How to Keep Your Senior Dogs Active

We always want our dogs to stay happy and healthy and live a very long life. Yet, unfortunately, before you know it, our special canines become seniors much faster than we do. While their playful puppy energy may fade, that doesn't mean they have to stop enjoying an active life.

In fact, regular, consistent exercise is just as important for senior dogs as it is for our younger pups (and us humans!) Consistent exercise helps our pups maintain muscle mass, keeps joints healthy, improves cognitive function, and can even boost their mood.

Regular movement can also help senior dogs maintain a healthy weight, improve digestion, and reduce anxiety or restlessness that sometimes develops with age. But with age comes a need to adjust our furry friend's exercise routine.

Here are some fun and safe ways to keep your senior dog active:

Low-Impact Activities: Keep Those Paws Moving

Slow, Gentle Walks:

Daily walks are a cornerstone of any dog's exercise routine and senior dogs are no exception. Shorter, more frequent walks may be better suited to their needs than long hikes. Try to explore new, interesting routes to keep your dog mentally stimulated during walks.

Walking on softer surfaces like grass, dirt trails, or packed sand can also be easier on aging joints than hard pavement or concrete.

Sniffing Adventures:

Sniffing is a great way for dogs to explore the world and engage their minds. Take your dog to grassy areas or parks where they can sniff around while they walk. This is low-impact but also a mentally stimulating exercise known as a decompression walk.

Many senior dogs actually prefer “sniff walks” over brisk exercise because the mental enrichment can tire them out without putting strain on their body.

Indoor Playtime:

Bad weather shouldn't stop your dog from getting some exercise. Engage your pups in indoor games like hide-and-seek with treats or toys. You can also set up a simple obstacle course using pillows, chairs, and boxes, allowing your dog to navigate at their own pace.

Gentle games of tug or rolling a soft toy across the floor can also encourage movement without requiring too much jumping or running.

Water Activities: Fun and Refreshing

Swimming:

If your dog enjoys water, swimming is a fantastic low-impact exercise. It's easy on their joints and provides a great workout. Start with short swims in shallow water and gradually increase the duration and depth as your dog gets comfortable. Always supervise your dog in the water and ensure they have a life vest for safety.

Water Walks:

For dogs who love the water but aren't strong swimmers, shallow water walks can be a great way to cool down and get some gentle exercise.

Hydrotherapy sessions supervised by trained professionals may also benefit some senior dogs recovering from injuries or dealing with arthritis.

Mental Stimulation: Keeping Those Minds Sharp

Interactive Toys:

Food puzzles and treat-dispensing toys are a fun way to challenge your dog mentally and keep them occupied. These require them to problem-solve to get to the tasty reward inside.

Training Sessions:

Short, positive reinforcement training sessions are a great way to keep your senior dog's mind sharp and strengthen your bond. Teach them new tricks or revisit old ones. Keep the sessions short and fun to avoid overwhelming your dog.

Senior dogs can still learn new things, and mental stimulation may help slow age-related cognitive decline in some dogs.

How Long Should You Walk A Senior Dog?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer for how long you should walk your senior dog because every senior dog ages differently. Some older dogs can comfortably handle 30 to 60 minutes of daily walking, while others may do better with several shorter 10 to 15 minute walks throughout the day. 

Breed, overall health, arthritis, heart conditions, and fitness level all play a role in determining the right amount of exercise. The goal is to keep your dog moving without overexertion. A good rule of thumb is to let your dog set the pace and stop before they become overly tired.

If your dog seems stiff after walks, struggles to recover, or sleeps excessively afterward, it may be a sign to shorten the duration or intensity of exercise.

Pay Attention to Your Dog’s Energy & Pace

It's important to pay attention to your dog's cues and adjust their activity level accordingly.

Below are some signs your dog might need a break:

• Panting excessively

• Limping or seeming tired and stiff

• Loss of interest in playing

• Excessive drooling

• Lagging behind during walks

• Difficulty getting up after activity

• Heavy breathing that does not quickly improve after resting

Safety First: Tips for Senior Dog Exercise Routine

Warm Up and Cool Down:

Just like humans, senior dogs need to warm up their muscles before exercise and cool down afterward. Start with a slow walk and gradually increase the pace. After exercise, allow your dog to walk calmly for a few minutes.

Be Mindful of the Heat and Humidity:

Avoid exercising your dog during the hottest part of the day. Choose shady areas for walks and provide plenty of water breaks.

Senior dogs can overheat more quickly than younger dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs. And it’s important to be mindful of senior dogs in the heat so they don’t get heatstroke.

Joint Support:

Talk to your veterinarian about joint supplements that might be beneficial for your senior dog. Supportive orthopedic dog beds and non-slip rugs inside the home can also help reduce strain on aging joints.

Regular Checkups:

Schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian to monitor your dog's overall health and discuss any exercise limitations they might have.

If your senior dog has arthritis, heart disease, or mobility issues, your veterinarian can help create a safe exercise plan tailored to their needs.

Even small changes can make a big difference in your senior dog's life. By incorporating these fun and safe activities into their routine, you can help them stay active, healthy, and happy well into their golden years.