Looking for ways to keep your older dog fit and active? From the importance of your daily walking routine to low impact exercises for dogs with mobility problems, here are 7 tips for exercising an older dog.
1. Check with your before changing your exercise routine
When it comes to exercising a senior dog, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian before changing your routine. It's a good idea to write your questions and concerns before the meeting to make sure you do not miss anything. I can not even tell you how many times I said "I forgot to ask for that" after an appointment.
Your veterinarian will be able to access your dog's health status and help you set up a proper exercise program for your dog.
A daily walk is recommended for all dogs, and older dogs are no exception. Your older dog may not be able to go on a four-hour hike with you, but he can still enjoy a pleasant walk in the neighborhood. If things start to get a little mundane, you can make your dog's walk more fun by letting him take the role of navigator or taking regular breaks.
If your dog is in bad shape or has mobility problems, consider sticking to flat surfaces (such as a walk in the neighborhood or a hilly trail) and increase your distance over time.
Tip: If you can not follow a normal routine, here are some tips to motivate you to walk your dog.
3. Take your time to start a new routine
When it comes to exercising an older dog, remember to slow it down at the beginning of a new routine. Like us, our dogs can exercise too much while exercising, which is especially true for dogs that are initially in bad shape. Remember to slow down and increase activity over time to avoid injury.
If you start a new walking routine with your dog, start on a flat surface and slowly increase the distance and / or pace over time.
4. Warm your dog
If your dog has mobility problems such as arthritis, start your exercise program with a 2 or 3 minute walk around the yard to help them move.
5. Stick to low-impact exercises
At the age of 8, 80% of dogs have arthritis. That's why many of us will have to deal with canine arthritis in their dog's life.
It's not a diagnosis that everyone is happy about, but that does not mean that all the fun activities you've enjoyed are over. Low-impact exercises, such as walking and swimming, are ideal for dogs with mobility problems, such as arthritis.
If your dog has mobility problems, stick to low-impact exercises such as swimming, walking, indoor games, and gentle gaming sessions. These types of activities can help keep your dog's muscles strong while being gentle on their joints.
6. Add mental exercise to your dog's routine
One of the ways to keep your dog active during his or her older years is to complete one's exercise routine with additional mental stimulation. Simple nose job games such as finding treats or a quick game of hide and seek will keep your dog's brain engaged while encouraging him to be active indoors.
Throughout the day, add some extra games and activities that your dog will enjoy indoors. A few simple ways to stimulate your dog: give him a jigsaw puzzle, a stuffed Kong, play hide-and-seek or let them sniff out and explore the place on your daily walks.
7. Watch for signs of pain in your dog
When starting a new exercise program with your dog, be careful not to show signs of discomfort or pain, such as limping or wanting to stop or slow down. If your dog shows signs of discomfort, give him time to rest and adjust his routine as needed.
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