Walking A Pug – The Basics
Walking a Pug is one of the most useful ways of exercising a dog of this breed. Still, some concerns might arise before doing so. Due to the brachycephalic nature of the breed, breathing is not so easy for Pugs, which is why a seemingly simple activity like a long walk will take a little bit more of planning:
- You’ll need safety measures, water, and maybe some snacks.
- Maybe some clothes or doggy shoes.
- And more depending on how long the walk will be.
In this article, we’ll talk about walking a Pug in the safest way possible to avoid any issues that may surge. This will help you take the right measures to keep your Pug lean, entertained, and exploring the world around him. Do you have your shoes on? You’ll need them!
AKC – American Kennel Club
When is it safe to walk a Pug?
Walking a Pug is best done in the morning. When the sun is rising in the morning, the temperature is low, so your Pug won’t have any issue with hot temperatures. This lowers the risk of heatstroke and overheating, which can be fatal in Pugs. Also, pavement is hot to the touch. You’re wearing shoes, you wouldn’t know, but your Pug is barefoot in most cases. This will make it easier on his paws and eliminates the risk of burn.
If that’s not an option, wait until the temperature drops at night, since you’ll harness the same benefits as in the morning.
How long should I walk my Pug?
A stroll of 20 minutes with a nice pace will keep him exercised, lean, and with a good amount of much-needed muscle. If you’re simply walking around, letting him sniff here and there, then you could probably make it up to 30 minutes. This is a good stimulus for them, but be always attentive to what they smell. You must know that Pugs can walk more than you think (up to even 3 miles per day!), but, just like with humans, they’re not born with this endurance. If you want to walk more with them (which is great to their health if done safely), you’ll have to train them to endure. Make sure to provide them with a proper diet and plenty of rest afterward!
On the other hand, both for senior and young Pugs (less than 6 months), you have to take it slow and walk them 15 minutes each time. Also, if you have an obese Pug, you’ll have to make it even shorter. Walking an obese Pug for 20 minutes might be too much, so 10 minutes will do.
You can walk a Pug several times per day as well, being early morning and nighttime the best hours to do it.
AKC – American Kennel Club
Safety measures before Walking your Pug
Before going out with your Pug, you’ll want to take a few safety measures to avoid any issues.
- Use a harness, never a collar: Collars are ok for other dogs, but not for Pugs. They can trouble Pugs breathing and suffocate them. You can eliminate this risk completely by getting a good harness for Pugs.
- Offer them water before leaving: Giving water to your Pug will keep him hydrated as he walks. Still, taking water with you is vital as well.
- Feed them 40 minutes before leaving: This will help them do their thing while being outside. If your Pug keeps making number two inside the house after you came back from your walk, this is the solution. Also, that 40-minute window is vital for them to avoid bloating.
If your Pug is going out for the first time, you must be extra patient, and aware of certain dangers. You see, Pugs are curious little dogs. When they go out for the first time, they will be immeasurably excited, which is why accidents may happen. Take it slow on their first time to make sure they adapt to different stimuli, like strangers, other dogs and pets, and traffic sounds. This will help a lot getting accustomed.
rope toy soaked in water and then frozen can be lots of fun on a hot day (This is also great for a teething pup). You can also freeze treats and stuff them into their hollow rubber toys” (opens in a new tab)”>“While they aren’t a substitute for drinking water in a bowl, water can be used in other fun ways to cool your dog off. Some dogs love ice cubes as a treat in the hot weather. You can give them to your dog to lick or put them in their water to give them a really refreshing gulp. Keep your dog’s chewing intensity in mind as an ice cube could chip a tooth. Another way to give a cool treat is to put your dog’s toy in the freezer for a while. A rope toy soaked in water and then frozen can be lots of fun on a hot day (This is also great for a teething pup). You can also freeze treats and stuff them into their hollow rubber toys”
CKC – Canadian Kennel Club
What should I take with me while walking a Pug?
When walking a Pug, there are a few vital items, pieces of clothing, and more goodies you should take with you.
- Water: Providing your Pug with plenty of water while exercising him is vital. This can make a huge difference for the rest of their day. It also protects them from overheating. When you start noticing that your Pug is panting a little bit, offer him some water in a portable water bowl.
- Clothes, coats, and more: Depending on the weather, you might have to suit up your Pug with some clothes. That’s why we’ve selected the best winter coats for Pugs to protect them from cold weather, a few awesome cooling vests for Pugs, some useful raincoats, and some sweaters to protect them from a mild cold. Those should keep him protected from many things.
- Dog shoes: A good set of doggy shoes will help you protect their paws from hot, cold, and rough surfaces. Humidity can also cause issues in their paws, so they’re more important than you think. Check the best shoes for Pugs.
- Healthy training snacks: If you’re training your Pug, giving him a snack or two can help you control him if he starts barking if he runs away and if he’s simply not paying attention to your commands.
After getting home from a walk
People think that when they get home, they shouldn’t worry anymore about their pups. Still, when you arrive from a walk, you must check your Pug thoroughly. If he’s wet, dry him off properly. Check his eyes, mouth, nose, and belly for any undesired thing, like bugs, stings, or injuries. Also, you must wash his paws and dry them, as they are the best places for fleas to hide. Finally, give your Pug a few hours to rest, offer him some snacks so he can make it until his next meal (don’t do this immediately after arriving, they can get sick), and leave a bowl filled with fresh water for him.
After a while, he should be up again; exploring, seeking your warmth, and filling you with all his love.
Frequently Asked Questions – Walking a Pug
Sure! Most dogs love water and they’ll want to go for a splash once they see it. Still, make sure to take with you the right sunblock and follow our tips to avoid Pug overheating.
If you live in an especially wet place and you have no other choice but to take your Pug on a walk while it’s raining, you can do it. Still, playing inside with his toys is preferred, especially if you don’t have a Pug raincoat or if your pup doesn’t like the rain. It’s cold when it rains, you know?
If that happens or if your Pug starts panting for no reason, you should take him to the vet. Excessive panting for no reason is a sign of issues like Pug obesity, lung or heart conditions. Get him checked!
Conclusion
Pugs need walking just as we do. It keeps them in good shape, healthy, and increases their endurance and lifespan. It’s also a great activity for you to bond together, which is why you must do it often. It’s completely false that Pugs shouldn’t go for walks; instead, we know they thrive with them.
All you have to do is follow our tips, take the right measures, and be cautious while doing it. Once you’ve adapted to this routine, you’ll have a healthy Pug at all times. With just 30 minutes per day!
Are you ready to go for a walk?
