Best Exercise for Older Canines: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Senior Dog Active and Healthy

Best Exercise for Older Canines: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Senior Dog Active and Healthy

As our pets age, their mobility is likely going to decline. But this doesn’t mean our senior dogs don’t require any exercise. In fact, maintaining an active lifestyle will help decrease the onset of ailments, such as arthritis and muscle loss. Although your older dog might not be chasing the ball as fast or as far as he used to, there are still many ways to engage your aging pup with safe physical activity.

1. Walking

Almost every dog loves going for a walk, and this rarely changes, regardless of age. Walking is an excellent, low-impact exercise that promotes a healthy body and mind for both you and your dog. As your dog ages, you’ll want to pay attention to your pace, the weather, and how your dog seems to feel during and after the exercise. Elderly dogs are more sensitive to changes in temperature — either too hot or too cold—so it’s important to make sure they are comfortable throughout your walk. Be conscious of the climate and the time of day to prevent overheating or frostbite. Also, keep in mind that footing will have an impact on your dog’s walking ability. Grass and sand are recommended surfaces, whereas asphalt and gravel should be avoided — especially in warmer temperatures, as it could harm your dog’s paw pads. If you notice your pup is stiff after your walk, you might want to take a few steps back (quite literally!) and shorten your outings.

2. Swimming

If you have access to a dog-friendly pool or lake, swimming is a great way to get some exercise. Swimming is very easy on the body, especially the joints, while still being a powerful total-body workout. Swimming provides a safe, easy way to allow your dog to strengthen his body while maintaining comfort on his bones and joints. Because of its effectiveness, swimming is often used as physical therapy for dogs that have undergone major surgery for injuries. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, speak with your veterinarian about finding a local rehabilitation center that offers safe instruction for getting your dog in the water. Also, it’s always a good idea to have your dog wear a life vest, especially in deep water and if your dog isn’t the most advanced swimmer.

3. Yoga

Yoga for dogs is gaining in popularity because it provides so many mental and physical benefits to dogs of all ages¹. Talk with your veterinarian or look into local training centers and online classes near you¹. Yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, strength, and overall well-being¹. It can also help reduce stress levels in both you and your furry friend¹.

4. Cross-Training

Cross-training is essential for older dogs because it helps maintain their physical fitness while also keeping their minds sharp². Try incorporating some basic obedience moves on various surfaces such as grass or sand³. This will help tone their abdominal wall, spine, shoulders, and hips³. You can also try playing mentally stimulating games or introducing scenting activities². These activities will help keep senior canine companions in shape without putting undue strain on their aging bodies.

Resources:

(1) How to Exercise Your Senior Dog – American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/provide-senior-dog-proper-exercise/.

(2) Exercising Senior Dogs | Cesar’s Way. https://www.cesarsway.com/exercising-senior-dogs/.

(3) Three Easy At-Home Exercises for Senior Dogs – American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/easy-do-at-home-exercises-for-senior-dogs/.

(4) How to Exercise Your Senior Dog – American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/provide-senior-dog-proper-exercise/.

(5) Exercising Senior Dogs | Cesar’s Way. https://www.cesarsway.com/exercising-senior-dogs/.

(6) Three Easy At-Home Exercises for Senior Dogs – American Kennel Club. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/easy-do-at-home-exercises-for-senior-dogs/.