Watching your mischievous pup grow into an older, wiser senior dog can be hugely rewarding. You’ve formed a bond that will last a lifetime, and you can still find ways to have fun, even if playtime doesn’t last as long as it used to.
However, aging dogs often face mobility issues that can inhibit their ability to chase after balls and swim in local lakes and rivers. Rather than ignoring your older dog’s needs, you need to adapt your approach to play and exercise based on your older dog’s needs.
Exercise Recommendations for Senior Dogs
Like humans, dogs benefit from plenty of regular exercise. However, as your dog ages, you may need to adjust the amount of running, walking, and playing you do daily. The RSPCA recommends that you adapt your approach to walking by following these guidelines:
- Reduce your mileage: Older dogs should not be exhausted after a walk. Instead, opt for shorter, more frequent walks to help your pooch take their first steps.
- Warm them up: As your dog ages, he may find it difficult to warm up. Consider buying a vest or coat to keep them warm and dry during winter walks.
- Use your senses: An older dog may have trouble noticing sensory details in his environment. Be your dog’s eyes and ears and keep him away from dangerous areas like bodies of water.
- To rest: Older dogs take longer to recover from walks and exercise. Give them plenty of nutritious food and replace their old bed with a softer, more comfortable alternative.
Every dog is different and has different needs. A 12-year-old Australian Shepherd can still walk miles every day, while an older Shih Tzu might need nothing more than a brisk walk around the block in the morning and evening. This type of exercise is also important for you as a caregiver. Short walks can be good for your health, as a brisk walk can boost your energy, improve your immune function, and support your mental health. Ultimately, the best approach is to pay attention to your pup and attend to their individual needs.
Mobility aids
If your dog has a motor disability, he can benefit from walking, playing and swimming aids. Talk to your vet and ask about common causes of mobility issues like:
- Arthritis;
- Hip dysplasia;
- Muscular weakness;
- Degenerative myelopathy.
If your dog develops symptoms of reduced mobility, it’s worth talking to your vet about how you can support him. Your vet will likely offer you a range of options like wheelchairs and medications.
If you decide to use a mobility aid, be aware that some dogs will not accept the equipment at first. Instead, bring the wheelchair into your home and have them get used to the device before trying it out. When you put it on, pay attention to how your pup moves. You need to make sure it’s a comfortable experience and be alert to avoid strain or chafing.
You may need to adjust your routine to accommodate your senior dog’s abilities. It could even mean more drastic changes, like going to the pool instead of walking around town together.
Swimming
Many dogs simply love to swim. Some breeds, like Labradors and spaniels, even seem to believe they are half fish when around a body of water. A good swim can also be the perfect exercise for an older dog, as the water will support his body weight and protect him against joint problems.
If you want to take your dog swimming, be sure to follow pool safety best practices for pets at all times. Pool Safety 101 includes:
- Oversee: do not let your dog swim alone. Although he is a good swimmer, he can tire quickly and accidentally fall into deep water.
- Define the rules: Dogs thrive when they are well trained and obedient. Teach your dog important commands like “wait” and “exit” before letting him swim for a while;
- Provide water: Tired dogs may be tempted to drink chlorinated water. It can be bad for their health and upset their stomach. Instead, provide fresh water in an easily accessible area;
- doors: Do not let an older dog walk alone by the pool. Instead, close off the area to prevent mishaps and accidents.
Read your dog’s body language while swimming. They can’t tell you when they’ve had enough and may panic if they start feeling tired in the water. Help them get out before they start struggling to build a positive pool-exercise connection.
Editing your yard
Your home may have provided everything your dog needed as a puppy. However, as they age, the stairs and steps around your home can become a serious hazard for them. Modifying your home to meet the needs of an aging dog is essential if you want him to move around for years to come.
If possible, create an accessible backyard that gives your pooch the freedom to roam your space safely. Install a shallow pool if you want to help your dog cool off in the summer months, and add other sensory delights like dog-friendly foliage and play areas filled with their favorite toys.
Make sure your yard is free of hazards like a slippery deck or gaps in the railings. Dogs can easily get trapped under high bridges and older pooches may not have the strength to get out. If you have the budget available, consider hiring a professional landscaper with a background in pet-friendly design. This will help you identify potential problems and turn your yard into the playground your aging dog needs to keep moving.
Conclusion
To keep an older dog healthy, you have to adapt to his needs. Some aging dogs may benefit from wheelchairs and shorter walks, while others will thrive on a quick dip in the paddling pool. Just be sure to supervise your canine companion at all times, as many older dogs may need help with activities that require strength and sensory awareness.
Guest author:
Charlie Flecher
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer and pet parent from the charming “city of trees” – Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing goes hand in hand with her passion for animal rights and her search for truth. You can find more of his writings on his content.