Exercise and your Senior Dog

We have put these tips together to help you understand the benefits of exercise and your senior dog. Like older people, senior dogs need regular exercise in moderation.

Just remember:

• Slow it down. Although regular exercise is important at any age, an older dog may need more frequent, shorter walks. Don’t force them to overexert themselves.
• Keep him on a leash or in a fenced area, especially if he is going deaf or his vision has deteriorated.
• Watch the thermometer. Don’t exercise your older dog outdoors in extreme heat or cold.
• Know their limits. If your senior dog has arthritis or a weak heart or lungs, be sure to consult your veterinarian about the level of exercise appropriate for his age and condition.
• Provide a comfortable place to rest. An orthopaedic bed with soft, thick padding is ideal for cushioning old bones. A heating pad under the blanket will provide added warmth. Since many older dogs can have occasional problems with urinary incontinence, avoid using electrical heating pads. A circulating warm-water heating pad is a better choice. To prevent skin burns, never place your dog directly on the heating pad.