If your dog is like mine, walking and eating are probably two of his favorite activities. But as you probably know, it’s not a good idea to exercise right after a meal. So you might wonder how long after eating a dog can go out for a walk or some physical activity.
In general, you should wait at least 2 hours to take your dog out after a meal. That will allow enough time for the stomach to digest and relax before going for a walk. Exercising too soon after eating can lead to digestive problems. So you should wait a few hours before taking your dog out after feeding him.
But it also depends on what you mean by taking your dog out. You might not have to wait that long if you just want to go for a short and light walk. So let’s see how you can determine the ideal rest and waiting time after your dog has eaten.
What Can Influence How Long You Should Wait To Take Your Dog Out After Eating?
Many factors can impact how long it will take a dog to be ready to go out after a meal. Waiting 2 hours is just a safe rule to avoid any problem with digestion. Depending on the dog, food, and what you plan to do afterward, you might have to wait less or more.
Dog
Some dogs have a better digestive system than others. It means they can process food faster and be taken out more quickly after eating. The health, size, breed, and age will influence the digestion of a dog.
In general, small breeds and puppies can digest food faster than bigger and older dogs. Besides that, large deep-chested breeds are more prone to Gastric-Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), commonly known as bloat. The risk also seems to increase with age.
What is a GDV or bloat? It’s a life-threatening condition that can occur when a dog exercises right after eating. That’s why you should wait before taking your dog out after feeding him. But don’t worry. I will get into more details about this digestive problem later on.
Food Intake
The amount and type of food your dog eats can also influence how long it will take to digest. The more food the stomach has to process, the longer you should wait to take your dog out afterward. What he’s eating can also have an impact.
Some foods will be faster and easier to digest than others. For example, grains might be slower for the stomach and body to process than protein. So you have to consider the size of the meal and what kibbles you give him.
Activity After Eating
What you have in mind when you say taking your dog out is another essential factor to consider. Some types of exercise will require more waiting time than others. For example, moderate walking with a full stomach isn’t that bad.
However, running right after a meal isn’t safe nor fun for your dog. So what you plan to do after eating can influence how long you should wait. The more intense and extended the activity is, the longer it’s recommended to wait before taking your dog out.
Now let’s dive into more specific examples. Walking, playing, exercising, and pooping are all things your dog might want to do after eating. Thus, here’s more information on the ideal waiting time before going out for each one of those activities.
How Long Should A Dog Wait To Walk After Eating?
In general, you should wait at least 1 hour to take your dog out for a moderate walk after eating. Ideally, you can extend that waiting time to 2 hours or more if you want to avoid any problems with digestion. Just make sure not to walk your dog right after a meal. The longer you wait, the better.
However, a dog might not need a few hours to be ready for a short and light walk after eating a small portion. So you can use your common sense to determine how long you have to wait. You should also stick to moderate walking for taking your dog out on a full stomach.
What If Your Dog Wants To Play After Eating?
You shouldn’t let a dog play and run around right after eating. Waiting at least 1 or 2 hours will allow the stomach to digest and relax. Playing fetch, chasing other dogs, and many other games involve vigorous physical activity. Thus, letting your dog play too soon after a meal can lead to digestive problems.
The more intense the game is, the longer you should wait before doing it. So don’t plan to play something where your dog gets too excited after eating. Otherwise, he might go crazy and exercise more than he should.
You can still find safe and controlled ways to play with your dog after mealtime. For example, brain games might allow you to have fun together without interfering with the digestion process. Therefore, letting your dog play on a full stomach can be OK if done properly.
How Long Should A Dog Wait To Exercise After Eating?
You should generally wait at least 2 hours to exercise your dog after a meal. Otherwise, it might lead to stomach pain, vomiting, and serious digestive problems. The more intense the physical activity you plan to do is, the longer you should wait to take your dog out after eating.
Digestion and physical activity are two demanding tasks for the stomach and body. So doing both at the same time isn’t a good idea. You should let your dog digest and then take him out to exercise. That way you will reduce the risk of bloat and GDV.
How Long After Eating Should You Take Your Dog Out To Poop?
You can take your dog out to poop or pee right after eating as long as you do it in a controlled manner. But it will generally take a few minutes for a dog to feel the need to poop. So you should wait around 20 to 30 minutes before taking your dog out for a poop after a meal.
However, it can vary a lot depending on the dog, food, and what was already in the gut. For example, a younger puppy will normally need to go poop more quickly after eating. Thus, the best way to know when you should take your dog out to poop or pee is through observation.
Besides that, keep in mind that you should avoid physical activity at least 1 or 2 hours after eating. So don’t go for a long walk or let your dog free in your backyard to poop. Otherwise, it might be too much exercise and lead to digestive problems.
Why Should You Wait To Take Your Dog Out After Eating?
Taking your dog out right after eating can interfere with the digestion process. The body and stomach won’t be able to digest properly while doing something else. So it can lead to belly pain, vomiting, and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or bloat. That’s why you should wait to take your dog out after a meal.
If you already go out with a full stomach you can understand that it’s not comfortable nor fun. It’s the same thing for your dog. Digestion requires time and energy. Therefore, make sure to let your dog have enough of both to avoid problems.
GDV and Bloat
The principal risk of taking your dog out right after eating is Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, also known as bloat. It’s a life-threatening condition that can occur in a dog that does physical activity too soon after a large meal. Here’s how it happens.
The stomach fills up with food, fluid, and gas. Then, it starts to expand and can twist at any time. In this position, the stomach can interfere with blood flow and restrict other organs. Therefore, it can be fatal and require immediate professional care.
As I already said, large dogs with deep chests are more prone to this condition. It includes breeds such as the Great Dane, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, and German Shepherd. But it can happen to any dog that goes out and exercises after eating.
Taking your dog out right or too soon after a meal can lead to discomfort, pain, and even death in the worst-case scenario. That’s why it’s essential to wait at least 1 or 2 hours before doing something with your dog.
What About Taking Your Dog Out Before Eating?
Instead of taking your dog out after eating, you might consider doing it beforehand. Going out on an empty stomach has many advantages. It’s more comfortable, less risky, and you can do it whenever you want. But afterward, you will have to wait before feeding your dog.
How Long To Wait To Feed Your Dog After Exercise?
Eating right after exercise isn’t good for dogs and can lead to digestive problems. So don’t feed your dog when he’s still warm and panting. You should wait between 30 and 60 minutes before letting him eat after physical activity. The more intense the exercise is, the longer you should wait to feed your dog.
Learn More About Feeding Your Dog After Exercise!
Last Thoughts About Waiting To Take Your Dog Out After Eating!
Finally, waiting before taking your dog out after a meal is essential. It will allow proper digestion to avoid problems including vomiting, stomach pain, and bloat. How long you should wait can vary depending on the dog, food, and what you plan to do.
In general, a dog will need to go out for a poop around 30 minutes after eating. Then, you should wait at least 1 hour for moderate physical activity such as walking and controlled play. If you plan to take your dog out for more vigorous exercise, it’s better to wait a minimum of 2 hours after a meal.
Have Fun Going Out With Your Dog At The Right Time!