If your dog has reached it golden years, they may not be able to be as active as they were in their youth. Even if your older dog may be a little slower they still need activity. Don’t let them sleep away their last few years of life. They still want to play as long as their owner does too.

Benefits

Maintaining your dogs exercise regiment will keep them acting and looking younger.

• Keeping up your dogs physical shape will help them delay many age related issues. Exercising joints keeps them from becoming dysfunctional.

• Retain vitality

• Exercise keeps your older dogs mind. This will keep them sharp and able to keep up with their younger dog friends.

• Keeps the weight down. An overweight dog, senior or junior, suffer from unnecessary health problems. Obese dogs are more prone to such things as heart problems. Extra weight can increase the difficulty of walking, placing extra weight on the joints and exasperating such things as arthritis.

Starting Off

Walking with your senior dog may be a different experience than a younger pup. You must understand your dogs limits as not to hurt or exert an older dog. Be sure you talk to your vet and get your pet check before starting a new exercise routine. Make sure there are no conditions that you may agitate.

The Initial Plan

Be aware of your dog limits and be sure you do not push you pet to those extremes. Keep stress levels low because older bodies can not handle a large amount of stress. Not all senior dogs can do the same as others; each dog should be handled differently. Two dogs of the same breed and the same age can have very different tolerances. It just depends how your dog is.

Listen to what your pet is saying to you. Dogs will know their limits and know when to stop. If they start to lag or pant heavily just take a break. There is no race. Remember what activities exert your dog more and cater an exercise plan with these limits in mind.

Remember all your dog wants to do is please you so don’t be upset when you take a break. They will ignore pains and fatigue just to keep up with their favorite person in the world, you.

With these thoughts in mind, consider the following suggestions.

• Warm up before you embark on any type of exercise. This may include gentle stimulation of the joints. Rub the legs before any strenuous exercise. Rub the entire dog down briskly to stimulate the circulatory system.

• If you are going for a walk, do start off slowly. Increase the pace gradually. Keep it in tune with your dog’s abilities.

• If your dog is not used to exercise, do not take him or her for an overlong walk. This is both in terms of time and distance. If you are just embarking on this journey, try to increase distance and time gradually.

• If your dog indicates any signs of discomfort, stop.

• Bring along treats and water. Also consider driving somewhere so, if there are problems, you can drive the animal back.

• Be sure to bring your cell phone in case of a possible emergency.

• Avoid taking the animal out in inclement weather. If it too hot, too cold or pouring down rain, leave the dog at home. Alternatively, arrange to do another activity indoors.

Activities For You And Your Senior Citizen

Your older dog may still be able to keep up with his younger friends.

Your senior dog may still be able to do what a younger dog does. You may only have to adjust the level of intensity. Possible activities vary. Some are traditional

• Take a walk or hike. Start off slowly and keep the distance down. Choose softer surfaces.

• Jog. Be mindful of distance, surface and the difference between your speed and that of your dogs.

• Indulge in a game of fetch or catch. Make allowances for arthritic joints. Throw the balls lower. Do more ground balls. In the case of poor or fewer teeth, substitute a soft ball for the old harder ones.

• If your dog is fond of it, take him or her swimming. This low impact exercise is great for the sore limbs.

• If you want a fun day out, take your favorite canine to a doggy park. Watch your pet does not overdo it.

• There are also various games you can play inside and outside your home. A quite game of chase-me, chase-me, keepaway or hide-and-seek is recommended. You may also prefer to wrestle or indulge in other forms of rough housing. Do so. Just be mindful of the animal’s age.

These simple instructions should lengthen the golden years of your beloved pet.

Article provided by Christi Olson of ohmydogsupplies.com, check out our diverse assortment of dog sofas online.