Many families in the US have dogs. In fact, about 66% of all households own at least one pet, and of these, the dog is by far the most popular.
However, most families do not have the luxury of spending all day with their furry friends, and when it’s time to go to work, their dog will usually spend their time napping in a crate or wandering freely around the house.
With the average American workday lasting at least eight hours, that’s a lot of time your dog is not spending exercising every day — but a midday dog walker can help.
No matter your dog’s age or size, they benefit immensely from regular exercise. When you do not have enough time in the day to ensure they get the stretching and movement they need and deserve, a midday dog walker can fill in for you.
Most dogs grow to love their walker like another family member, so you can rest assured your furry friend is in good hands.
Here’s why you should consider a walker during the day if you are gone for work.
Do All Dog Breeds Need Regular Exercise?
Many people think of “athletic” dog breeds as animals like border collies and greyhounds, and they assume that their waddling basset hound or lazy great dane isn’t the exercising type.
However, every dog needs at least some exercise frequently, regardless of breed or age. These activities may be different depending on your individual dog, with older dogs taking things more slowly and limiting their exercise duration, but all dogs should still regularly participate in activities that get their hearts pumping.
Exercise comes with a wide range of benefits. The muscle your pet builds through activity helps them burn more calories at rest, keeping them at a healthy weight that supports their heart and skeletal structure. The impact of walking keeps bones strong and encourages good circulation that can lower blood pressure.
How Much Exercise a Dog Needs
The right amount of exercise depends on several factors, including age, medical conditions, breed, and interest. Some dogs, like the aforementioned border collies, are highly active and require much more (and more intense) exercise than lower-energy breeds.
In general, puppies should exercise in short bursts multiple times per day. Young adult and adult dogs should aim for at least 45 minutes of moderate exercise, which typically equates to two brisk walks.
Senior dogs should adjust to their level of tolerance, aiming for a cumulative 45 minutes that may need to be spread into shorter chunks than adult dogs.
If your dog has medical conditions or physical limitations, walking is not the only exercise that works! Consider swimming, playing fetch, or even stimulating the brain using obedience tasks like slowly weaving between poles.
What If You’re Gone All Day?
It can be hard to meet a dog’s exercise needs when you are gone all day. You may find that you don’t have enough time before heading to work to go for a walk, or you may be so exhausted after you return that walking is simply out of the question.
To ensure your pet gets their physical needs met, consider hiring a midday dog walker. These trustworthy professionals will visit your home and take your pet for an active outdoor encounter (or whatever play you specify).
The best midday dog walkers will tailor their services to your pet’s interests and your goals as an owner. If your dog loves playing fetch in the yard rather than going on long walks, a dog walker can do that!
They should also be able to do other important tasks your pet needs, such as brushing their teeth, administering medicine, and giving them food and water while you are away.
To see the best results with your dog walker, remember to:
Do a meet and greet first so your pet can be excited about the walker’s visit rather than nervous- Create guidelines for what your pet enjoys and what they don’t, then share those guidelines with the walker
- Get into a routine so your dog always knows what to expect each week
Trust a Certified Midday Dog Walker for Your Pet’s Needs
Holding down a full-time job or other time-consuming responsibilities does not have to interfere with your ability to care for your dog’s needs. A Northern Virginia midday dog walker can visit your home while you are gone to keep your pet active and happy as many times per week as you deem appropriate.
The experts at Paw Pals are pet CPR certified and knowledgeable about how to keep your dog safe and enriched during playtime. Contact Paw Pals to schedule a meet and greet with one of our dog walkers so you can head out the door each morning with confidence.
