Exercising Senior Dogs: Precautions Worth Taking
Dogs are preprogrammed to love exercise – utter the word “walk” and tails start wagging! But, while the will remains, the body ages. For older dogs, the walks they once savored are hindered by aching joints and hurting muscles.
Of course, this affects their quality of life and not just because it takes away their beloved workout. A lack of exercise can also cause obesity and stiffness, making underlying issues worse. Thus, it’s up to you to become your dog’s personal trainer!
In order to make a difference in the life of your senior dog, take some precautions. You’ll help your pet get the most out of exercise by:
Keeping track of the weather: You know that old wives’ tale about aching joints in cold weather? It turns out it’s founded in truth – dropping temperature can up the level of discomfort. This isn’t limited to humans, either: older dogs are also sensitive to changes in climate.
In cold weather, joints might ache more acutely and hinder your dog’s ability to complete the walk (it could also hinder your dog’s desire). Warm weather can be a factor too. Older dogs overheat much easier than their younger counterparts. The best thing you can do is take your dog out when it’s not too hot and not too cold, but just right. Think of it as the canine version of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
Slowing your pace: There comes a time when the dog that rose with you each morning for a six-mile jog just won’t be able to do it any longer. As dogs age, their pace slows. To accommodate them, you must slow your pace as well.Exercising Senior Dogs: Precautions Worth Taking
Because your pooch doesn’t possess the capacity (or vocabulary) to ask you to slow down, it’s up to you to watch for signs. If your dog is lagging, tugging, or panting in an exaggerated manner, the walk might be too much for them. Opt for slow and steady over fast and heady.
Switching up the surface: Another factor to consider isn’t how you walk, but where. Footing affects your dog’s ability to walk and anything slick, where they can’t gain traction, can cause a struggle. Rather than walking on asphalt or gravel, opt for grass and sand. It’s especially important to avoid asphalt when it’s hot out (as the asphalt may be scorching) or icy.
If your dog is your hiking partner, opt for well-trodden trails that are easy to maneuver and skip anything with steep climbs and loose rocks.
Adjusting as needed: Dogs are excellent communicators if you know how to speak their language. A dog that is hesitant to go on a walk, one that yanks to go “home,” or one that whines in pain or discomfort afterward is a dog communicating its needs. These are all signs that a walk is too arduous. This isn’t to say you need to stop walking completely but it does mean you need to adjust. It’s always better to start with shorter walks. If your dog handles those like a champ, increase the walk in small increments (such as five minutes at a time).
Alternating your routine: If walking is too much for your pooch, consider switching up your routine. Swimming is easy on a dog’s joints (and most canines take to water as ducks do). The dog park is another option. Here, your dog can go at its own pace, even sitting down to take a break if they desire.
Dogs love walks and you love your dog. The above tips help find the win-win you both deserve.
JJ Keeler lives in Colorado with a house full of pets. She owns three dogs, two cats, and a hamster she bought as a bribe to get her daughter to ride the school bus. She has a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado and has worked as a professional writer for fifteen years. Her clothes are perpetually covered in pet hair.
