Latest news with #NicoleRous
Daily Record
09-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dog expert reveals how long you should really walk your dog each day
Dog experts have settled a long standing debate on the minimum amount of exercise you should give your dog per day. As a dog owner, taking your four legged friend out for a walk every day is non-negotiable as it is essential our furry friends are getting a sufficient amount of exercise. But how long should you actually be walking your dog for according to the experts and government advice? Most pet owners are likely to decide how long their dog gets outside based on a number of factors. For example, their age, health, size and breed are all likely to play a part in this decision. However, the choice ultimately comes down to the owner. Dog experts at The Kennel Club have now offered their advice in the debate about how long dog owners should walk their pets for. They said: "Every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two, given that in some circumstances, under veterinary advice, the dog should be rested. "The Government recommends that we get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day, and this is something that everybody can achieve - and go beyond - on a daily dog walk. "The amount of exercise your dog needs will vary according to its breed, but every dog should have at least one walk a day, often two." The dog experts also advised that walking distance will be different for puppies and fully grown dogs, the Express reports. They explained that puppies need less 'formal' exercise and therefore long walks "can overtire them." While the amount of exercise your dog can manage varies between breeds and the health of your dog, they did give a rule of thumb that can help determine how much exercise is required for your pooch. According to The Kennel Club, the ideal amount is "five minutes of formal exercise per month of age (up to twice a day) until the puppy is fully grown i.e., 15 minutes (up to twice a day) when three months old, 20 minutes when four months old and so on. They added: "As they become older, they'll be able to cope with larger amounts of exercise". Veterinary doctor Nicole Rous backed this up in a TikTok video where she explained: "The rules are different for puppies and for adult dogs. There is a great rule of thumb for puppies - it's five minutes per month of life, and you can do this twice a day." Dr Nicole added: "So, if you have a four-month-old puppy, four times five is 20, you're looking at exercising for 20 minutes twice a day. That includes walks and things like that, but it also includes exercise in the back yard and games you're playing. "Adult dogs average 30 to 60 minutes a day, but this one's variable. So, if you've got a really active breed like a Border Collie, you're probably looking at one to two hours. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. "If you've got a more sedentary breed, you might be looking at two 20 minute walks a day rather than the full hour. Now, for senior dogs, we're at a similar level - 30 to 60 minutes, but the type of exercise is really important to look after their joints. "We want to look at low impact exercise, so walks, look at the surface you're walking on and then consider things like hydrotherapy - that's a really good exercise for the oldies to include in their regime." Dr Nicole stressed the crucial importance of maintaining exercise for dogs as they age to keep their minds active. The advice has resonated with numerous dog owners, as they were quick to share their own stories.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Vet reveals the one dog breed that needs more walks than any other. Is your pup getting enough?
If you've ever wondered whether a quick trot around the block counts as enough exercise for your four-legged friend, you're not alone. Pet owners across the globe often wrestle with the question: How much walking is too much—or not enough—for my dog? Well, Australian veterinarian Dr. Nicole Rous has finally set the record straight, and her advice might surprise even the most seasoned dog parents. Age matters: Tailoring walks to your dog's life stage In a now-viral TikTok video, Dr. Rous lays down a clear, age-based blueprint for canine cardio. According to a report from the Express , for those navigating the high-energy world of puppyhood, her rule of thumb is simple yet effective: five minutes of walk per month of age, twice a day. So a sprightly four-month-old pup should be clocking in 20 minutes of active play two times daily—whether that's garden romps or playful leash-led adventures. But don't expect that same math to apply forever. Once dogs grow into adulthood, their exercise needs evolve. Dr. Rous recommends anywhere between 30 to 60 minutes of daily movement, but this number doesn't stand alone—it sways heavily depending on your dog's breed and temperament. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like NYC Hotel Smartphone Booking | Bookmark Now! | New York City Hotel Booking | Mill Canyon Road Click Here Undo The breed that needs more miles So which breed is leading the leash in terms of needing the most exercise? Without a doubt, it's the border collie. Described by Dr. Rous as a 'really active breed,' these energetic dynamos may require up to two full hours of physical and mental stimulation daily to stay balanced and happy. 