Gentle Exercises to Keep Your Senior Dog Active and Healthy

PHOTO BY BRUNA FOSSILE ON PEXELS

Keeping your senior dog active is crucial for their health and happiness. Engaging in regular, gentle exercises can improve their mobility, maintain a healthy weight, and enhance their overall quality of life.

From short walks to playful indoor activities, you can adapt exercises to suit your dog’s abilities. Let’s explore some enjoyable ways to keep your furry friend fit and happy in their golden years.

Short Walks

Short walks are a great way to keep your senior dog active without overwhelming them. Aim for 10 to 20 minutes depending on their energy level.

As short walks are low impact, they are gentle on your dog’s joints. Your dog will also have new scents and sights to explore.

Listening to your dog’s cues is essential. If they seem tired or hesitant, it’s perfectly fine to head back. Quality over quantity matters!

Watch this senior dog enjoy his walk:

Indoor Puzzle Games

Indoor puzzle games are a fantastic way to keep your senior dog mentally stimulated. These activities can help reduce boredom and enhance cognitive skills.

One game to consider is an interactive puzzle board. Here’s an example:

It often requires your dog to slide or lift compartments to find rewards. It engages your dog’s sense of smell and touch.

Keep sessions brief to match your dog’s energy levels.

Gentle Swimming

Gentle swimming is a fantastic way for your senior dog to stay active. It’s low impact, which means less stress on their joints.

Make sure to supervise your dog while swimming. Use a life jacket if they’re not strong swimmers.

Choose calm waters and avoid areas with strong currents. A slow introduction helps your dog feel comfortable. Enjoy some quality bonding time in the water!

By the way, have you seen a dog pool party? Check this out: