As your dog becomes a senior citizen, he or she sleeps a lot. You are tempted to let sleeping dogs lie. Do not give into this impulse. For a senior pet maintaining some form of exercise is vital if you wish your pet to remain healthy. Exercise is one way to ensure your pet keeps fit, retains its vitality and does not gain excessive weight. Keeping your dog active helps to ensure your pet does not succumb to several age related problems.
Naturally, the exercise you share with your older companion differs. It cannot be as intensive or carefree as in the younger years of your dog. This is particularly true if your dog has mobility problems. If your animal has difficulty walking or suffers from any disease or medical dysfunction, consult your vet before you create an exercise program. This will ensure you do not push the animal too hard or too far, causing further physical and emotional damage.
There are certain guidelines you need to implement when exercising with your senior citizen. They are not complicated. They do require more of your time. Be prepared to put more thought into the process.
Initially, you need to decide what form of exercise is best for your pet. This depends upon the condition and age of your dog. Consult a Vet if you need to. Listen to what your dog is saying as well. Remember, some pets will ignore pain to keep their person happy. Be aware of any signs of problems and slow down or stop all together. It may also be a good idea to warm up your dog first before any strenuous exercise. If he or she has sore
joints consider massaging them first. Rub your dog down to stimulate circulation. Start off slow then increase the pace.
There are several forms of exercise suitable for your old dog. They often vary from those for younger counterparts only in duration or intensity. Consider the following and their restrictions.
Take a walk. This is the simplest of all forms of exercise. You should start slow and go for only a certain length of time. Some dogs tire after 5 to 10 minutes. It may take time to build up endurance for longer walks. Avoid surfaces that may irritate paws and jolt joints. Be weather conscious.
Jog. Do so only if your pet is capable of keeping up. Never take your dog in inclement weather. Avoid hot weather jogging.
Play catch or fetch. If your dog has arthritis and loves to play catch, throw lower and inside balls. If there are dental issues, opt for soft and squishy balls or objects over hard ones.
Goof around at home playing hide and seek or wrestling gently. Play chase-me or keepaway.
Take your pet swimming. This is a low impact form of exercise. It is one of the best for the limbs and joints of an older dog.
Socialize and exercise at the same time. Take your pet to a doggy park. You must watch carefully, however, to ensure your dog is not overdoing it.
These are a few of the suggestions for helping your dog maintain health and fitness levels in his or her golden years. Keeping your dog active, even if you need to assist, is a sure key to a long and high quality doggy life.
Author Resource:-
Doggylogic should be your first point of reference for any information relating to your faithful furry companion. From dog horoscopes to dog psychology, and everything in between, this site will have all of the answers to those questions you can not quite put your finger on. Get the ball rolling in trying to understand the world from the perspective of your dog and visit: http://www.doggylogic.com/dog-psychology/
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