Dog owners are about four times more likely to meet physical activity guidelines than people without dogs, and studies link dog ownership with lower cardiovascular mortality.
How to use the Dog Walking Calories Calculator
- Weight
- Pace
- Minutes per walk
- Walks per week
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Enter your weight, the pace, how long each walk lasts and how many walks a week.
Tips
- Use your own measured values where you have them.
- Treat results as estimates and discuss anything worrying with a clinician.
- Check units before entering values.
- Everything runs in your browser – try different values to see how the result changes.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing units.
- Treating a screening score as a diagnosis.
- Using a tool outside the group it was designed for.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Weight | Units: kg, lb, st, g |
| Pace | Choose one: Easy walk with stops (3.0 MET), Brisk walk (4.3 MET), Jogging with the dog (7.0 MET) |
| Minutes per walk | A number |
| Walks per week | A number |
What each result means
- Calories per walk = [Pace]×[Weight]×[Minutes per walk]÷60
- Calories per week = [Calories per walk]×[Walks per week]
- Calories per year = [Calories per week]×52
- Equivalent body fat per year = [Calories per year]÷7700
- Activity minutes per week = [Minutes per walk]×[Walks per week]
Example values
How the main result changes when Weight changes and everything else stays at the example values above:
| Weight (kg) | Calories per walk (kcal) |
|---|---|
| 37.5 | 56 |
| 56.25 | 84 |
| 75 | 113 |
| 93.75 | 141 |
| 112.5 | 169 |
| 150 | 225 |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Calories = MET × weight (kg) × hoursMET: walking the dog 3.0 · brisk walk 4.3 · running with the dog 7.0Worked example
Inputs — Weight: 75 kg; Pace: Easy walk with stops (3.0 MET); Minutes per walk: 30; Walks per week: 10.
Results — Calories per walk = 113 kcal; Calories per week = 1,125 kcal; Calories per year = 58,500 kcal; Equivalent body fat per year = 7.6 kg; Activity minutes per week = 300 min.
Key terms
- MET
- Metabolic equivalent of task.
Frequently asked questions
How many calories does walking a dog burn?
About 200 kcal per hour for a 70 kg person at an easy pace.
Does dog walking count as exercise?
Yes – brisk walks count towards the 150 minutes a week of moderate activity.
Is dog ownership good for the heart?
Studies show lower cardiovascular death rates among dog owners.
What formula does the Dog Walking Calories Calculator use?
Calories = MET × weight (kg) × hours.