Just as important as nutrition is exercise. Strenuous exercise isn’t necessarily good for a senior dog, but regular exercise will keep their joints moving, their water intake high, and their chances of obesity slim to none. Keeping your elderly dog moving is one of the best way to ensure a long, healthy senior life.
Walks are better than runs
Even though there’s an appeal to taking your elderly dog on a long, slow run, it might be time to scale back how strenuous of exercise you take your senior dog on. With joint issues common in many breeds, it’s better to talk your dog on a long walk than a long run. To make it more challenging, think about taking the old boy for a hike or to the beach. Walking everyday will help keeps those joints grooving and happy.
Stay playful
Even though your pup might be slowing down, that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want to play tug-o-war or run around in the yard. To keep you and your dog young, it’s important to keep playing. A gentle game of tug-o-war, mindful of your dog’s elderly teeth is a great way to keep the fire alive in her belly. Chasing her around the yard or throwing the ball or frisbee for fetch also keeps your dog happy and healthy. Even if your elderly pup seems like she doesn’t want to play, don’t let her fool you! As soon as she sees that you want to play, her ears will perk up, ready to please her family member.