Many owners don’t like thinking about their dog getting older. Luckily, there are activities we can do to keep our dogs healthy throughout their lives. Using these simple practices, dog owners can ensure a long and healthy life with their dog.
Keeping your dog active can also keep them happy. Regular exercise for dogs will keep their joints limber and their muscles stronger. Losing weight and engaging the brain are other benefits to physical activity.
Activity with your dog is not only good for their health, it’s also good for your bond with your dog. Bonding with your dog happens throughout life, but it’s just as important in your dog’s later years. Here are the top 5 ways to extend your dog’s life.
Walking
Taking your dog for walks is a way you’ve probably bonded with your dog it’s whole life. Many people stop walking their dog when they get to an older age or start to slow down. They think that by avoiding physical activity it will extend the wear and tear of the dog activity.
Because older dogs have a harder time regulating their body temperature, it’s better to walk them when it’s not too hot or cold outside. This inability to regulate temperature can exasperate fatigue and overheating. It’s important if you have an older dog to be very attentive during walks for signs that the temperature is affecting them too much.
While walking there may also be road conditions to look out for. Steep hills can be painful for older dogs, so make sure to use a zigzag pattern in order to relieve stress on their legs. For smoother surfaces, older dogs may also struggle and using booties can help to avoid accidents.
Swimming
Water aerobics for senior dogs is an ideal activity that can improve health and longevity. In a canine pool, dogs can maintain exercise without any tension on their joints or bone structures.
Some water therapy locations also provide an underwater treadmill for older dogs to maintain activity while under low impact gravity.
Stretching
Have you noticed when your dog stretches? These movements can be very healthy for older dogs, it helps maintain muscle strength and joints. These guided stretches can impact their ability to use them as they grow older.
Because stretching can significantly improve a dog’s longevity, a popular activity to do with your dog is yoga. Commonly called “doga” many owners participate in the activity in order to both improve strength and bond.
Playing
Older dogs are known to start aging mentally before they lose their body. If you can maintain their physical strength over their life, their mental abilities will keep for longer. Playing with your dog can improve their life and longevity.
Consider training your dog for different games like fetch, a gentle game of tug-of-war or create agility courses. Dogs are similar to humans in that we need to use our brains in order to maintain our bodies.
