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!
Your elderly dog may not be able to go jogging with you as he once did but a walk every day is still a good idea. Regular exercise helps keep your older dog’s joints limber and helps reduce joint pain. Even if you only take a short walk the exercise is good for your dog and will help his digestion, circulation and all aspects of his health. Regular exercise is also a good way to combat obesity which affects too many elderly dogs. Besides, getting out and seeing something besides the four walls of your house will help him keep a lively interest in life, and that’s good for every dog!
Walking is good exercise. So is a game of fetch or tag, if your aging dog is interested. If your dog was an athlete before he started slowing down then you may want to do something he used to love, such as a little agility or obedience work, but don’t let him try to do too much. He’ll probably love showing off a little of his old expertise. Remember to give him lots of praise, as always.
Go Visiting
Your elderly dog may not be as young and active as he once was but that doesn’t mean that he has to be housebound. Take him out so he can see other dogs and greet people. If he enjoys going to the dog park, go ahead and visit. Don’t let the fact that your dog walks more slowly now or uses a wheelchair deter you from taking him places. He’ll probably enjoy some trips outside the house.
Take It Easy
Of course, when you exercise with your older dog there are some things to keep in mind. Don’t overdo it. Don’t exercise during the hottest part of the day or when it’s very hot or humid. Don’t force your older injured dog to exercise. And, do be patient with him. Remember that it may take your dog longer to do things than when he was younger and it was easy for him to do things.
Daily exercise for your senior or handicapped dog has many benefits. Not only is it physically good for your dog but it can also help him stay interested in life and cheer him up. Daily exercise is a great way to increase your dog’s mobility.
Summary
Daily exercise for your older injured dog can help him improve his mobility. Swimming, walking, playing games, doing things he loves to do are all great ways to help your older injured dog exercise.
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