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So you’re an avid runner looking to bring along your schnauzer and wondering how they do with running. Or, you’re thinking about starting to run more often and wanting to bring your schnauzer along for the journey. How do schnauzers do with running?
Can Schnauzers Go On Runs:
Schnauzers are high energy dogs that would thoroughly enjoy going for runs with you. If you’ve never brought your schnauzer on runs in the past, be sure to start them with shorter distances and gradually increase the length as they become more fit and used to running.
In this post you’ll discover 4 facts about schnauzers and running, some of the more serious dangers to look out for when running with a schnauzer as well as 4 helpful tips to keep your pup safe while running.
Tip #4 is the most important in case of an emergency.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
How Fast Can Schnauzers Run?
When a schnauzer is running as fast as they possibly can they’re able to reach anywhere between 15-20 mph.
When it comes to going for a run, most people jog at a 4-6 mph pace which should be no problem for your schnauzer to keep up with.
How long they can keep up with your pace is entirely based on what condition they’re in and how often they run.
How Far Can Schnauzers Run?
How far each individual schnauzer can run will vary based on a few variables.
How old they are, how fit and healthy they are, and how often they currently run are big factors.
If your schnauzer is moving into their senior years they may have hip and joint pain that makes them unable to run very far.
Also, if your pup has never ran before and is a little overweight, they won’t be able to handle running long distances.
It’s very similar to how a person learns to run longer distances.
If you’ve never ran before and all of a sudden decide to go for a 5 mile run without stretching, you’re going to get hurt.
Same outcome will happen with your schnauzer.
But if you give yourself a good warm up, start off with shorter distances and gradually increase, your ability to run longer distances will improve in no time.
Again, same for your schnauzer.
At the end of the day if your pup doesn’t run outside of the occasional game of fetch, they won’t be able to run far.
But if you’ve been running with your schnauzer for most of their life, they should have no problem keeping up and running distances you’re able to.
How Much Exercise Is Too Much For a Schnauzer?
Schnauzers need a minimum of 60 minutes of good physical activity each day to remain fit and healthy.
They’re generally quite energetic dogs that would love accompanying you on your runs.
When it comes to getting too much exercise, it really depends on what condition they’re currently in and making sure they’re getting enough food.
You know your pup better than anyone.
If they don’t get too much vigorous exercise that jogging provides, starting them off with a 5-10 mile run will be too much exercise for them.
In this instance, you’d likely be doing more harm than good.
As long as you’re gradually increasing the length of their runs you shouldn’t run into problems with over-exercising them.
But also keep in mind that since they’ll be burning more calories due to the increase in exercise that they’ll need more food to refuel.
Too much exercise is best understood based on your schnauzers current fitness levels.
The more fit they are, the more exercise they can do without it being too much for them.
The less fit they are, the less exercise they can do before it becomes harmful.
Do Schnauzers Make Good Running Partners?
Schnauzers can absolutely make good running partners.
They would likely really enjoy this additional bonding time with you.
Again, as previously mentioned, it mostly depends on training them to become your running buddy.
If you’re an avid runner and frequently run 5-10 miles but typically don’t bring your dog along…
Then one day decide to bring them, they’ll likely struggle and could even get hurt.
But, if you’re just starting to run yourself, your schnauzer should be able to keep up with you no problem.
Then as you become more able to run longer distances, so will your pup.
4 Dangers To Look Out For When Running With a Schnauzer
1) Going For a Run Too Soon After a Big Meal
Regardless of how healthy your schnauzer is, they should never go for a run directly after eating a large meal.
The same bloating you feel after eating a lot of food is what your pup feels, but it’s much more dangerous for them to exercise when full.
Medically, bloating is referred to as gastric dilatation or volvulus syndrome. And it can be life threatening for your schnauzer if not corrected surgically.
It’s also important for them to have frequent, quick water breaks as opposed to infrequent water breaks where they’d drink a lot.
2) Temperature Regulation
Unfortunately your schnauzer isn’t as well equipped to regulate their temperature as you are.
People sweat all over their bodies which allows us to experience evaporation all over to help cool us off on warm days or while exercising.
Dogs have a built-in winter jacket and only sweat through their nose and mouth (and a little through their paws).
