Exercise for Older Pets (and People!)

A dog in the house can be wonderful company, which is why so many people have one. Whether you already have a pooch, or are considering one as a companion, as we grow older, we all have the same question: “How will I provide my pet with the exercise it needs if I become less mobile?” Next on the list of concerns is this: “How do I exercise my dog as it grows less mobile?” The answers to these very valid questions are closely intertwined, so let’s check them out:

Pace

As we all know, there’s more to a dog walk than a brisk striding out. A pooch is as interested in sniffing as it is in covering ground, so make the walk with an elderly dog all about the smells. Even if the walk is only around the block, there are sniffs galore so give your dog plenty of time to explore each of them. If your dog is comfortable in a car, vary the short ‘sniff-walk’ by driving your pooch to different doggie destinations.

Fetch

If your dog likes to cover more ground than you, take it to an off-leash area such as a dog park. Bring a ball-thrower or a golf club and a supply of sticks, with you. While you stay in one spot, send the sticks or the ball flying so your pooch can give chase!

Tug-o-war

Tug-tie

Active dogs love a game of tug-o-war, but holding on to a dog toy can be hard on your wrists. Instead of taking the strain yourself, tie the toy to an immovable object (such as the leg of a heavy sofa), and move the toy about enticingly. Your dog will think it’s you, and not the sofa it’s tugging against!

Soft-swap

Older dogs still enjoy a game of tug-o-war, but if it gets too hard, it can hurt their mouths or strain their legs. Switching to a softer toy (such as a stuffed dog toy rather than a dog rope) can help. As can using a stretchy rope with more ‘give’ (you could construct your own by braiding the legs of a stretchy pair of old tights).

Hide and seek

An older dog can gain low-stress exercise through a game of hide and seek and you won’t even have to venture outside to provide it. Pop a few dog treats into a bag, leave the internal doors of the house open, and hide yourself in some fun places (behind the door, in the wardrobe, under the bed, in the shower, under a rug). Call to your dog, and when it locates you, give it a treat before starting the game again, once it settles.

Treat trails

An older dog and its older human companion may both be happy to have shorter bouts of exercise than they once did. A fun way to make it happen is to lay a treat trail in your backyard. Head outdoors without your pooch, and hide treats in several different places around the property (they can include dog-toy finds, as well as edible treats). Once everything is in place, let pooch into your yard and encourage it to look in the hiding places. It will soon ‘cotton on’ to the game, and may go searching without encouragement!

Training and tricks

Despite the old adage, you can teach an old dog new tricks. What’s more, as you do, your dog will be exercising its muscles, even though it may not be covering distance. Cater the teaching to your dog’s condition so it doesn’t hurt itself. Look for suitable tricks for older dogs here.

Interactive toys

Older dogs may no longer have the mobility or energy levels to bound around, but by offering them interactive dog toys, you can still provide them opportunities for the smaller movements they’re capable of. At the same time, you’ll be helping prevent your pooch’s cognitive decline. Interactive dog toys include the likes of snuffle mats (where you hide treats in textured mats), tumbler treat dispensers that slowly release food when they’re rolled, and pooch puzzle ‘slow feeders.’ You’ll create hours of fun for you and your dog with these special games.

Exercise is important for you and your dog, and if decreased mobility becomes an issue, there are still gentle ways to make it happen.