Roughly 48 million Americans jog or run for recreation. While it’s excellent exercise, some may find it boring after a while, particularly if they’re on the same route. You can mix it up by going elsewhere, but you may find it even more enjoyable to bring along a running companion—your dog. However, that likely leaves you with some questions: How many miles can I run with my dog? Do I need to implement a training plan for them? How far is too far for them?
Our pets descended from wild canids that needed to move regularly to hunt and survive. That same DNA exists in your pooch, but dogs today aren’t as athletic as their ancestors. So, a general rule of thumb is that a fit dog can run about 2 to 5 miles. However, many variables exist, including your canine companion’s health, age, activity level, and breed. You will need to start low and then slowly work your way up. Plus, domestication has had both negative and positive effects on how long and how fast your dog can hit the trail, so read on to find out more.
Factors to Consider Before Running With a Dog
You should consider several factors before taking your dog with you on your run. Let’s start with the canine perspective.
1. Age
Even though puppies are bundles of energy, we don’t recommend taking a juvenile running for long because of the risk of injury. Too much exercise can actually cause permanent damage to their joints and bones. Dogs aren’t fully developed until they’re at least a year old. And giant breeds like the Newfoundland, for example, may not reach this point until they’re 2 years old.
Your senior Golden Retriever may want to run with you, but it’s probably best that they don’t, particularly if they have joint issues. Running may aggravate their condition, leading to discomfort when you get home. Let’s move on to the practical matters.
2. Health
The other consideration is the animal’s health status. Walking is often a better option for dogs with a chronic disease. Remember that running is a stressful albeit healthy activity. A dog with a medical issue is already stressed. An overweight or obese pet will struggle to keep up with you. Again, a slower pace can help manage the pooch’s weight without unduly taxing them. Brachycephalic dogs are prone to heat and exercise stress due to their compromised airways and most won’t cope with even a shorter run. Cardiac and respiratory conditions can be aggravated by exercise, so dogs with these should also have lighter exercise.
3. Environmental Conditions
The weather is another significant consideration for you and your pet. The chances are you already time your runs to take advantage of optimal conditions, whether it’s avoiding the heat or the cold. If it’s hot, you must look at it from your pup’s perspective. If you can’t place your hand on the sidewalk or pavement without flinching, neither should you subject your pet to it, which could result in burns on their paws. Heatstroke is another serious concern in hot weather; remember your dog’s skin can’t sweat and they wear a fur coat! Likewise, the cold presents other risks, including frostbite and hypothermia. A dog’s coat only goes so far in keeping them warm, particularly if there’s precipitation.
There’s also the condition of the running surface. You may have shoes with excellent tread or add something for added traction. Your pup can slip just as easily as you on slick pavement. Hard surfaces like cement will cause more impact on their joints. Over time this can worsen or lead to arthritis, so for regular runs, we recommend finding a softer track like grass. The takeaway is that you must also prepare for your run.
The Effects of Domestication
Let’s consider varying distances by breed, starting with the dog’s closest relative, the gray wolf (Canis lupus). This animal runs a lot. The average pace is around 5 miles per hour (mph), a pretty good pace if you’re jogging. However, wolves can kick it up a notch, up to 34 to 44 mph if needed. After all, they must go faster than their prey if they’re going to be successful hunters.
To put these figures in perspective, the fastest human is Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt, who ran the equivalent of 23.35 mph. Wolves are also excellent cross-country runners, able to travel up to 125 miles a day! They share 99.9% of their DNA with our canine companions, so the genetics for running exist in our pets.
However, the domestication of dogs has impacted these figures, and many of the breeds we know and love today simply cannot keep up with running activities. Pay attention to your pet’s body language for signs of stress, and if they appear unwell or overly fatigued, stop exercising them immediately. It’s important to be aware of how your pet is feeling during physical activity to ensure their well-being. If you notice any concerning signs, it’s best to take a break and allow them to rest. Remember that every dog is different, and some may need more time to adjust to new activities. Providing plenty of water and treats can make the experience more enjoyable for your furry friend. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.