Many owners see an older dog slow down and quietly cut the walks. It feels kind, but vets and welfare groups say the better move is to change the exercise, not stop it. The PDSA, the UK's veterinary charity, puts it as "use it or lose it": less movement tends to leave joints stiffer.
The advice from the PDSA and the RSPCA matches closely: shorter walks, more often, with rest stops, at the dog's own pace, on familiar routes, away from extreme heat or cold. Neither gives a number of minutes, because every dog is different. The planner below gives you a cautious place to start, then you adjust by watching your dog.
How is your dog on walks right now?
What is the weather like?
Rule of thumb behind this: start with roughly half your dog's old walking time (a third if they tire quickly, three quarters if they are still keen), split into 2–3 outings. It is our cautious starting point, not a vet's figure. Your vet knows your dog and can change it.
Shorter, more often, at their pace: change the walk, don't cancel it.
What counts as exercise
For an older dog, a walk is not the only way to move and think. The PDSA lists several gentler options that tire the body and the brain without pounding the joints:
Sniffing time. Let your dog stop and read the news. Scent work is calming and uses mental energy.
Scent games. Scatter a few treats in the grass or hide them around a room and let your dog search. Good for bad-weather days.
Short, reward-based training. A few easy cues for a treat keeps minds busy. Keep it cheerful and brief.
Swimming. It is easier on sore joints, but ask your vet first and keep it calm and supervised.
Calm company. Time with a gentle dog of a similar age can be a pleasure for both.
Signs to slow down, and signs to call the vet
Stop for a rest if your dog lags behind, stops chasing a toy, lies down on a walk or starts to limp. Those are your dog saying "enough". Watch the next day too: stiffness after exercise is useful information.
Call the vet if your dog is limping, struggles on stairs or to jump up, is reluctant to walk, has swollen joints, or no longer seems to enjoy exercise. Stiffness can have causes other than ageing joints, and only a vet can tell. Please don't give any medicine, including human painkillers, which can be dangerous to dogs. Your vet can suggest the safe options, from pain relief to physiotherapy.
Little things that make walks easier
Keep the weight right. Extra weight puts extra pressure on joints. Ask your vet what a healthy weight looks like for your dog.
Soften the floors. Non-slip rugs or runners help on slippery floors, and a warm padded bed helps after a walk.
Check the nails. Less walking means nails wear down less, and long nails can make footing awkward.
Keep routes familiar if sight or hearing is fading.