Fitness for Senior Dogs
Does your dog fit into the senior dog category? As we see our pets every day, sometimes it is hard to identify when this shift actually happens. Perhaps one day you noticed that your dog could no longer run as long or as hard as he used to when you take him to the park. You may have also seen that it is more difficult for your dog to jump up to your bed or get into the car. Now that you know you have a senior dog, it is time to make sure that you are providing them with the right type of exercise to keep them going strong.
Benefits of Fitness Exercises for Senior Dogs
You may have heard the saying, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” This is definitely true when it comes to keeping aging dogs healthy with exercise. In the aging dog, the right type of gentle exercise keeps them living mobile and independently. Fitness exercises for senior dogs keep them living more confidently and have the ability to benefit their life in the following ways:
Provides Muscle Strength
Particularly in the rear, dogs lose muscle strength as they get older. This strength can be regained with fitness exercises that target their bottom, core, and shoulders.
Gives Stability to Their Walk
The way a dog walks can get wobblier over time because their muscles have weakened because they are in pain or just because of old age. Performing specific fitness exercises can bring stability and balance to their gait.
Enhances Endurance Levels
Endurance levels naturally begin to taper off as your dog gets older. Hiking, walking, running or sports activities are easier when your dog is used to performing other types of fitness exercises.
Boosts Confidence
Much as it is with humans when a dog’s physique begins to feel stronger and leaner, he becomes a more confident being. His body awareness increases and your senior dog may feel younger than his years.
Senior Dog Fitness Exercises
Whole Dog Journal offers a comprehensive list of fitness exercises here for you to try out on your senior dog.
Here are a few more, recommended by the American Kennel Club.
Before starting any type of exercise plan for your senior dog, go ahead and get the green light from your veterinarian. If you have an overweight dog, it is better to go ahead and work on getting the weight off first, by carefully watching his calories.