Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian and this article is not a substitute for veterinary care. Any information found on this site is meant to serve as a starting point for a conversation with your dog’s veterinarian about what options or treatments are appropriate for your dog’s specific needs.
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Hey there! Its April and its finally getting to be somewhat not-winter outside. Its also Canine Fitness Month!
We already covered some general nutrition guidelines for your aging dog. So now let’s talk about some ways to keep your senior dog moving.
Exercise is integral for all dogs. It prevents injury, arthritis complications, obesity, and provides health advantages for pups of all ages. Especially for senior dogs, exercise is a necessary component of a healthy life.
Senior dogs who fall under the larger breed umbrella, in particular, benefit from daily exercise, as their joints are often more susceptible to the adverse side effects of aging.
With any exercise regime, be sure to consult your doctor, in this case veterinarian, before engaging in any new routines – just to be sure it’s a good fit for your furry friend.
Changes As Your Dog Ages
As your mutt ages, their energy level and mobility can decrease. Recovery takes longer than it did when they were younger. Your dog may not be able to engage in the high impact sports they used to love as a puppy.
You probably won’t see too many senior pups running through agility courses, but you will see a fit elderly dog taking part in daily workouts that help strengthen their muscles and counteract the consequences of advancing in age.
Senior canines still need daily exercise to help them live the best lives possible. Exercise for senior dogs is deceptive. In most cases, it doesn’t look like exercise at all.
Here are four easy exercises that are suitable for senior dogs:
1. Walking
Walking is a perfect exercise for senior dogs in all stages of life. The ability to set the pace is important for mature dogs. They need to be able to slow down when they need to and speed up their gait when they feel so inclined.
Walking is a low impact exercise that allows senior pups to get their heart rate up ever so slightly while keeping their legs limber and the joints nice and loose. Terrain and temperature are important variables to keep in mind when walking your senior dog, however.
Be sure to pick a place to walk with your elderly dog that is flat and consistent – stay far from areas that are too muddy, too sandy, or that have grass that is overgrown and blocking visibility.
Also, keep in mind that temperature takes a toll on older, larger dogs in a way that it doesn’t on younger, smaller pups, so stick to walking for exercise in the mornings and in the evenings when the weather tends to be more stable and predictable.
If you start incorporating a brief walk into their daily routine, over time, you’ll be able to increase the length of that walk and help your senior dog feel as good as possible for as long as possible!
2. Swimming
Another excellent low impact exercise for dogs who are mature in age.
Swimming is one workout that should be pre-approved by your pup’s veterinarian, as there are some breeds and conditions that your dog might have that aren’t compatible with swimming or with bodies of water in general. If your pup gets your veterinarian’s approval, though, strap a life vest on them and let them have some fun while staying fit!
Swimming has a very low impact on their joints while allowing them to engage in a whole-body workout like none other. Buoyancy helps relieve pressure on their joints and muscles by literally taking the weight off of them, and equally important, the joyous time your pup spends cooling off in the water can do wonders for him emotionally.
Your senior furry friend will literally feel like a puppy again!
3. Climbing Stairs
Anyone with a larger breed dog who is more advanced in age knows that traversing the stairs after the age of ten is not the same thing as barreling up the stairs as a puppy.
Believe it or not, having your older dog walk up and down the stairs with you twice a day provides an excellent workout. They have to shift their weight and use their muscles to propel themselves up and forward, so while it isn’t a full
Just be mindful of your dog’s breathing and attitude during this exercise, and remember, it’s okay to start with baby steps until your furry friend gets more comfortable.
4. Old Fashioned Play Time
The final exercise to try with an older dog is more like a workout in disguise. Take
A brief game of tug of war or a quick burst of fetch can do wonders not only for your mature dog’s physical wellness but also for his emotional and intellectual wellness. Moreover, you’ll feel happier and more connected with your pup after a few minutes of fun.
Guinness’s current favorite playtime toy is his Jolly Ball. We like to use it for “soccer” and keep away in brief spurts. He chewed up the rope within a week, but the ball itself has actually held up for almost a year now. If you have a power chewer, you know what a miracle that is.
The keyword here, though, is brief. Remember that your senior canine won’t be able to and probably won’t want to play for long periods of time anymore, so try to make those few minutes a day as fun and engaging as possible.
Also, keep in mind that larger dogs tend to tire out more rapidly than dogs who are smaller in size, so if your other, smaller dogs are up for an extended playtime compared to your larger pup, don’t fret too much. Play is great for senior dogs for any amount of time!
As the old saying goes, “Aging ain’t for quitters,” and it couldn’t ring truer for our elderly dogs, especially those who are larger in size.
We know that with age often comes a smorgasbord of unpleasantries, but that doesn’t mean your senior dog can’t stay happy and healthy in his advanced age.
By exercising your dog on a regular basis, you’ll help him stay fit and well for a longer period of time. As a result, he’ll be able to enjoy his twilight years by your side where he belongs.
Remember that preventative strategies, such as building an exercise routine into your dog’s life before advanced age, are always best, but you can really start exercising your furry friend at any point as long as you have the okay from the veterinarian.
Make it fun and enjoy the time you have staying healthy together!
What’s your favorite way to keep your dog moving? Tell us in the comments below!
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