How Much Walking Does a Chihuahua Need? [Exercise Guide]
Despite being the smallest dog breed, Chihuahuas still require plenty of exercise.
A question that many dog owners ask themselves is: how much walking does a Chihuahua need?
Chihuahuas can be very hyper, but they need exercise just like any other dog. How much is too much exercise for this little lapdog?
In this blog post, we will answer how much exercise your chihuahua needs and how far they can go before it becomes too much.
We’ll also discuss the benefits a daily walk can have on your dog as well as the negatives of not giving them enough exercise!
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How Much Exercise Do Chihuahuas Need?
Chihuahuas need 30 minutes of exercise daily to stay healthy. This can be a combination of walking, playing in the yard, and running around.
The amount of time needed varies depending on your pup’s age and activity levels. For instance, if you have a fit dog who can practically run around the block three times, you can increase this amount.
Chihuahuas that don’t get enough exercise are at risk of developing destructive behaviors or becoming overweight as we will discuss later.
Puppies should only exercise 20 minutes or less each day broken up into short spurts. Too much exercise at such a young age can damage their growth plates, which aren’t fully calcified yet.
Senior dogs might want to exercise less as they age, especially if they are leading a more sedentary lifestyle or have joint issues. But, if you’ve kept up your exercise routine most of their life, they might just go at a slower pace.
How Much Walking Does a Chihuahua Need?
Ideally, you should walk an adult Chihuahua twice a day. Since Chihuahuas are so small, it’s best to break the 30 minutes of daily exercise into two 15-minute walks.
This will help your chihuahua recover between walks while staying healthy and happy.
If you are unable to walk your dog twice a day, one walk is better than nothing. Try to break it up into two walks the next day!
Unfortunately, saving a super long walk for the end of the week will not cut it. They need exercise daily.
When we first got our rescue Chihuahua, we were unsure of how much to walk him. We didn’t know if his little legs would get tired quickly or how much activity he was used to.
So we started out walking him once a day for 10-15 minutes and also played with him inside. Then, we gradually added time to his walks.
How Far Can Can You Walk A Chihuahua?
Most Chihuahuas can walk up to two miles without getting tired.
If your Chihuahua is a little older or not as active, start with a half-mile and work your way up to two miles. It’s important that you don’t push your Chihuahua too hard or they may become exhausted or injured.
Make sure to keep their nails trimmed so that walking doesn’t become painful for them.
Chihuahuas are able to go on hikes and adventures, too!
How Much Is Too Much Exercise for a Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are prone to overexerting themselves without knowing it! They love to run fast and get the zoomies.
While it’s important to make sure your Chihuahua gets enough exercise, you don’t want to overdo it.
If your Chihuahua is panting excessively or starts to lag behind during a walk, they’ve had enough. Stop and give them a break or carry them for a bit.
It’s also important to keep an eye on your Chihuahua’s behavior during the day. Excessive sleeping is one of many signs of over-exercising to look out for.
Your Chihuahua should always have plenty of water after they’ve exercised, especially if it’s hot outside.
Be mindful of how much exercise they’re getting. Chihuahuas are at risk of developing health issues such as joint problems and muscle injuries from intense or long sessions.
It’s best to stick with short, frequent walks and to gradually work your way up to longer walks if you choose.
What Are the Benefits of Exercising Your Chihuahua?
We know exercising is good for our dogs, but to what extent? Listed below are some of the many benefits your Chihuahua will get from daily exercises:
Maintain Weight
Chihuahuas who get enough exercise are less likely to become obese and suffer from health problems later in life. Maintaining a healthy weight will also reduce snoring since overweight dogs tend to accumulate more fat around their throat area.
Relieve Stress
Exercise also helps relieve stress and anxiety in dogs. If your Chihuahua is cooped up all day, they will be much more active when you finally take them for a walk.
Keep Joints Mobile
Walking your chihuahua helps keep their joints mobile, preventing joint problems as they get older. This is crucial because Chihuahuas tend to suffer from a knee condition called patellar luxation.
Strengthen Muscles and Bones
Exercise also helps to strengthen your Chihuahua’s muscles and bones. It also keeps their cardiovascular system healthy. This can help them stay active and playful into old age!
Strengthen Your Bond
Exercising together helps strengthen your bond with your dog. When you take the time to exercise with your pup, they will appreciate it and love you more!
Explore and Socialize
Going for walks in new areas will expose your Chihuahua to new sights and smells. This will keep them curious and keep their mind stimulated. They will also get to meet new dogs along the way, which builds up their socialization skills.
Increase Your Physical Activity
Taking your dog for a walk is a great exercise for you as well! This study shows dog owners are generally more active than non-owners. I know this is true for us. When we adopted our dog, we started going for two walks every single day.
It’s an excellent way to get the heart pumping, release endorphins, and get both of you in a good mood.
Negative Effects of Not Exercising Your Chihuahua
Now that we’ve explained the benefits of exercising your Chihuahua, what happens when they don’t get adequate exercise?
Obesity
They may become obese and suffer from health problems later in life. An overweight dog has a harder time exercising because of the extra weight they’re carrying around. That extra weight puts a burden on their joints and leads to snoring.
Destructive Behaviors
Low physical activity can lead to destructive behaviors. They might start chewing up items in your house, going potty indoors, or tipping over their water bowl. Exercise reduces these behaviors and gives your chihuahua a way to release their energy in a healthy way.
Barking and Crying
They may start to howl or bark excessively. This is their way of releasing the extra energy they’re storing up.
Chihuahuas who don’t get enough exercise are more likely to become vocal. This is also a way to get your attention, so maybe they’re trying to tell you they want to go for a walk.
Bored or Hyperactive
They may become restless and bored, or even depressed. Your Chihuahua could start sleeping more and have no motivation to exercise.
On the other hand, little to no exercise can cause a Chihuahua to become hyperactive. This is because they have a lot of energy so if they don’t get exercised, this can lead to the zoomies or pulling on the leash when you do take them for a walk.
Health Issues
They may start developing health problems such as joint problems, respiratory problems, or heart disease.
Exercise is the way to build a healthy heart for your chihuahua! It’s important to keep their endurance and stamina up.
Joint and Bone Problems
Their joints may not stay mobile, leading to joint problems as they get older. Their muscles and bones may weaken, making them less active and playful as they age.
All of these can be prevented by exercising your chihuahua regularly! Don’t be afraid to start slow if your Chihuahua is not used to exercising as long as you begin to make it a habit.
How Can I Exercise a Chihuahua Indoors?
Now that we know how much exercise a Chihuahua needs, how can you make sure your pup gets enough?
If the weather is bad or you don’t have time to go for a walk, there are plenty of other ways to exercise your Chihuahua indoors.
Clear some room to play fetch or reappropriate those objects around the house as toys. This will keep your Chihuahua active and entertained all in the safety of your home!
Another great way to get your Chihuahua moving is by setting up a dog agility course in your living room or garage. This will challenge them mentally and physically. You can buy this agility course or make one yourself using furniture and boxes.
Get even more ideas in our post 24 Fun Games to Play with Your Chihuahua!
What to Do If My Chihuahua Doesn’t Want to Exercise?
If your Chihuahua is not very active, there are a few things you can do to help them get more exercise.
Exercising is more than just going for a walk, so get creative and have fun with it!
– Take them to the park for a leashed walk or to the dog park for off-leash fun
– Play fetch with them in the yard
– Take them to doggy daycare where they can play with other dogs
– Have a playdate with another dog
– Invest in some dog toys that will keep them active, like an automatic fetch toy or an Idig
By switching things up, you can help your Chihuahua get the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.
Can Chihuahuas Go Swimming?
Chihuahuas can go swimming, but they should not be allowed to swim in deep water. Some Chihuahuas don’t like swimming because they are afraid of the water.
Make sure your Chihuahua has a life jacket on if you are going to take them swimming. Start out training them to swim in a pool to see if they like it.
If you live near a lake or river, it’s important to keep an eye on your pup when they’re playing in the water. A Chihuahua could easily get swept away due to their small size.
If your Chihuahua loves swimming, it’s important to clean their ears after a session. Just like humans, dogs can also get swimmer’s ear and it could lead to an infection.
Read our post about how and why to clean your Chihuahua’s ears.
How Much Exercise Does a Teacup Chihuahua Need?
A teacup chihuahua doesn’t need as much exercise as a regular-sized Chihuahua.
A good rule of thumb is to take your teacup chihuahua for a walk once a day and let them play in the yard.
Teacup chihuahuas can also get exercise by playing fetch.
Just like with regular-sized Chihuahuas, it’s important to keep an eye on your chihuahua’s behavior and how much exercise they’re getting. As always, too much exercise can lead to health problems for your teacup chihuahua.
What Items Do You Need to Walk A Chihuahua?
Walking a Chihuahua doesn’t require too many items, but you’ll want to be prepared.
The most important items you need are a leash, harness, ID tag, and some poop bags.
If you’d to take the opportunity to do some training on your walks, then a treat bag will come in handy.
Dress for the weather! Chihuahuas are prone to getting cold so it’s important they wear a sweater or even boots if it’s snowy. Check out our Chihuahua clothing guide for more options!
If you’re going to be taking your chihuahua for a walk in the dark, you’ll also want to have a flashlight or headlamp.
Make sure you have plenty of water & a collapsible travel bowl to keep your pup hydrated on your walks, especially on those hot days.
And, of course, you’ll need a good sense of humor because your Chihuahua is sure to keep you entertained!
Summary
Now that you know how much walking a Chihuahua needs, it’s important to start implementing a routine. A happy and exercised dog is a good dog.
Two 15-minute walks a day is the ideal amount for most Chihuahuas, but make sure you adjust depending on their age and activity level.
If you can’t get outside for a walk or it’s too hot or cold out, then there are plenty of ways to exercise your Chihuahua indoors such as fetch and hide and seek.
Keep an eye on your chihuahua’s exercise levels though, as too little exercise can lead to health problems like obesity and destructive behaviors while too much can increase the chance of an injury.
Giving your Chihuahua enough exercise is important for their health and well-being.
FAQ:
Can You Walk a Chihuahua in the Snow?
Yes, you can walk a Chihuahua in the snow, but make sure they have proper boots to protect their feet. They will also need a coat to keep them warm since Chihuahuas have trouble staying warm.
Can You Take a Chihuahua Jogging?
Yes, chihuahuas can go jogging, but for short distances. They are not built for long-distance running.
Can Chihuahuas Be Walked With a Collar?
Chihuahuas can be walked with a collar, but it’s better to use a harness instead to prevent neck injuries such as a collapsed trachea.
Can a Chihuahua Walk 5 Miles?
Chihuahuas can’t walk as far as other breeds. They could walk 5 miles if you slowly train them by going for longer and longer walks each day. However, we recommend against walks farther than two miles unless you are taking frequent breaks. If you’d like to go on long hikes with your pup, it’s best to use a dog carrier backpack.
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