'These dogs thrive on activity. They're not just chasing tennis balls—they're herding invisible sheep and solving puzzles in their heads,' she explains. For them, a casual stroll simply won't cut it. On the flip side, more sedentary breeds like bulldogs might be perfectly content with two 20-minute jaunts each day. You Might Also Like: How a stray dog helped a man overcome addiction and sparked a mission to rescue thousands more iStock Border collies top the list as the most active breed, needing up to two hours daily. Elderly but energetic: Why senior dogs still need walks When it comes to senior dogs, Dr. Rous encourages owners to stay consistent—but gentle. Thirty to sixty minutes of exercise is still key, but surfaces matter more now than ever. Think grassy parks instead of hard pavements, and consider activities like hydrotherapy, which offers muscle engagement without stressing aging joints. 'Exercise is still so important even for dogs with arthritis,' says Dr. Rous. 'We want to keep their brains engaged and their bodies moving, just like we do with elderly humans.' Whether you're raising a frolicking pup, jogging alongside an adult companion, or gently pacing with a senior, one fact remains: consistent exercise isn't just about burning calories—it's about building a life of vitality for your dog. You Might Also Like: Vet warns pet owners after common dog behaviour linked to massive parasite inside woman's body
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Vet warns against feeding certain dogs raw food for important health reason
A vet has shared some important advice for dog owners who feed their pets a raw food diet A vet has issued essential guidance to dog owners who favour a raw food diet for their beloved pets, underlining important considerations to take into account. Dr Nicole Rous has raised awareness about the potential hazards and factors that need attention when dogs are given raw food diets. She accepts that raw diets can be fed to all breeds, but warns that not every type of protein is fit for every breed of dog, reports the Express. Dr Rous said: "Some breeds are more sensitive to certain proteins than others. For example, commonly Cavoodles I see reactions to chicken and beef, so they might not be the first proteins that I'd choose, or I might not want to choose to be a big part of their diet. "And then the other thing is just remembering every breed or every dog has a different energy requirement, so some are sedentary and others are really active and sporting dogs, so they might need more or they might need leaner proteins or fattier proteins, but absolutely every dog can be fed raw." Since Dr Rous released her video on the topic, a whole host of pet owners have eagerly posted their personal accounts on social media. One pet owner said: "Definitely not breed specific. Balanced correctly, raw is fantastic for optimal health and longevity." Another person highlighted specific issues relating to German Shepherds, saying: "Seems to be a common occurrence that chicken sets German Shepherds' allergies off too." Conversely, a Shar Pei owner reported an unfortunate reaction to the diet, saying: "My Shar Pei vomits after having any raw meat." The question of whether raw meat is an appropriate diet for dogs remains a hot topic. While dogs are capable of consuming raw meat, it's not recommended to feed them a diet solely composed of it. The recent surge in popularity of raw-food diets for pets may be attributed to owners' desire to replicate a dog's natural diet in the wild. However, a diet heavily dependent on raw meat may not provide a comprehensive and balanced nutritional profile, particularly for growing puppies with intricate dietary requirements. Older dogs could also face difficulties due to their potentially weaker immune systems as they age and more sensitive digestive systems. Properly cooked meat can facilitate digestion and is generally deemed safer. Some experts strongly discourage feeding dogs raw meat. PetMD warns: "Dogs are natural carnivores that can digest raw meat, but that doesn't necessarily mean raw meat is good for them. "Uncooked meat can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella, E. coli and Listeria, which cause foodborne illnesses that can make your dog very sick. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and animal nutrition experts do not recommend feeding a raw food diet for dogs. Instead, choose a regular balanced dog food diet that contains all the nutrients needed to keep your pet healthy. "That said, if your dog eats a small amount of raw meat that falls on the floor while you're cooking, they'll likely be fine. But even a small amount of E. coli or Salmonella can be harmful, so monitor your pup for signs of illness and call the vet if you have concerns." If your dog accidentally munches on a small piece of raw meat that's been dropped on the floor while you're cooking, the chances are they'll be alright. However, it's crucial to keep an eye on them, as even a tiny bit of or Salmonella could still be detrimental. If you've got concerns, don't hesitate to ring your vet. Before making any changes to your dog's diet, it's always advisable to contact your vet - particularly when human food comes into play. Dogs can have vastly different reactions based on various factors. Age, medical history, current health status, and their standard diet are just a few of the many factors. And if your dog is currently on a prescription diet, under no circumstances should you give them any food or treats not explicitly part of their customised diet plan.
