As your dog ages it may seem like you no longer need to take him on that daily walk or play with him. You may feel that he is getting too old to move around that much and that his old body just can't handle the demands of regular exercise. This is completely untrue. In fact, as your dog ages he really needs exercise more than ever. Regular exercise in your dog's golden years will help to keep him mobile and healthy. It can ward off some common health conditions and just keep him in generally good shape.
The Importance of Exercise for the Older Dog.
As your dog ages his risk for joint problems and obesity rise. His body is aging and he may not be able to move like he once did, but he still needs exercise. His metabolism, just like yours, slows as he ages. He may still need the same amount of food he always has, but now it could cause him to gain weight. With regular exercise you can help boost his metabolism and keep him trim and healthy.
His body will benefit greatly from a little exercise. It can help slow aging, keep arthritis at bay and even boost his mood. Exercise gets the blood flowing and it can help him to feel good and to avoid common age related issues.
Exercising the Older Dog.
Your older dog may not be as active as he once was. He may not spend hours chasing cats and he may have finally learned that his tail is really attached to his body so there is no need to chase it. He probably sleeps more and he prefers to snuggle with you instead of trying to play with you. Even though he may not have the extreme energy levels he once did, he still has requires exercise. Exercise is not just for burning up excess energy. It is a way to help keep your dog fit and healthy.
An older dog will require more gentle exercise than they did when they were younger. Your older dog probably won't enjoy a game of fetch. He will probably be more comfortable with an easy walk. The whole idea is to just get him moving. Don't push him. Let him go at his own pace and when he needs to rest, let him. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind about exercising your older dog:
- Be careful exercising him outside during extreme weather conditions. If it is really cold or really hot then you should be cautious about how long you exercise your dog and try to stick to indoor activities, if possible.
- Start slowly. If your dog hasn't exercised in a while or if he is recovering from an illness or injury then take things slow. Start with a ten minute walk and work up to about an hour. Try to do it at least 3 times a week.
- Don't stop playing. Just because your dog is getting older doesn't mean that he won’t play anymore. Find games that he still likes and play him as much as you can.
- If pain is a problem then talk with your vet about possible treatments that will ease his pain and make exercise more enjoyable for him.
Exercising your older dog may not seem like something that is necessary, but it is. Your aging dog's body needs exercise just as much as it did when he was a pup. Do not give in to the temptation to just let him lie around. An older dog that does not get the proper amount of exercise will suffer from more pain, more joint trouble and gain more weight than an older dog that does get the right amount of exercise.
