Exercises to do with senior dogs

Just because your furry friend is getting older doesn't mean they have to stop enjoying life. Exercise is crucial for senior dogs' well-being, but as they age, adjustments need to be made to keep them comfortable and safe.

Just like us, they benefit from staying active, albeit with a few considerations. While health conditions or age-related limitations might put a leash on their usual activities, finding gentle yet effective exercises tailored to their needs can work wonders. Exercise for our seasoned pups is possible; we just need to tweak the workouts to keep them spry and smiling.

Caring for Your Senior Dog

As our beloved companions enter their golden years, their exercise routines may need to transform to accommodate for how their body, and mind changes. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Lower Activity Levels: Senior dogs often have a shift in activity levels, preferring shorter, leisurely walks over long jogs. This can be a great opportunity to explore new, scenic walking paths together at a relaxed pace.


• Temperature Sensitivities: Senior dogs also become more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Their ageing bodies struggle to regulate temperature as efficiently as before, making them more prone to discomfort in extreme weather conditions. Extra precautions are necessary to prevent heatstroke in summer or hypothermia in winter.


• Hearing & Vision Impairments: Another hurdle seniors face is the loss of hearing and vision. As their senses diminish, they may become easily startled or irritable, posing potential risks, especially around young children. While hearing loss due to medical issues can sometimes be treated, vision loss might be irreversible, necessitating a visit to the vet if signs like bumping into objects become more regular.


• Health Conditions: It's also important to consider that arthritis or other health conditions may cause discomfort, leading to irritability or reluctance to engage in once-loved activities. Additionally, cognitive decline, akin to Alzheimer's in humans, can manifest as confusion or restlessness, impacting daily routines and interactions.

While this may all seem a little sad, it's not! It's natural and can have a minimal impact on you and your dog's lifestyle if you make some suitable changes.

The Top 8 Exercises for Senior Dogs

There's no shortage of enjoyable exercises to keep older dogs sprightly and engaged. The key is adapting activities to suit their pace and comfort, always watching for signs of fatigue or strain. Here are some of our recommended physical exercises:

Exercise #1: Walking

A timeless favourite, a leisurely stroll remains a cherished activity for senior dogs. While they may cover less ground than they once did, shorter routes with plenty of rest stops provide ample opportunities for sniffing and stretching. Just be sure to tailor the walk to their energy levels and avoid pushing too hard.
After all, even a gentle walk offers a multitude of health benefits for both you and your furry friend. Explore the positive impact of regular walks on your dog's physical and mental well-being in our informative article, The Health Benefits of Walking Your Dog.

Exercise #2: Swimming

If your dog is a water enthusiast, swimming offers a fantastic low-impact workout that's gentle on achy joints. Ensure the environment is safe and accessible, with gradual entry points to prevent any accidents. After their aquatic adventure, promptly dry them off to ward off chills and discomfort.

Exercise #3: Playtime

While their pace may have slowed, many senior dogs still relish the opportunity to play. Whether it's a game of fetch with soft, plush toys, canine callisthenics, or any of the above, tailored play sessions can evoke the playful spirit of their younger days without risking injury.

Exercise #4: Socialising

Dogs are inherently social creatures, and seniors are no exception. While they may not keep up with the exuberance of younger pups, they still enjoy the company of their peers. Arrange playdates with similarly aged companions for relaxed social interactions that cater to their comfort levels.

Exercise #5: Trick Training

You never stop learning, and neither do our dogs! Training sessions offer valuable mental stimulation for senior dogs. Whether it's mastering new tricks or reinforcing existing commands, training sessions provide an outlet for mental exercise and bonding time with their beloved humans.

Exercise #6: Mental Training

Simple nose work like "find the treat" or a game of hide and seek, engage your dog's sense of smell while encouraging indoor activity. Throughout the day, incorporate additional mental exercises to keep your senior dog's brain active. Food dispensing toys, stuffed Kongs, and interactive games offer opportunities for mental engagement without the need for strenuous physical activity. Even during daily walks, allow your dog to explore and sniff around, providing mental enrichment while enjoying the outdoors.

Exercise #7: Massage

After a bout of exercise, treat your senior dog to a soothing massage session to help alleviate muscle tension and promote relaxation. A gentle 10-minute massage can reduce stiffness and discomfort, improve circulation, and lower blood pressure.
Using a flat palm, apply slow, gentle strokes to your dog's body, focusing on areas of tension or soreness. Many dogs find immense comfort and pleasure in this post-exercise ritual, making it an easy and effective way to aid their recovery and overall well-being. A calming massage can leave your senior dog feeling refreshed and rejuvenated whether it's after a brisk walk or a playful indoor session.

General Exercise Tips

A few simple guidelines can keep our older dogs' tails wagging and their bodies in tip-top shape:

• Prioritise regular and gentle exercise. This helps keep muscles and joints limber, promoting overall mobility. Joints can become stiff if unused for too long, so keeping your furry friend moving regularly is essential.
• Regardless of the weather, ensure your senior pup gets their daily dose of outdoor time. However, be mindful of extreme temperatures. Older dogs are less equipped to handle intense heat or cold, so schedule walks during cooler times of the day or invest in appropriate gear like dog coats to keep them comfortable.
• Stick to familiar routes and environments, especially if your dog is experiencing a sensory decline. Like us, senior dogs may struggle with sight and hearing loss, causing confusion and anxiety in unfamiliar surroundings. Familiar routes provide a sense of security and prevent unnecessary stress.
• Stay vigilant of your surroundings, especially if your dog's senses are waning. Sudden movements or unexpected encounters can startle them, so offer reassurance and gentle guidance during walks. Remember, your presence and soothing touch can make all the difference.

Above all, respect your dog's pace and limitations. Avoid pushing them beyond their comfort zone. If they show signs of fatigue or decide to take a break, let them rest. Indoor exercises can also be beneficial, especially in extreme weather conditions.

Coupling the right exercise with the right diet

Eukanuba's senior dog food has a comprehensive blend of ingredients tailored to the specific needs of ageing dogs. We know how important it is to keep your furry friend thriving as they embark on the next chapter of their journey.

Active seniors need robust immune support, and Eukanuba delivers with guaranteed antioxidant levels. This means your dog can tackle each day with resilience, ready to take on whatever adventures come their way. Eukanuba's senior formula also has DHA and antioxidants for healthy brain function, keeping your senior companion sharp as a tack. Learn more about how to help your best friend as they age with our high-quality diets.