When to walk your dog? Find out the best time of day

Pet / Date: 02-01-2025

If you have a dog, you already know how crucial it is to walk your pet. Apart from supporting physical well-being, walking plays a crucial role in your pet's mental well-being. But do you know when to take your dog for a walk? There are hours of the day that are optimal for walking, which will yield even more benefits for your pet.

With this in mind, Today we will tell you what you need to know to choose the best time to walk your dog, maximizing all the advantages of a daily walk. Keep reading and check it out!

When to walk your dog?

First of all, it is important to note that walking your pet should only take place after he or she has received all of his or her vaccinations . To avoid any risks, check with your veterinarian to see if it is safe to take your dog for a walk before taking him or her out on the street.

Keeping that in mind, let us proceed to the point: when exactly do you take your dog out for a walk? Take your pet for a long morning walk. It is so because hormones present in the animal's body get released. Other than that, it is healthy to get exposed to sunlight. However, it is recommended to take your dog out on a short evening walk, after it has regained its energy level.

Naturally, each case is different. It is well worth thinking, for example, if your dog will be able to manage two walks a day, as well as always keeping an eye on the temperature. It is not a good idea to take pets out for a walk between 10 am and 5 pm, when the sun is highest. Otherwise, your pet will scald its paw, as well as become dehydrated and hyperthermic (abnormal increase in body temperature).

Cortisol is highest in the morning

Just like the human body, the bodies of dogs start secreting cortisol (the stress hormone) early in the morning. This occurs as melatonin decreases, informing the body that it is time to wake up.

Thus, if a dog lacks a relief source for this stimulation — i.e., physical and mental exercise — he can become stressed and even aggressive. Thus, a morning walk is the best method to "tire him out" for the rest of the day.

Morning walks reduce anxiety

Besides regulating cortisol, the walks will assist in releasing other hormones associated with well-being and relaxation, including serotonin and endorphins. By performing the exercise in the morning, there is a high likelihood that the dog will remain calm during the day.

It is particularly intriguing if the owner has work away from home and must depart for a couple of hours alone with the pet. Alongside the morning excursion, interactivity toys and feeders will entertain the animal until nighttime. Toward the close of the afternoon, a short stroll is also best to complete the day.

Benefits of the sun for dogs

Another great advantage of prioritizing morning walks with your dog is the many benefits that the sun brings to your pet. The absorption of vitamin D is directly associated with the prevention of bone problems, in addition to increasing immunity and improving the animal's mental health. But it is worth mentioning again: avoid walks between 10 am and 5 pm, especially during the summer.

How long should a dog walk last?

The ideal length of time for a dog walk will depend on several factors. Some of these include the size of your pet, its age, physical limitations, and the needs of each breed. Some dogs are much more active, while others will need more rest.

The same applies to a comparison between seniors and puppies — in the case of those who have already completed their vaccination protocol and can leave the house. Younger dogs have much more energy to burn, not to mention that senior dogs can have joint problems that prevent them from making great efforts, such as on long walks.

Therefore, it is important to analyze your case and always seek the advice of a veterinarian. They will be able to tell you whether the walk with your dog should last 20, 30 minutes or even 1 hour. It all depends on the specifics of your pet.

Ideal frequency of dog walking

Routine is crucial to maintaining your dog's health and well-being. Walks should be daily and preferably at the same time. When you know what to expect during the day, your dog's anxiety and stress tend to decrease. Of course, if an emergency happens one day or another, it's no problem! Just get back to your routine when possible.

The same goes for the length of the walk. If you are busy during a particular week and cannot walk your pet for as long as usual, take a quick walk with your pet. Remember that a short walk in the evening, for example, is better than leaving your pet at home all day.

Safety tips for walking your pet

With the best practices for walking your dog in mind, how about checking out some safety tips to make the moment more peaceful? Check out what you can do to keep your dog safe below: