Many pet parents are confused regarding the schedules of their dogs, especially in regards to feeding and walking. This is because of the fear of bloating and stomach twist occurring in dogs. So How Long Should You Wait to Walk Your Dog After They Eat?
It is necessary to know the answer to this question if you want to prevent your dog from fatal disorders like stomach bloating and torsion.
Let’s look in detail at what is the right time to feed your dog or take him out on a walk.
How Long Should You Wait To Walk Your Dog After They Eat?
If your dog just ate food, it is recommended to wait for one and a half to two hours before taking him out for a walk. And this two-hour mark remains the same for both an adult dog as well as a puppy.
Dogs, especially puppies, are always enthusiastic to play, but as a dog owner, you must make sure that you don’t let your pet friend play or walk immediately after a meal.
Your dog’s stomach can bloat if he does some major physical activity within two hours of having a meal.
Other dangers of feeding your dog immediately after feeding are vomiting, cramps, abdominal pain, and inhibiting circulation within the digestive tract.
Is It Better To Feed A Dog Before Or After A Walk?
There is a risk of stomach bloating if your dog walks right after a meal, so it is preferable to feed your dog after the walk. It does not eliminate but reduces the chances of stomach bloating and twisting in dogs.
You should have a proper feeding schedule for your dog just as you have it for yourself. Fix times for meals and walks in your dog’s schedule with proper gaps between meal times and walks.
Stay consistent with the schedule so that your dog gets an idea that he is going to be fed after his walking time and that he is supposed to stay calm and rest during this gap.
However, there are also some benefits of walking your dog an hour or two after he had a meal. It gives him enough energy to walk and do other activities. Also, dogs tend to urinate and or defecate after a meal so it can also make it easier for you to fix their potty schedule.
Whether you choose to feed your dog before or after a walk, you must make sure that he has had enough time to digest his food or calm down after a walk.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Tapioca and Pearls?
Can I Feed My Dog Right After A Walk?
Feeding your dog right after a walk can be a bad decision. Your dog needs time to calm down and relax before consuming anything.
A panting or active dog won’t be able to digest properly, and feeding a dog right after a walk can also lead to bloating.
How Long After Walking Can I Feed My Dog?
After walking, it is recommended that you wait for at least an hour before feeding him any large meal because your dog is at risk of stomach bloating and twisting if he eats right after walking when he is panting.
Moreover, it is possible that your dog may still be excited after the walk, and he will not eat properly if you serve him food immediately after the walk.
Should I Walk My Dog on an Empty Stomach?
Walking your dog for smaller periods of time on an empty stomach does not have any problem as such but a dog walking for a long time or engaging in strenuous exercise can be a problem because he might not have enough energy for it.
However, walking your dog before he has eaten anything can be beneficial in case your dog is overweight. Dogs burn more calories when they are in a fasted state and it will help your dog in losing weight. Give it some morning treats like Bil-Jac Breakfast Jacs instead of walking on an empty stomach.
Is It OK To Walk My Dog Before Breakfast?
Dogs burn more fat calories if they go on a walk before breakfast. And walking your dog before he has eaten something also spares his liver from the constant digestion process and allows it to process waste products more efficiently, ultimately reducing the toxic load of the dog.
It also depends on the dog breed. If you have a smaller dog, it might not be safe enough to take him on a walk before eating. A senior dog or an adult dog who is healthy enough can be taken out on walks before breakfast.
A sick dog should not be made to go on a morning walk with an empty stomach.
How Long Should I Wait To Give My Dog Water After Exercise?
You must carry water with you when you are going out on a walk with your dog. Take water breaks after every mile or as soon as your dog starts panting.
You don’t need to wait for your dog to calm down after exercising before giving him water, but you need to make sure that he doesn’t gulp down large quantities of water at once.
Give water to him slowly and in a restricted manner to quench his thirst and keep your dog hydrated.
You can also read about how to cool your dog after a workout here.
Can Exercise Cause Bloat In Dogs?
If you exercise your dog right before or after feeding, it can cause bloating in your dog. His stomach will bloat, and there are chances of torsion also occurring. This condition is called Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome in dogs.
Your dog’s stomach bloats when there is too much air filled in his stomach and there is increased pressure in your dog’s abdomen. The stomach might even twist around its axis, and a twisted stomach will be very uncomfortable for your dog.
A bloated and twisted stomach can cause blockages and the blood is trapped and stopped from reaching the other organs of the dog’s body. This can be lethal for your dog.
What Are The First Signs Of Bloat In A Dog?
The initial signs of bloating in a dog include:
- Drooling
- Upset stomach
- Restlessness
- Anxiousness.
Your dog will try to vomit but nothing other than saliva will come out. His stomach will start swelling up.
If the condition worsens, your dog will start feeling weak. His heartbeat rate will increase and he might collapse out of shortness of breath.
How Long After Eating Does A Dog Get Bloat?
It is usually reported that bloating occurs two to three hours after eating a meal. If your dog is exposed to vigorous exercise right after eating a meal, he is more prone to bloating and Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome (GSV).
There are some dog breeds that are more prone to bloating. Large and deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds are at a higher risk of stomach bloating and developing GSV.
Can Bloat In Dogs Resolve Itself?
Bloating in dogs can be lethal and it cannot resolve on its own. Veterinarian interference is absolutely necessary.
You must immediately take your dog to your vet if you notice any signs of bloating or Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome (GSV). Your vet will decide the method of treatment depending upon the seriousness of the situation.
If not provided treatment on time, your dog might die because of bloating.
Should I Pet My Dog While Eating?
Petting your dog while he is eating is not completely necessary and might even be irritating for your dog. But if your dog has food aggression, you should pet them in between.
When you pet your dog while he is eating, he might be annoyed at first, but soon he will get used to it. Since it will seem normal to him, he will leave his habit of barking and snapping when someone touches his food.
Click here to read more about how to control your pet friend’s food behaviour.
Should You Feed Your Dog As Soon As They Wake Up?
Your dog might wake up very hungry and ask you to give him food but it is advised that you give him a quick and brisk exercise before feeding him.
You must have a fixed and consistent feeding schedule for your dog so that he remains healthy and mentally active. You must check this out if you wish to create a proper feeding schedule for your dog.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Jelly?
How Much Exercise Does A Dog Need?
The amount of exercise that a dog needs depends on his age, breed and health condition. But on average, dogs can manage 20-30 minutes of walking daily.
Sporting breeds or working dogs like collins or shepherds need more heavy exercising to maintain themselves. Younger dogs are more energetic and walk or exercise more than an adult dog or a senior dog.
Read more about your dog’s exercising needs here.
Is Walking Enough Exercise For A Dog?
The answer to this question depends on the specific character of your dog. Walking can be enough exercise for smaller dogs or aged dogs but might not be enough for a working dog.
A Yorkshire terrier will be satisfied with a daily walk and fetching games twice or thrice a week, but a shepherd might not be. Your pup will need more exercise, whereas your senior dog will be okay with just walking.
As a pet owner, it is your duty to determine the needs of your dog and fulfil them accordingly.
Conclusion: How Long Should You Wait To Walk Your Dog After They Eat?
So now you know How Long Should You Wait to Walk Your Dog After They Eat. The thumb rule is that you wait for one or two hours after feeding him to take him on a walk or wait for at least an hour to feed him after he has come from a walk.
This will minimize the chances of bloating and Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Syndrome (GSV). occurring in your dog. However, if they do occur, you must not waste time on anything and directly take him to a vet, or else it can be fatal for him.
