10 Tips To Help You Exercise Your Senior Dog

It can be difficult convincing a senior dog to exercise. Here are some tips for doing so.

1. Always Warm Up First. Older dogs can be a little stiffer, so make sure to do warm up exercises – like a slow, brief walk around the yard – are done first.
2. Be Consistent. Maintain the same routine every day so your dog gets used to it and stays active.
3. Don’t Just Change An Exercise Routine. Talk to your vet about your plans before changing your dog’s routine.
4. Keep It Low-Impact. Don’t expect your senior dog to jump through hoops! Keep exercises low-impact and gentle.
5. Watch Out For Pain. Look for subtle body language cues that indicate your dog is in pain and change your routine accordingly.
6. Do It Daily. Walking every day is important for all dogs, regardless of age. Older dogs may not be able to walk for as long, but shorter walks every day are still crucial. Stick to flat, easy terrain if your dog has mobility problems.
7. Find What Works. Work with your dog to find the best exercise routine!
8. Take New Routines Slow. If you’re changing up your dog’s exercise routine, implement the changes slowly.
9. Give Your Dog A Massage. After exercises, massage your dog to boost circulation, reduce stiffness, and help blood pressure balance.
10. Add Mental Challenge. Mental stimulation, like games of Find-The-Treat, Hide-And-Seek, or stuffed Kongs can help a dog feel more motivated to get moving.

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