This means you’ll have to watch your pup more closely to make sure they aren’t showing any signs of heat stroke.
Dog’s aren’t the best at knowing their limits when it comes to overheating.
Many will go until their body physically won’t let them continue.
Which is very dangerous.
So it’s up to you as their running buddy to keep an eye on them.
If a dog’s temperature reaches 105 fahrenheit or higher, their chances of heat stroke are quite high.
I doubt you’ll have a thermometer on you while you’re on a run though.
So there are a few other signs you can look out for to know if your pup is reaching the point of heat exhaustion.
Excessive drooling, dry nose and mouth (their fur may start clustering together around their mouth), skin that’s warm to the touch or bright red tongue & gums.
If you notice any of these it’s important to stop running, find shade and give your pup a drink of water.
3) Possible Accidental Injuries
Whenever doing any kind of exercise, there’s always the possibility of injury.
And running long distances on hard surfaces like pavement and sidewalks is no exception.
Some possible injuries that your schnauzer could experience while running often are fractured or broken bones, joint pain, hip/elbow dysplasia or burned foot pads.
The most you can do to prevent these kinds of injuries is one, make sure your pup is warmed up (start slow then increase pace).
Two, not running too long of distances that your schnauzer isn’t able to handle yet.
And three, making sure it’s not too hot or cold outside for your doggo.
4) Temptation
Running burns quite a lot of calories.
And when you and your pup burn calories, you become hungry.
Now, you may have plenty of self-control to stop yourself from eating the delicious smelling scraps you pass while on your run, but your schnauzer may not.
Which could potentially be dangerous for them.
What they may eat while on a run could be moldy and make them sick, could contain something sharp that cuts their mouth, or it could get lodged in their stomach.
If your pup is very food driven, this is another reason to keep a close eye on them during your runs.
Bringing treats along with you could also be beneficial to curb their sudden temptations.
Top 4 Tips To Keep Running Safe For Your Schnauzer
1) Baby Steps
As the saying goes, walk before you run.
To make sure your schnauzer doesn’t get injured or overdo it on one of your runs, start small and work your way up with them.
Of course you’d like to get them up to speed on the distances you’re currently running, but their health should always be priority number 1.
Gradually, they’ll get in better shape where they can just as easily run the same distances you’re running.
And if you’re both starting out fresh the gradual increase you’re comfortable with should be perfectly fine with your pup.
2) Bring Supplies
If it’s a super warm day or if you’re planning on going for a nice long run (or both), water is a must have.
The last thing you want is for your pup to overheat on what’s supposed to be a fun, bonding experience for the both of you.
You also don’t want to forget poop bags and even a few treats.
Ensuring that you have proper supplies to make your schnauzers running experience as safe as possible is important.
3) Don’t Use a Collar
Of course, have your schnauzer wear a collar.
It’s against the law in many places not to have a collar on your pup.
But connect their leash to a harness.
Harnesses are a much better alternative to collars because pulling pressure is distributed across their chest as opposed to directly on their throat.
This is even more important when running because they’ll likely need every breath they can get.
If their collar is putting pressure on their throat when they slow down or speed up, it would make breathing even more difficult.
And you know how much you need to catch your breath while running and how terrible it would be having pressure on your throat when in this condition.
Also, many harnesses have handy pockets you can conveniently store toys and treats inside.
Related Reading: Top 15 Best Dog Harnesses – Dog Walking Vests
4) Have Your Phone On You
Keeping your phone on you while on a run with your schnauzer ensures that if anything bad were to happen, you could contact someone for help.
In a perfect world there’d be vet clinics on every corner so in the event of an injury you could rush them to the nearest vet.
But that’s not likely the case where you live.
This is why it’s a good idea to keep your phone on you. That way if you notice them limping or abruptly stop running or even walking, you can call someone to pick you both up.
Safety first!
Other posts you might find interesting:
11 Reasons Why Schnauzers Dig On Your Bed + 4 Tips
13 Reasons Why Schnauzers Are Good Family Dogs + Tips
Can Schnauzers Swim? 6 Facts, 5 Dangers & 5 Helpful Tips
Citations:
Is Jogging Or Running Safe For Dogs?
How to Tell If a Dog Is in Pain and What You Can Do to Help