As we all know, dogs need exercise on a daily basis. And walking is one of the best and easiest ways to keep them active. That’s why it’s generally recommended to walk your dog every day. But you might wonder if dogs need days off from walking?
Dogs don’t necessarily need days off from walking. But a rest day after a demanding physical activity such as a long run or hike can be beneficial. Dogs sometimes need time to relax and recover, so an occasional day off from walking might be a good idea. Just make sure they get enough exercise.
Every dog is unique. So each one will have different needs. But they all require some rest to recover and avoid injuries, especially after a highly active day. That’s where days off from walking might come into play. So let’s figure out if, when, and how often your dog should stay home and rest.
When Does Your Dog Need A Day Off From Walking?
There are many instances where a dog should not walk for a day. The first is the day after an intense workout or activity. It can be a long hike, run, training session, or anything physically and mentally demanding. If your dog is tired, he might need a day off from walking.
Then, an injured or ill dog will also need more rest than usual. Not walking for one or a few days will allow the dog to recover and heal as quickly as possible. It will also keep the injury or illness from getting worse. So no walks for dogs in recovery unless otherwise advised by a vet.
A day off from walking might be a good idea whenever you feel like your dog is tired or has anything unusual. The thing is that it should be about your dog, not about you. Don’t skip a walk because you don’t feel like it or have something else you want to do.
How Often Should Dogs Get Rest Days?
You should only take days off from walking when your dog needs it. Some people also advise having regular rest days. For example, you can decide not to walk your dog once a week. But it doesn’t mean you have to do nothing all day. You can find other ways to exercise and spend quality time together without overdoing it.
How often you should take days off from walking depends on the dog. Some dogs never seem tired and are always ready to go for a walk. On the other hand, lazy couch potatoes might need more rest days. But all dogs can learn to relax and chill for a day.
Many factors will come into play, such as breed, age, health, fitness, energy, and temperature. For example, young pups might have a lot of energy but can get tired relatively quickly because they don’t have much stamina yet. So puppies might need more days off from walking.
The weather can also influence whether you should walk or not. If it’s not safe for your dog to go outside, you might have to stay home and find other ways to exercise. Just use your common sense and make it all about your dog. That way, you should know when to take rest days.
Days Off From Walking
Now you might wonder what you should do during a rest day. The first rule is not to take your dog for a walk. Apart from that, you are pretty loose on how to organize your days off from walking.
If your dog really needs rest, you should avoid exercise as much as possible. But you can always find ways to keep him active and busy. Just make sure not to overdo it and let your dog relax and recover.
Other Ways To Exercise Your Dog On Rest Days!
On the other hand, days off from walking don’t have to be calm and exempt from exercise. If your dog has energy and doesn’t need to rest, you can do other activities. Running, hiking, swimming, and agility training are only some alternatives to walking.
But if your dog needs to rest or recover from something, leave those activities for another day. There are other more relaxed ways to exercise. For example, you can stay at home and play with toys together. Classic games such as fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek are also fun activities for your dog on rest days.
Mental stimulation is also an excellent way to keep dogs entertained. If your dog is too tired physically or has sore muscles, you can always exercise his brain. Puzzles, scent work, training, and challenging toys are all great things to do on days off from walking.
Last Thoughts About Days Off From Walking For Dogs!
Finally, dogs might need occasional days off from walking when they are recovering or tired. Whether your dog is injured, sick, or coming back from a long trek, some rest is necessary. So not walking for a day might help him recover properly and avoid problems.
Regular rest days can also be beneficial for dogs. On the other hand, some dogs will need their daily walks to meet their exercise requirements. Either way, just make sure your dog gets what he needs to stay fit, healthy, and happy without overdoing it.
Let’s Walk That Dog! (Or Maybe Not Today..)