Is it true short walks shorten dog life? How much exercise is ideal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old
As I ask how much walk 2 yr old gsd should do and answer was it depends dog to dog when is my dog tired and to turn around for home before he gets tired but if i go for short walks like 15 minutes then it might affect his life span because my friend told me if you take dog for walk 15 minues inly then his life span will be shorter and if he walks for hours then he gonna live longer so what is the truth?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 15th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! In your first post you indicated that you and Bruno walked miles, so I think cutting it down just a little bit may help. If you can be more specific about at which point in the walk (which mile or how many minutes) he wants to turn around that would be helpful. I have never heard of short walks or no walks shortening the life span of a dog. Obesity shortens the life span of dogs. Exercise is healthy for the body and mind. If Bruno doesn't want to walk for miles at a time then try a dog park, or playing Frisbee or throwing a ball. If you want to push the walks then take breaks to let him stop and sniff or throw the ball or rough house for 5-10 mins then resume your walk. I hope this helps and I hope you have a great day!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 16th, 2017
I think any amount of exercise is better than no exercise. You don’t have to make them run a marathon to have a longer lifespan. I think daily 20 minute walks are great! Plus it is good for his joints to keep him moving daily. I hope this helps.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on June 29th, 2017
If your pet has an underlying heart condition right now, then regular walks (approx 30 minutes-1 hr) daily that are well tolerated by your pet should be fine, but you must check with your regular vet first to ensure this is ok. Some heart conditions are worse than others and will limit the amount of strenuous exercise the pet can do. Also always look at what your pet is doing clinically, because not every pet is going to fit into a specific time frame in which they can handle regular exercise. If your pet is struggling to breathe and collapsing on even short walks, then you have to use your best judgement and cut back on the length of time and distance so that your pet can easily manage it the next time. Walks don't decrease your pets life span, but if you push your pet too far, this can acutely cause complications for them, if there is an underlying heart condition. I hope this helps to answer your questions. Best wishes with Bruno.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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