Exercising A Senior Dog

Is your pooch starting to slow down? Dogs are just as cute in their golden years as they are during puppyhood. However, senior dogs aren’t as active as their younger buddies. Fido will still need some exercise to stay healthy as he ages. Read on as a Fort Collins, CO vet offers tips on exercising senior dogs.

Those daily walks will definitely help keep Fido in shape. Let your dog pick the pace. You may find that you really enjoy taking a relaxing walk with your canine friend plodding along faithfully at your side!

Playing can also be a great way for your dog to stay active and fit. Playing will also benefit your furry buddy mentally. Just stick with safe, suitable activities. Don’t encourage your cute pet to jump or stand on his back legs very much. This is hard on his hips, and can contribute to or exacerbate hip dysplasia.

Swimming can be another good way for Fido to get his doggy workout in. The water will support your pet’s weight, making it easy on his bones and joints. However, swimming isn’t necessarily a good option for all pups. Some dogs, such as brachycephalic dogs, lose their breath very easily. Ask your vet for specific advice.

Keep in mind that older dogs are very sensitive to temperature extremes. Keep Fido’s walks short and sweet when the weather is bad.

Be careful not to overexert your canine companion. Keep a close eye on Fido. Look for signs of fatigue, such as panting. If you see signs that your pooch is getting tired, take him back in. You may want to opt for several short daily walks and play sessions, rather than a few long ones.

Younger dogs often grind their claws down just by running around. Older dogs? Not so much. Make sure to keep your furry friend’s claws trimmed. Overgrown nails are uncomfortable for pups to walk or run on. This can cause Fido to change his stride, which is bad for his bones and joints.

All of our canine pals are unique, and they all have their own specific care needs. Ask your vet for advice on Fido’s workout routine.

Please contact us, your local Fort Collins, CO vet clinic, for all your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!