We all know that walking is essential for our dogs. It will keep them fit, healthy, and happy. But if you’re here, it’s probably because your dog is getting tired after a short walk. Whether it happens regularly or it’s the first time, you should look further into that.
My Lab never seems tired after a short walk, but I would definitely worry if it was the case. So I couldn’t stop myself from doing some research on the subject. Here’s everything you should know about walking and fatigue in dogs.
Is It Normal For A Dog To Be Tired After A Short Walk?
Walking is a moderate physical activity that doesn’t require much energy or endurance. Therefore, it’s generally not normal for a dog to get overly tired after a short walk. It will take more intense and extended exercise to tire out a dog, such as a vigorous and long hike.
If your dog is tired after a short walk, there’s probably a problem. But first of all, you have to notice it. There are several ways to know if your dog has reached an abnormal level of tiredness after walking.
How To Know If Your Dog Is Too Tired On Short Walks?
Moderate panting doesn’t necessarily mean a dog is tired. So it might be normal to pant and rest a little after a short walk. But 10 minutes should be enough for most dogs to recover from walking. (Learn more about how long it takes for dogs to recover from exercise!) Then, you can look for signs and symptoms to know if your dog is too tired.
Tired Dog Symptoms & Signs
- Excessive Panting.
- Slow. (Can’t Keep Up)
- Fatigue & Exhaustion.
- Lethargy. (Lack of Energy & Enthusiasm)
- Rapid Pulse.
- Excessive Drooling.
- Etc.
Any unusual symptom after a short walk may suggest that your dog is tired. On the other hand, keep in mind that walking is still a physical activity. Therefore, it’s normal that your dog acts a little bit differently after a short walk.
However, you will have to do something about it at some point. Walking shouldn’t be enough to tire out a dog. If it’s the case, you need to find out what the problem is. So here are some potential causes of your dog’s tiredness after a short walk.
Why Is Your Dog So Tired After A Short Walk?
There are many reasons why a dog can be tired after a short walk. Sometimes, lethargy and intolerance to exercise in dogs are due to health problems, exhaustion, or temperature. Besides that, excitement and lack of stamina can also reduce how long a dog will take to get tired from walking.
With all the potential causes, it can be difficult and overwhelming to determine what really affects your dog. Being tired after a short walk may be a symptom of a serious condition. However, it can also simply be a sign that your dog is out of shape.
So here’s more information about each possible scenario to help you find the issue.
Health Problem
Tiredness, lethargy, and exercise intolerance are common symptoms of illness in dogs. Heart diseases, liver problems, diabetes, and infection can all cause fatigue. So it might explain why your dog is tired after a short walk.
A new medication, poisoning, and pain can also be the problem. Thus, please check your dog’s health if he gets tired from walking too quickly. Consulting a veterinarian is always the best way to know something is wrong.
Physical Condition
If your dog is not active and fit, it might be normal to get tired after a short walk. Obesity is one of the most common causes of lethargy and exercise intolerance in dogs. So if your dog is not in good physical condition and is overweight, it can explain why he gets tired from walking.
Too Much Exercise
Overexertion can also lead to tiredness. But how can a short walk be too much exercise for your dog? Well, the problem is probably not just the walk. If you exercise a lot before, it might be too much. It can also take a few days for a dog to recover from overexertion.
Thus, your dog might seem more tired than usual after a short walk because of the previous exercise. If the body already needs rest, moderate physical activity can be too much. So make sure that you don’t over-exercise your dog.
Mental Stimulation
A dog can also be tired mentally, not just physically. It’s not as common, but it may happen. Sniffing around on walks is an excellent source of mental stimulation for dogs. Therefore, I guess it might become too much at some point and cause tiredness while walking.
Excitement.
If your dog is excited to go on a short walk and keeps that enthusiasm, he might get tired more quickly. Besides that, excitement can lead to symptoms such as excessive panting, drooling, and rapid pulse.
Therefore, you may think your dog is tired when he’s just excited. But it’s quite simple to differentiate those conditions by looking at the dog’s energy level. A tired dog will generally seem more lethargic.
Temperature
The heat can influence how quickly your dog will get tired from walking. If you ever exercised when it was really hot outside, you can understand why. So it’s important to consider the temperature before going on a short walk with your dog.
Type Of Walk
As with any other physical activity, the intensity of the walk can influence how tiring it is. Moderate walking shouldn’t tire your dog, but a short brisk walk might. Doing it uphill can also be more physically demanding and cause tiredness afterward.
How To Find Why Your Dog Gets Tired From Walking?
The best way to know what causes your dog to be tired after a short walk is to consult a veterinarian. A professional will be able to perform tests and give you a diagnosis. With your input on the situation, you should be able to find the reason behind your dog’s tiredness after walking together.
But you can also use your common sense. If it’s sudden and not frequent, think about what could have caused this. Excessive exercise? High temperature?…
If your dog is often tired after short walks, it might be due to poor physical condition or health problems. Either way, it’s always recommended to consult a veterinarian.
How To Treat A Tired Dog?
The treatment will depend on the cause of your dog’s tiredness. Your veterinarian might give you specific instructions and medication. However, rest is generally the best way for a dog to recover from a short walk.
How To Avoid Your Dog From Getting Tired After A Short Walk?
Proper nutrition and exercise are the keys to preventing your dog from health and walking-related problems. But make sure to start with moderate physical activity and gradually improve without overdoing it. Then, your dog should be healthy and fit enough not to be tired after a short walk.
Last Thoughts About Tiredness After Walking In Dogs!
Finally, most dogs don’t get tired from walking over a short distance. If it’s the case for your dog, there might be a problem. Illness, poor physical conditions, overexertion, and many other conditions can cause fatigue and exercise intolerance.
That’s why you should consult a veterinarian if your dog is tired after a short walk. Talking with a professional will help you understand if you should worry and what you can do about it. So let’s take care of your dog’s health to avoid tiredness from walking in the future.
Let’s Walk That Dog!