Irrespective of the dog breed, all puppies need some amount of physical and mental exercise to stay happy and healthy. While young puppies eagerly wait for exercise and entertainment, the same is not the case with senior pets.
As a canine fur baby ages, its body may be unable to cope with rigorous activity even if its spirit is willing to engage in it. Sometimes an older dog may push itself to do things and get quickly exhausted, and other times it may just give up on its interests.
Also, accidents, injuries, sicknesses, and other medical emergencies can’t be ruled out even with only minor engagement in activities. This is one reason why you should consider being prepared with dog medical aid as early as possible in your pet’s life.
All you may need to do is search insurance for pets online to find various pet plans, then request and compare quotes before signing up for a policy that best suits your furry pet’s health needs. Note that insurers will not cover pre-existing medical conditions, so contemplate buying pet insurance sooner and not later.
Here are some tips to follow with your senior dog regularly. Stay active and engaging with your dog and invite them with you whenever you can.
- Plenty of long, quality walks. Not as a chore or to use the bathroom. Intentional walks with your pup.
- Take your pup with you whenever you can. Going hiking? Take your dog. Camping? Take your Dog. Road trip across the country? Take your dog.
- Play games with your dog. Play fetch if your dog likes fetch.
- See if your dog likes water. If they do, take them swimming in a pond or river.
- Going out to eat? Is there a dog friendly patio? Take your dog.
- Take them for a car ride. Dogs love a car ride especially when you roll the window down.
- Let them outside. They like the sun.
- Let them bark with intention!
- Socialize them with other doggie friends. This could be at the dog park.
- Give them treats or bones to chew on.
Below are some tips for designing senior dog-friendly activities.
Taper down your older pet’s activity if it shows signs of fatigue, pain, and discomfort. It is especially important if your canine is already suffering from critical medical conditions and is on medications. While adapting exercise to suit your senior pet, keep in mind the below aspects.
- Choose flat or gently sloping trails while hiking with your senior pet. Exclude climbing rocky terrains and hills that demand agility. Remember that for an older dog going down a hill can be equally challenging as going up a hill.
- Cover short distances during outdoor strolls so your senior pet can achieve its daily walking goal with little hassle. Avoid one long walk, and don’t forget that a walk includes covering the distance from home to the destination and the return trip to home. So, plan the stroll accordingly.
- If the hard road surface or concrete seems to aggravate your senior pet’s bone and joint issues, consider taking a different path. Leash-free parks and woodland trails that offer natural soft terrain, including grass and soil, are reasonably good places for a pleasant outdoor stroll.
- Playing with a ball may still be feasible as long as you don’t throw it to a greater distance. Keep in mind that your furry baby must be able to fetch and return it to you comfortably. This game is mentally as well as physically stimulating.
- If you are taking both younger and older pets for a walk simultaneously, select low-grade trails with fewer obstacles and many shady pockets that allow for plenty of rest and water breaks. By the end of the walk, all your fur babies should be satisfied.
- Suppose even brief walks are taking a toll on your older pet’s bones and joints; consider engaging it in a water activity like swimming. It helps get your dog moving with minimal stress on those delicate joints. With this, you don’t have to worry about your fur baby limping toward the end.
You would want to use a ramp to help your senior pet enter and exit the car or other high places. Provide your senior pet with extra love, care, comfort things, and attention, so it lives a good life.
Consider being prepared with dog medical aid, so your older canine gets the medical care it deserves should something go wrong with its health. Search pet insurance online to find popular pet insurers and sign up for a policy so your pet has medical cover and you a financial backup during unplanned vet visits and health emergencies.
