5 Fun Activities to Keep Your Senior Dog Active

As dogs age, some develop health issues that make it more difficult to stay as active as they used to be. Some, like my 11 year old foster Roxy, can walk for hours every day.



Swimming, gentle stretching and puzzle toys are a few ways to ensure your dog still stays active and enjoying life.

Whether your dog has slowed down or is as active as ever, these 5 activities are fun for everyone!!

Swimming


Swimming is low-impact, easy on the joints and a great way to keep your senior dog active while being gentle on their aging body. Whether it’s at the beach, in a lake, a backyard pool or indoors in the colder weather, it can be a year round activity.

Puzzle Toys


I’m a fan of puzzle toys as a way to engage your senior dog's mind. They challenge them to problem-solve and stay mentally sharp.

There are so many to choose from, you just have to try and see which ones your dog likes.

One toy we have is by Nina Ottosson Outward Hound and it’s the Dog Tornado. I use it with treats or feed my dog a meal in it. It makes meal time last longer and you can make it more or less challenging. That's my heart dog Red in the picture eating her lunch. Don't worry if your dog is blind, they shouldn't have any trouble finding the food...Red certainly didn't! 

One thing I will say – at the beginning make it easy for your dog so he has a chance to learn what it’s all about. Too difficult too quickly and he may get frustrated and walk away.

Short walks


If long hikes are too strenuous for your older dog, short and leisurely walks around the neighborhood can still provide exercise and mental stimulation. Change up your route and walk somewhere new to keep things interesting. 

Gentle Stretching Exercises


Help maintain your senior dog's flexibility and mobility with gentle stretching exercises tailored to their age and physical condition.

Although you can find plenty of Youtube videos to follow, I recommend first speaking with your vet and finding a pet physiotherapist to put together an exercise plan for you to follow. They will also show you how to perform each exercise correctly.

Obedience Training


Keep your senior dog's mind engaged by practicing obedience training exercises that reinforce good behavior, and strengthen your bond together.

He may be an expert at “sit” but maybe needs some practice with “drop it.” What about finding new obedience cues to practice! Remember to keep sessions short to begin with so he doesn’t lose interest.

 

There you have it! Five fun activities to keep your senior dog active. What kind of activities do you do with your older dog? Sharing helps others so let us know in the comments section below.

 

If you're looking for a community of senior dog parents, a place where you can find helpful tips, support and people who "get it" please join my FB group Senior Dog Care Club


1:1 Support

Caring for a senior dog can feel overwhelming at times.

If you’re navigating quality of life concerns, anticipatory grief, or need someone to talk things through with, I offer 1:1 support for senior dog parents.

Learn more here 

Questions? Email me at hindy.greypawsandall@gmail.com


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