Don’t Let Your Dog Become An Invalid – Choose Fun Exercises!
December 14, 2009
Just because your dog may be older or injured doesn’t mean that he has to be an invalid. Even if your older injured dog uses a wheelchair he can still enjoy some exercise! There are plenty of fun things you and your dog can do together. Here are some ideas for exercise for the elderly dog.
Swimming
You can increase mobility in the older injured dog by taking your dog swimming. Swimming is good exercise for most dogs (with the exception of brachycephalic breeds) and it’s especially good for aging dogs and dogs with joint problems. Swimming tones the muscles without risking injury to joints and bones. It provides exercise for dogs that may be at risk of being overweight. And it’s very relaxing. Read more
What is Available for the Treatment of Dog Arthritis?
October 25, 2009
Arthritis is very common ailment in older dogs. Your dog was probably very active in its younger years, and all the running and jumping eventually takes its toll on their joints. The pain caused by arthritis can be very intense for a dog and the disease is degenerative. This is why the treatment of arthritis is a mixture of pain relief, controlling the spread of the disease and gentle exercise.
Getting a Head Start – Spotting the Symptoms of Arthritis Early
The most obvious symptom of arthritis in ageing dogs is aching hips caused by stiffness in the joints. Stay aware of their behavior so you notice when the animal is suffering discomfort and pain. Remember that arthritis is degenerative and, therefore, the earlier the symptoms are spotted the earlier treatment can begin. Read more
Exercise is the Key Ingredient to Dog Fitness and Health
October 16, 2009
Nothing keeps our dogs young and fit like proper exercise. As a dog grows older, it may lose its appetite for that run in the park and may prefer to just lounge on its favorite sofa or spot in the sun. In many ways older dogs mimic their older owners. But staying active is really what they need, and the more you keep them “up and at ‘em,” the more energy they need. Just like us two-legged creatures, there is really no limit to what regular activity can do. It is the key to healthy living, no matter what the age.
Keeping An Older Dog Fit
If a dog isn’t getting enough exercise, then you probably aren’t either. If this is the case, then it’s time to shape up! The major problems with older dogs are obesity and arthritis. Arthritis in some breeds may be an inevitability but by providing a good diet and regular exercise you can reduce the effects of this and keep your dog in good shape. Diet and exercise are the only true way to ensure they stay heart-healthy. Read more
How An Extra Walk Can Help Your Dog
October 12, 2009
I was distraught when my vet gave me the news that my dog’s heart was getting larger. We have been managing my dog’s heart murmur for many years not to mention his lung surgery almost 4 years ago to remove a cancerous lung lobe. He is known as the “wonder dog”, but I wondered how would I be able to keep him strong and mobile if I had to be careful to not stress his heart via exercise. I was sad and not sure what to do.
A Simple Solution – Two Walks A Day
Like most things in life, I just kept thinking about the situation and an idea came to me suddenly. I credit my mother with giving me a number of simple yet elegant solutions over the years. She died 33 years ago, but I have often known that it was her divine inspiration from God that has given me most of the solutions in my life and work. Read more
Daily Exercise for the Older Dog
September 23, 2009
Just because you have an older injured dog doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t need some exercise! Even if your dog has some mobility issues you can still plan on daily exercise with your aging dog.
Exercise As Therapy
You can improve the mobility of your senior dog with some forms of exercise. For example, many vets and holistic practitioners recommend swimming as an ideal exercise for dogs with mobility problems. Swimming tones the muscles and provides great exercise without putting pressure on injured joints. Even dogs who use wheelchairs and carts can often go swimming. If your dog enjoys water at all then give hydrotherapy a try! Read more