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If your pup has well and truly grown up, you might notice their behavior go through some subtle shifts. The desire for endless games of fetch may drop off, their springiness may lessen and they may seek more quiet companionshipthan ever before.
So how can we adapt our canine exercise routines to keep older dogs happy, healthy and active, even into their golden years? Here are a few top tips on keeping that tail wagging and those legs moving for your older or senior dog.
Just like us, our dogs tend to slow down as they approach a senior age. While it’s important to respect our dog’s distinguished years, there are a few key benefits to maintaining some daily movement.
So while our older dogs may not move as fast as they used to, there are still a host of benefits to be had from those walkies!
That said, before you leash up and head out for a stroll right away, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Just like us, our dogs tend to slow down as they approach a senior age. While it’s important to respect our dog’s distinguished years, there are a few key benefits to maintaining some daily movement.
So while our older dogs may not move as fast as they used to, there are still a host of benefits to be had from those walkies!
That said, before you leash up and head out for a stroll right away, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Here’s how to make sure your senior dog gets all those great benefitswhile staying comfortable and happy too:
It’s always wise to check in with your veterinarian, especially if you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s energy and activity levels. While aging brings normal changes of pace for all of us, it’s wise to be sure that there isn’t any medical cause for any changes you notice.Plus, your vet can help you determine how much exercise your aging dog should be capable of from here on out.
Little and often may be the key to walking longevity.Your dog might not be able to go on those longer rambling hikes anymore, but short walks or training sessions throughout the day can really add up. Plus, extra outside time can help with the increased number of potty breaks your dog might need now too.
Here’s how to make sure your senior dog gets all those great benefitswhile staying comfortable and happy too:
It’s always wise to check in with your veterinarian, especially if you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s energy and activity levels. While aging brings normal changes of pace for all of us, it’s wise to be sure that there isn’t any medical cause for any changes you notice.Plus, your vet can help you determine how much exercise your aging dog should be capable of from here on out.
Little and often may be the key to walking longevity.Your dog might not be able to go on those longer rambling hikes anymore, but short walks or training sessions throughout the day can really add up. Plus, extra outside time can help with the increased number of potty breaks your dog might need now too.
Be sure to plan your routes,so that a tired dog doesn’t need carrying home. Keep to local and easy routes that fit your dog's ideal distance.Visiting familiar sights and sounds can also help to soothe older dogs who feel a little more anxious as their senses fade. This can also help you to avoid any rough or difficult ground for your older dog to navigate, protecting those paws.
Older dogs tend to feel both the heat and the cold much more than they did in their youth. You may need to start taking your walks during those cooler times of day, or invest in an appropriate dog coat for when the temperature drops. On warm days, make sure you carry plenty of water too to help keep them cool. If the weather is really extreme, stick to indoor activities to keep your senior safe and happy. Puzzle toys, training, and some gentle games can go a long way for an older dog.
Be sure to plan your routes,so that a tired dog doesn’t need carrying home. Keep to local and easy routes that fit your dog's ideal distance.Visiting familiar sights and sounds can also help to soothe older dogs who feel a little more anxious as their senses fade. This can also help you to avoid any rough or difficult ground for your older dog to navigate, protecting those paws.
Older dogs tend to feel both the heat and the cold much more than they did in their youth. You may need to start taking your walks during those cooler times of day, or invest in an appropriate dog coat for when the temperature drops. On warm days, make sure you carry plenty of water too to help keep them cool. If the weather is really extreme, stick to indoor activities to keep your senior safe and happy. Puzzle toys, training, and some gentle games can go a long way for an older dog.
It’s best to let your dog lead the pace, and don’t push them beyond their comfort zone. A good indicator that they need a break is if they are lagging much further behind you than normal, or if they stop chasing a toy to take a lie down.
Need some alternative exercise ideasfor your senior canine? Try some of the following:
It’s best to let your dog lead the pace, and don’t push them beyond their comfort zone. A good indicator that they need a break is if they are lagging much further behind you than normal, or if they stop chasing a toy to take a lie down.
Need some alternative exercise ideasfor your senior canine? Try some of the following:
If you find your dog’s mobility is declining, consider talking to your vet for further help. Sometimes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage techniques can help them have a better quality of life.There’s also evidence that supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, Chondroitin, and turmeric can be of benefit too. We recommend TruePetLabs' Advanced Hip & Joint, an American-made supplement that helps older dogs enjoy youthful mobility for life.
No matter what, with you by their side, they’ll be able to enjoy those golden years in happy comfort.
If you find your dog’s mobility is declining, consider talking to your vet for further help. Sometimes physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage techniques can help them have a better quality of life.There’s also evidence that supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids, green-lipped mussel, glucosamine, Chondroitin, and turmeric can be of benefit too. We recommend TruePetLabs' Advanced Hip & Joint, an American-made supplement that helps older dogs enjoy youthful mobility for life.
No matter what, with you by their side, they’ll be able to enjoy those golden years in happy comfort.