How to tell if your dog is tired of walking

Have you ever asked yourself how to tell if your dog is tired of walking?

Sure, your dog loves his walks. But sometimes he seems totally exhausted afterwards, right?

Well, it’s definitely a good idea to understand your pup’s exercise needs. After all, not every dog needs the same amount of exercise each day.

So, here’s how to tell if your dog is tired of walking.

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Can dogs get too tired of walking?

One of the many joys of dog ownership is getting to take your dog for walks. Walking is super fun for your dog since it gives him the chance to use his nose and sniff around. It’s great exercise, too!

It’s also a fantastic way for you to get out of the house and check out your neighborhood for yourself.

But how long can a dog walk, exactly? And do dogs ever get tired of walking?

We’ve all had too much of a good thing before, and your dog is no exception. As much as he loves walking, it’s important to make sure that he’s walking an amount that’s healthy for him.

Why is my dog getting so tired on walks?

Are you noticing that your dog is super tired when you go for walks? There are a few things that could be happening.

The first thing you need to think about is your dog’s age. If your dog is still just a puppy, he shouldn’t be walking very far. The general rule is five minutes of exercise for every month old your puppy is. Over-exercising your puppy can result in health and behavioral problems, so it’s important to make sure you’re not walking him too much!

Your dog’s breed is also something to consider. If you have a lower energy breed, then walking will be more exhausting than it will be for a high energy breed.

If you’re not walking your dog super far, but he’s still getting tired, then there could be an underlying health issue that you may need to have checked out.

How to tell if your dog is tired of walking?

It’s important to make sure that your dog is getting at least some daily exercise. After all, a tired dog is a happy dog.

But an overtired dog is likely to be the opposite of a happy dog. And over-exercising your dog can cause health issues, which is the opposite of what you want for your pup!

So how do you tell if your dog is getting too tired to walk? Here are some ways you can tell if you might be walking your dog too much or too far.

Signs your dog is getting too much exercise

It’s important to make sure that your dog is getting an appropriate level of exercise. His age, breed, overall health, and personality will all determine how much exercise is “enough.”

But your dog might not be good at telling you whether he’s had too much or too little exercise.

You should know the signs of a dog that is exercising too much during the day. This will help you prevent your dog from over-exercising in the first place!

A dog that is overtired might sleep more than the 10 to 14 hours that is normal for most dogs. You may find that he shows other signs, especially behavioral problems.

Overtired dogs tend not to be very good at listening. You may find your well-trained dog suddenly misbehaving quite a bit!

To learn more about common overtired dog symptoms and what to do, check out these related articles:

Exhausted dog symptoms

If you think your dog might be exhausted, then there are some signs you should watch out for. A dog that might be getting too tired might pant excessively, appear dehydrated, yawning a lot, or seem super thirsty.

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it’s important to stop exercising and let him get the rest that he needs. Dogs need a lot of exercise, but you can’t forget about their downtime!

A dog that’s getting too exhausted could also experience pretty significant health issues.

Unfortunately, your dog can’t just tell you that he’s feeling exhausted. It’s up to you to read the signs and make sure your dog is getting a healthy amount of exercise!

Here are 10 signs and symptoms your dog is overtired or exhausted.

How much exercise does a dog need?

So how much exercise should a puppy get—or an adult dog, for that matter?

As I mentioned earlier, there are a lot of factors that go into what an appropriate amount of exercise for your dog is. You need to consider his breed, age, and his general health.

Most adult dogs do well with about 30 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise every day. But that is generally considered the minimum.

Your dog might need a little more or a little less depending on him as an individual.

Young puppies and older dogs may need to get less exercise to keep them healthy.

How far should I walk my dog?

You should aim to go for at least your dog’s necessary 30-minute walk every day. It might be a good idea to split this into 2 x 15-minute walks or even 3 x 10-minute walks.

More is generally better. Just make sure that you’re watching your dog for signs of exhaustion. If he looks like he’s starting to get too tired of walking, then it’s probably time to call it a day.

It’s also a really good idea to combine his walks with other physical activities. This is especially true if you have a super energetic dog. Consider signing your dog up for a couple of days of dog sports every week.

Dogs don’t just need physical exercise

It’s important to make sure that your dog is getting enough exercise every day. But you shouldn’t just focus on physical exercise. You should also make sure to work your dog’s brain.

There are lots of great ways you can do that. And the great news is that exercise like this is super fun for both you and your dog.

Here are 10 brain games for dogs to play at home if you’re looking for some great ideas to try.

If you’re running short on time, then don’t worry. Brain games tend to take more effort for your dog to play, which means they’ll tire him out faster! Plus it keeps his brain sharp and helps the two of you form an even closer bond.

My dog is exhausted after playing, is that normal?

Playing is a fun and engaging way for your dog to burn off energy. It’s also a good way for you to build up your bond.

But you might be noticing that your dog is really tired after playing. More than that—he’s not just tired, he’s exhausted.

If you’ve been playing particularly vigorously, then your dog might need a little while to lie down and rest afterward. But if the playing isn’t too intense or this exhaustion after playing seems to have come on suddenly, there may be something wrong.

Keep an eye on your dog, and if it seems like his tiredness after playing isn’t normal, consider calling your vet.

My dog is exhausted after a hike, is that normal?

Hiking is super fun for you and your dog! It’s a great way to get out into nature and enjoy some fresh air away from the city.

But just like hiking can be really tiring for you, it can also be super tiring for your dog. If you come home with your pup and find him ready to get in some solid rest, that’s totally normal.

For more information on hiking with your dog, take a look at these articles:

Is it okay to walk your dog not every day?

Walking your dog is one of the best ways to make sure he gets the exercise he needs. But taking your dog for a walk every day isn’t always feasible.

While walking is certainly important, there are other ways you can make sure he gets his necessary daily exercise. You can always spend more time on brain games, or consider other physical activity options. 30 to 40 minutes of solid playtime can often be enough.

Signing your dog up for some weekly dog sports is also a great way to make sure he’s getting enough exercise!

As long as you’re ensuring that your dog is getting the physical and mental activity he needs each day, it’s okay not to take your dog for a walk every day.

Conclusion

Walking your dog is good exercise for both him and yourself. But as with everything, moderation is important!

Always keep an eye on your dog to check for any sign of exhaustion or of being overtired. If you notice that he might be getting too tired from his walks, it may be time to peel back a little bit.

And don’t forget to exercise your dog’s mind with plenty of fun brain games, too!

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