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As our pets age, their stamina and mobility are likely going to decline. Everything slows down with age. Age-related muscular atrophy, osteoarthritis, vision, and hearing loss may set in. And one day, you may notice that your pup no longer runs as far or as long in the park. Regardless of your dog’s physical limitations, maintaining an active lifestyle is a must. Staying physically active helps to alleviate ailments, such as arthritis and muscle loss. Exercise can have a large impact on a senior dog’s quality of life, both physically and mentally.
Although your older dog might not be chasing the ball as fast as he used to, there are still many ways to engage your aging pup with safe physical activity. Here are 4 easy exercises that you can try with your seniors. Do be mindful that each individual dog ages differently, and the appropriate levels of exercise will vary dramatically from one senior to another. Pay close attention to her response, always making sure that your pup is not overly sore or tired by her workouts. If she pants excessively or her leg starts to shake, reduce the intensity and the duration of your exercise.
These are safe for senior dogs that are still active and free from lameness. If your dog is lame and unable to walk, please see the vet immediately. Do not start on any exercises without consulting a trained professional. When unsure, talk to your veterinarian. Make sure your exercise plan is appropriate for your dog’s current fitness level.
Walking is the classic form of exercise we all give our dogs, and most dogs love to walk! In addition to getting some exercise, a walk is a great way for your dog to explore the neighbourhood with her nose. Walking exercises both the body and the mind. Watching wildlife, meeting other people with their pets, and so on, are great mental stimulation for your aging pup. So, don't rush the walk. Allow your dog the time to sniff around during walks and try to change the route every so often so your dog will get to see and smell new things. Try a longer leash like the Haqihana Blue Dog Leash that can be extended to a full 3m, allowing your pup to wander free and smell all the wonderful scents in her surroundings.
Go for as long a walk as your dog can tolerate. You may want to consider using a lightweight body harness with a handle for easy lift-and-assist like the Ruffwear Switchbak™ Lightweight No-Pull Handled Dog Pack Harness. If she’s lagging, slow down the pace or shorten the walk. Be conscious of the climate and the time of day to prevent overheating. The hot grounds could harm your dog’s paw pads too! For dogs suffering from advanced osteoarthritis or struggling to keep their balance, keep in mind that footing will have an impact on the dogs’ walking ability. The grass is the recommended surface. Avoid slippery grounds or unstable surfaces like gravel.
Can your elderly dog stand still, comfortably, for at least 10 seconds without shifting her weight around or trying to sit or lie down? If she cannot stand still for ten seconds, it will be important to determine why. Dogs are not able to stand still for many reasons. Muscle weakness is certainly one of them, but it may also be due to pain. If you suspect that your dog is experiencing pain in one of her limbs, please do not delay in seeking your vet for advice. Do not proceed with the exercise until the issue has been resolved. A comprehensive joint supplement that helps to reduce inflammation and protect against cartilage degeneration like this CAHO Agility+ Premium Hip & Joint Supplement for Dogs & Cats may help but discuss with your vet the best solution for your dog.
A dog uses many “stabilizing muscles” in her trunk and legs to keep her balance. As a dog ages, she may lose muscle mass, strength, and sense of balance. As such, many seniors are not able to hold their balance. Standing still in one place is really hard for them to do. You can help your pup regain her core strength by simply standing still. Keep it simple. Help your dog find a comfortable stance and once she places herself in a comfortable position, get her to hold that position without moving for 10 seconds. Repeat 3 to 5 times in a row. As she improves, you can extend the duration to 20 seconds and then 30 seconds and increase the number of repeats. Do this daily or every other day.
Always perform this exercise on a non-slippery surface. Certain home floorings like marble flooring and other glossy material provide less grip and can be challenging for dogs with weak limbs to stand still. Try using a yoga mat or a non-slip pet mat to help your pup get a grip. And, don’t ignore her nails! It is crucial that your dog has properly trimmed nails for better grip when standing or walking.
Have your dog stand with her front feet on a platform or step that’s about ankle high. Keep her head and neck neutral and in a straight line with her back. Have her hold the position for 5-10 seconds then help her step down.
You may be wondering what’s the purpose of this exercise. Dogs naturally frontload 60 to 70 percent of their weight onto their forelimbs. This exercise shifts weight onto the rear limbs, helping to strengthen and firm the rear muscle. This may be helpful for dogs with weak hip and rear muscles.
For this exercise, you’ll need some basic equipment, something to create a raised platform. For small dogs, a thick textbook can do the trick. For bigger dogs, you may need a short stool or an aerobic bench. Get some yummy treats and lure your dog into a standing position with her front paws on the raised platform. You’ll want her to stand still on the platform for at least 10 seconds. Ensure her head and neck are in a neutral position, and in a straight line with her back. You may need to use the treat to keep her looking slightly up, helping her to hold her position. However, be careful not to allow her to lean forward too much. Sometimes, she may be too eager to obtain the dog treat and leans over to take it from your hand. If she leans too much forward, she may end up shifting her weight to her forelimbs, which defeats the whole purpose of this exercise.
Start simple, with just 10 seconds and slowly work your way up to 30 seconds. Repeat 3 to 5 times. If your dog starts arching her back, walk her off the platform. Reset with a normal standing pose before getting her up on the platform again. Do this daily or every other day.
If you have access to a dog-friendly pool, swimming is a great low-impact exercise. Swimming is a very powerful total-body workout but still easy on the body, especially the joints. Because of its effectiveness, swimming is often used as physical therapy for dogs that have undergone major surgery for injuries. It is important to know that while many dogs do have a knack for treading water, not all dogs are naturally gifted swimmers. Please do not assume that your pup knows how to swim. Some breeds like the Golden Retrievers are natural swimmers, while others including the English and French Bulldog, Pug, Pekingese, Dachshund, and Basset Hound have bodies, that make it difficult for them to swim. If your pup has never been in a pool before, it is best to get her a doggy life jacket, and you may need to teach your dog to swim! Start in shallow water and help her get comfortable before moving into deeper water.
Another way to get your dog involved in water exercises is to sign her up for canine hydrotherapy sessions. We highly recommend hydrotherapy for any senior dogs with stiff and painful joints. Hydrotherapy literary means water therapy. Exercising in water has the benefit of providing both buoyancy and resistance, making it possible to strengthen and condition muscles and build endurance without placing stress on your pup’s aging joints.
Finally, if your dog is overweight, work on weight management too. Do not push your pup into any form of intensive exercise. Extra weight means added stress on bones and joints, and extra work for the dog’s heart and lungs. Doing too much too fast may lead to other health complications. Start by reviewing her diet and change to a lower-calorie senior dog food like this ACANA Senior Recipe Dog Food to support a healthy weight. Be consistent with her fitness routine. Always start slow and increase the intensity of her workout gradually. Even if all she can do is take a leisurely sniff around the park for 5 minutes, do it every day, twice a day. A little movement can still help loosen those stiff joints and it’s better than not moving at all.
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