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Is my dog getting enough exercise?

So I have a westie, shes 5 and named Maggie Mae. We live in Canada, summer months are easy because I can just hop on my longboard and she takes off and does the work for both of us. Winter is different, however, because its cold as balls. I try to walk her myself as much as possible but since Im in university fulltime and work part time, Ive been walking her by having her run beside my car (no leash of course, I had a coworker think I was holding her leash and having her run beside the car lol). So Ive been doing it twice a day since each time is not that long. I try to do 10 minutes each because she is sprinting basically the entire time, but thats only 20 minutes of exercise a day. When I know they recommend 30 minutes of walking TWICE a day. Is it fair to say she should probably be getting more exercise? I live at home still with mom and my sisters family along with another dog and 5 cats so shes getting stimulation when Im not there, I just wanna make sure she is happy.

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Deb A.

Disclaimer: my dog and I do not live in a cold climate, nor would I consider living in one.

In general, a good rule is that if it’s too hot or too cold for the human, even when appropriately dressed, then probably the same is true for the dog. On those days when the weather is bad, try to limit the dogs outside time And it might even be a good idea to try if your dog is willing to wear dog shoes to protect the paws from injury. Instead, play inside and try to get some sprinting in while in a more temperate setting.

Here’s another idea: Someone I know, who does not have a large living space, drives their dog to a relatively unused parking structure and together they walk around there with their dogs, so they’re shielded from the elements.

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Karen R.

A treadmill?

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Linda S.

I walk my dogs in Canada, all year in all weather. A good sweater and a raincoat together does the job. The salt is a killer, but there are creams for after these winter walks. Linda S

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Is my dog getting enough exercise?

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