricey, you can always choose a different one that matches your budget and your pet’s needs.

How We Tested

After receiving the test kit, I followed the instructions on the box to collect the hair sample and mail it back. The whole process–from kit registration to boxing up the sample–took about 20 minutes. Since Micah has longer hair, I only needed 10-15 strands, but if your pet has short hair, you’ll need at least 20. A few days after sending out the package, I received an email letting me know the lab received the sample, and three days after that, they emailed me the results (super fast turnaround!).

After reviewing the results, I focused on the food section first since digestive issues have been such a big problem for Micah. I wanted to know if there were any Level 2 and Level 3 items in his food (there were several). Since these are the ones Micah is most reactive to, I’m planning to find a diet that doesn’t have these ingredients.

Next, I focused on the environmental section. Along with several outdoor elements, I was surprised to see he’s highly sensitive to cotton and polyester–definitely good to know! I then finished off by reviewing the vitamins, minerals, and metals and will supplement and minimize his exposure accordingly.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I know if my pet has intolerances or imbalances?

Common signs of food and environmental intolerances include:

Chronic itching
Skin rashes
Paw licking
Digestive issues
Behavioral changes

Common signs of vitamin and mineral imbalances include:

Fatigue
Frequent infections
Dry skin
Dull coat

How do I know which test is right for my pet?

A free quiz is available on 5Strands’ website to help you determine which test is best for your furry friend. The quiz only takes a few minutes to complete and results are available immediately.

Will I need to retest my pet?

5Strands recommends retesting your pet every six months. Intolerances and imbalances are constantly in flux depending on your pet’s diet and lifestyle, so retesting every six months keeps you up-to-date on sensitivities and helps you stay ahead of your pet’s health.

How much hair do I need for the sample?

If the hair is longer than 1 inch, 10-15 strands are needed. If the hair is shorter than 1 inch, 20-25 strands are needed.

Conclusion

5Strands’ Pet Intolerances and Imbalances test is a great way to find out exactly what’s making your animal companion sick without invasive testing or dropping hundreds of dollars at the vet. By testing over 460 items, you’ll know exactly what’s causing your pet discomfort and have a clear idea of how you can help them moving forward.

The post 5Strands Pet Intolerances and Imbalances Test Review 2024: Investigate Your Pet’s Health Problems With This At-Home Test appeared first on PangoVet.