All sport product are chosen at the free will of the GreatPetCare editorial team and do not mull over a lineal endorsement by the author or reviewer .
Your detent used to bucket along for the door the moment you clipped the leash to their collar . On walkway , you sometimes pelt along to keep up or admonished “ decelerate down ! ” as your dog galloped down the sidewalk , eager to move from one letter box and garden plantation owner to the next as tight as possible .
If your former speed - walking pup has shifted into low gear , you ’re probably wondering , “ Why is my dog walking slow ? ” Let ’s search some potential reasons why your dog is slowing down on walks late .
Why Is My Dog Walking Slow? 5 Potential Reasons
A dog walk lento might not be an immediate cause for concern : Some dogs simply like to research at their own stride and take in their surroundings .
“ The tread that a dog walks varies : Some dogs lean to have more energy and take the air at a fast pace while others prefer to move at a slower speed , ” excuse Kim DiMaio , VMD , veterinarian and owner of MainStreetVet.net in Perkiomenville , Pennsylvania . “ Breed and individual temperament can trifle a role in each dog ’s preferred yard and there is no one - sizing - fits - all [ walking footstep ] . ”
But if you ’re apprehensive about your click slowing down on walks , especially if the behavior seems strange for them , weigh the next factors :
Age
Puppies have an almost boundless energy , which translate to walking at a brisk pace and zigzagging across the path to catch all of the smell . But wienerwurst course slacken down as they age , take down Danny Cox , DVM , chief veterinary medical policeman of Petzey . Mostsenior dogswalk at a much slower footstep than puppy .
“ As hotdog old age , their muscles and marijuana cigarette may weaken or become less flexible , ” Dr. Cox says . “ This born aging process can result in a dumb pace due to reduced strength , survival and joint mobility . ”
Joint pain
Dogs withosteoarthritistend to take shorter walks and walk at a slower pace ( 1 ) . In addition to brusk , slower walking , cad with arthritis or joint annoyance might experience stiffness , limping , loss of brawniness mass , and grim vigour . If you comment your dog-iron walking ho-hum and stiff or your weenie arching their back and walk easy , your dog is likely in some sort of pain in the ass .
Dr. DiMaio append thatdogs in painmight be reluctant to jump or use stairs . “ Arthritis is a very common cause of heel go at a slower stride . Pain can cause a hot dog to slack down to examine to avoid movement that worsen pain . ”
If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis , your veterinary can commend an individualizedtreatment plan . This may include a combination ofpain medications(NSAIDs ) , joint supplements ( for instance , Dasuquin , Cosequin ) , weight expiration , and appropriate exercise .
Excess weight
A brisk walk can be difficult for anoverweight dog . concord to a 2022 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention , 59 percent of bounder are considered overweight orobese(2 ) . Dr. Cox observe that excess exercising weight can strain a wienerwurst ’s joints , muscles and cardiovascular organisation , making a base on balls more intriguing . It might be one of the reasons a dog keeps halt on base on balls or a dog keeps sit on walkway .
“ As weight increases , it can become more ambitious for a heel to keep an participating stride , ” Dr. DiMaio sum up .
If your dog needs to recede weight , work with your veterinarian to come up with a weight management program . This may let in reduce the bit of treats , eliminating table rubbish , carefully appraise each meal , feeding a weight exit diet ( for example , Royal Canin Satiety Support , Hill ’s Metabolic Weight Management , BLUE Natural Weight Management + Mobility Support ) and appropriate low - impingement exercises .
Health issues
A number of medical conditions , such as sum disease , respiratory problem or neurological disorders , can touch on a dog ’s vigour level and power to take the air briskly , according to Dr. Cox .
“ Just like in people , when a dog is n’t feel 100 percent , their activity level can go down as they seek to rest their physical structure , ” Dr. DiMaio lend . “ Various wellness experimental condition can cause phlegm , and one seeable sign of the zodiac of this can be a decrement in activity level . ”
front for other sign that a dog might be administer with wellness issues , such as loss of appetence , puking , diarrhea , being wobbly , circling , or increased respiratory rate while lie . If your dog is walk lento with their head or tail down , look weak , or shows other have-to doe with symptoms , see your veterinarian .
Fear or anxiety
Unfamiliar surroundings , specific phobias , past trauma , and other broker can make dogs feelfearful or anxious , Dr. Cox notes . These spirit might cause dogs to take the air at a slower pace because they ’re on high alert and assess their environs for likely threats .
frightened and anxious weenie might also await for opportunity to obscure on a manner of walking , slowing their tempo to avoid potentially shuddery stimuli .
“ Dogs who are experiencing fear or anxiety often give other signs in theirbody languagesuch as averting their regard , hold their ear back , hiding , panting , or even grumble or barking , ” says Dr. DiMaio .
If your dog is stressed , talk to your veterinarian about calming assist or prescription medicine medications that may help .
Dog Walking Slow: Next Steps
An episodic slow , sniffing walk is no big deal . However , if your dog was once at the front of the multitude during paseo but has started walking slower , keeps stopping or sit on walks , or turn down to walk altogether , it ’s cause for concern .
“ take whether their pace or behavior is out of case , ” Dr. DiMaio advises . “ If you feel that something has changed with your dog ’s behavior , schedule a visit with their principal charge veterinary to have them evaluated . ”
While there is no harm in countenance a dog to cease and bask all the sights and scents on a manner of walking , Dr. DiMaio notes that dog who are walking lento due to distraction , not underlie wellness issues , may benefit from harnesses and leashes that can help channelize their aid before of them to make it easier for them to keep a sensible take the air pace .
Dogs who are diagnosed with health conditions might benefit from veterinarian prescribed or recommend medication and supplements . Once their health weather are well - deal , dogs may resume their normal walk swiftness .
But dogs who have continuing conditions like arthritis that may ensue in a slower walking speed should be reserve to move at their own footstep .
“ It ’s significant to allow a slow - walking dog to take their time , especially if the pace is due
to age , discomfort , or health issue , ” Dr. Cox allege . “ force a quicker pace can exacerbate underlying weather or cause stress . ”
Other Tips and Advice
Exerciseis authoritative for a frump ’s strong-arm and mental wellness . Snapping on a leash and going for a walk might be the easiest choice , but there are other activities to introduce when weenie can no longer make it around the block or do n’t show sake in walks .
Swimming : It ’s an ideal physical exercise for overweight dogs ordogs with joint issues .
Scent games : Hide treats andlet your Canis familiaris sniff them out . It ’ll get your detent moving and provide indispensable genial stimulation .
breeding : Teacholder dogs new tricksto get them working their body and their brains .
Remember , regular check - ups are important for monitoring your dog ’s health and addressing potential health issues proactively , so they can continue to savour regular walks — even if they are at a slower pace .
