Home News Well-being: the importance of walks for dogs

By Pauline Machado

What we see most on the streets these days are dogs being walked by their families. From the smallest dogs to the largest breeds, they all need and should go for walks, as well as the elderly ones.

The veterinarian Lily Vater , a professional specializing in clinical ethology, CannabisA medical specialist specializing in physiatry and rehabilitation spoke with us exclusively and detailed the importance of walks for the physical and cognitive health of dogs.

According to her, walks are also an excellent opportunity for bonding and creating a connection between the owner and their dog.

The interview is very interesting. Check it out!

Pet Med –To begin, please explain to us, in general terms, what the natural behavior of dogs is like in the wild.

Lily Vater –Their behavior is influenced by many factors, such as genetics and experiences throughout their individual lives, such as natural behaviors of the species: sniffing, exploring environments, walks, constant physical, mental and cognitive stimulation, which are positive points, and traumas, such as aggression and diseases, which are negative points. Because these dogs receive various stimuli all the time – auditory, olfactory and visual – they need to constantly adapt and shape their behavior.

Pet Med –How does moving to apartments or houses affect this innate behavior in dogs?

Lily Vater –Change can lead to stress and anxiety, as it can create a feeling of insecurity, since they will be "abandoning" what they already understood as their territory, places that were references for them, where they had familiar smells and sounds, and going to a completely new environment with people who are strangers to them. However, this adaptation to the new environment can be quite simple, in addition to all the love and affection they will receive.

Pet Med –In the wild, how much does a dog walk on average?

Lily Vater –In the wild, dogs are capable of walking long distances, but there is no technical answer to how much a dog walks per day.

Pet Med –In this respect, how should family members adapt their routines to the dog's walking needs?

Lily Vater –Family members should generally schedule 30-minute to 1-hour walks with their dog each day. This time can be divided into 2 or more walks. Walking is a beneficial activity for both the owner and the dog, but the duration of the walk should always take into account factors such as breed, age, energy level, and health condition.

We must remember that we should always avoid walks during the hottest times of the day, and therefore try to go for walks in the morning and evening.

Pet Med –We know that walks should always be done before 10 am and after 4 pm on hot days. What other important recommendations regarding walks would you give to dog owners?

Lily Vater –Always use appropriate collars and leashes. Whenever possible, take walks where the dog can interact with nature, promoting well-being and joy. These walks should be quality time between owner and dog, allowing the dog to explore the environment and sniff, always under the supervision of the owner.

Pet Med –

And what about on cold days, or in places where the cold is more intense, such as in the southern region of Brazil, for example?

Lily Vater –In this case, the coldest times of day, such as morning and evening, should be avoided. For animals that tolerate it, we can use clothing to protect them from the cold. To prevent dry paw pads, we can moisturize them with coconut oil, for example, as well as encourage water intake on colder days. If it is very cold, we can help dogs expend energy indoors through good environmental enrichment.

Pet Med –Besides the physical health benefits, what other positive aspects does a dog experience when walked daily?

Lily Vater –Strengthening the bond between owner and pet. During these moments, the pet learns to trust you and begins to feel safe by your side. Walks are a great opportunity for training and reinforcing basic commands, thus contributing to strengthening the bond and harmony between owner and dog.

Mental stimulation, as walks are great opportunities for dogs to explore their environment, experience new smells and sounds, and interact with other animals and people.

It improves behavior, preventing, for example, destructive behaviors, reducing stress and anxiety, and also helps with socialization, increasing confidence and self-esteem, promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Pet Med –Considering puppies, what are your guidelines for walking them safely and healthily?

Lily Vater –Dogs are born learning, so we should take advantage of the learning window, which is between 20 and 90 days of life, where the dog's behavior is formed through exposure to external stimuli. Walks should be controlled and gradual – and only after the vaccination protocol is complete. These external stimuli include, for example, sounds, textures, and surfaces. Avoid petting strangers and avoid contact with unvaccinated and unknown animals. Take your puppy for walks and let it explore the world, but do so safely and correctly, such as by car, in your arms, or in a carrier. Never let the animal come into contact with the street floor or with other animals until it is fully vaccinated. Always seek to create positive associations. Whenever a new stimulus is presented, such as the noise of a motorcycle, truck, bus, children shouting, people wearing helmets, fireworks, thunder, people running, among many other stimuli, reward it. If your puppy is scared, don't force it. The goal is for these to be moments of joy and fun, and for the puppy to create positive memories. Always prioritize the puppy's mental health. Then, once the vaccination protocol is complete, your puppy will be free to socialize with other animals and people and enjoy all the benefits of walks. Remember, it should always be on a leash and harness.

Pet Med –And what about adult dogs?

Lily Vater –Never forget to use a collar and leash, and only take your dog for walks during the cooler parts of the day. It's essential to let him enjoy the walk with species-appropriate behaviors such as sniffing, digging, rolling, playing, and others. Take advantage of the walk to strengthen your bond with your dog.

Pet Med –And what are the specific considerations for walks with senior dogs?

Lily Vater –Always respect your dog's limits, physical condition, and pace, and avoid forcing them. Walks should be shorter and slower. Remember that daily walks are recommended for all dogs, including senior dogs. It's essential for their health and well-being. Keeping older dogs active is important because it's great mental stimulation. Get to know your dog, listen to your dog; they'll give you signals when it's time to stop.

Pet Med –Are walks also important for dogs that are blind?

Lily Vater –Walks are important for the health and quality of life of dogs, and this is no different for blind dogs. A collar and leash are essential, and if possible, signal that it is a blind dog. Keep it close to you during the walk. There are collars for blind dogs that will facilitate the pet's movement. Dogs with disabilities, whatever they may be, need to have as normal a life as possible within their limitations. Walks will help them feel more confident and happy. In daily life, it will contribute to improving other senses such as smell and hearing to compensate for the lack of vision. Prefer more open places such as parks and beaches so that they can move around more freely. Avoid narrow streets with a lot of people around.

Pet Med –

Finally, please list the greatest benefits of walks for the well-being and quality of life of dogs.

Lily Vater –Daily walks contribute to the dog's physical, mental, and social balance, as well as reducing stress and anxiety and helping to expend energy. They also aid in socialization, which is crucial for the emotional and behavioral health of dogs. Walks allow dogs to experience and enjoy various stimuli, such as smells, sounds, and textures, and not only make them happier but also contribute to their overall well-being and longevity.

It's also worth noting that regular physical exercise is essential for maintaining good physical health. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to various health problems, such as obesity and cardiovascular disease. Daily walks will promote happiness, well-being, and quality of life for your dog.