How far is too far for a dog walk?
Discussion
My 6 year old lab often comes with me when I take the mountain bike out but recently I've been upping my mileage & I'm a bit concerned he might end up with some long term damage (joints etc) or just exhaustion. He is pretty slim for a lab (27kgs).
We've just come back from an 18 mile ride, averaging only 6mph as I tend to slow right down on tarmac parts to save his pads burning. He seems absolutely fine & is currently throwing his ball at me to play again.
Any advice or experiences?
We've just come back from an 18 mile ride, averaging only 6mph as I tend to slow right down on tarmac parts to save his pads burning. He seems absolutely fine & is currently throwing his ball at me to play again.
Any advice or experiences?
The risk is more when they are growing/maturing.
As long as he seems to be ok with it (no signs of stiffness the next day) that you have breathers during the walk, not at fast pace the whole way and his claws aren't worn away (can suggest over exercise if all four feet or hip issues if hind claws.)
Finally the exercise should be consistent, the worst thing is eg 15 min walks during the working week then a 5hr hike at the weekend.
As long as he seems to be ok with it (no signs of stiffness the next day) that you have breathers during the walk, not at fast pace the whole way and his claws aren't worn away (can suggest over exercise if all four feet or hip issues if hind claws.)
Finally the exercise should be consistent, the worst thing is eg 15 min walks during the working week then a 5hr hike at the weekend.
Sargeant Orange said:
I guess the secondary question would be what age should he be winding down the vigourus exercise.
He will tell you that.A friend has two labs, one 9 the other 10. The 10 year old still want to play and run about, the 9 year old has no interest and certainly would not undertake agility anymore. It is down to the dog.
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff