Exercising older dogs

Your dog might be getting older, but that doesn’t mean their walking days are behind them. A gentler pace, shorter walks and a few simple changes can help keep them moving and enjoying the things they love.

Here’s how to adapt their exercise as they age, plus how joint supplements for senior dogs can offer a little extra support.

Does my older dog need exercise?

Yes. Exercise is still an important part of your dog’s day as they get older, helping to keep them active and giving them valuable mental stimulation too.

How much they need will vary with their age, health and mobility, so you may need to make a few changes along the way.

Exercise can help to:

Keep your dog active

They might not walk as far or as fast as they once did, but keeping active still matters. Gentle exercise helps maintain their muscles and supports healthy joints and mobility.

Manage your dog’s weight

Keeping your dog at a healthy weight is important at every age. Exercise, alongside a balanced diet, can help with weight management.

Their needs can change over time, so keep an eye on their weight and activity levels and be ready to adjust things as they age.

Spend quality time together

Walkies might look a little different these days, but they can still be one of the highlights of your dog’s day – and yours.

Let them set the pace, stop for a good sniff and enjoy being out together. After all, getting from A to B isn’t really the point.

How to exercise older dogs

Make a few changes

Remember when they could race around the park and still be ready for more? As your dog gets older, you may need to adapt how you exercise together.

If they love the park but the walk there tires them out, try driving part of the way. Heading out when it’s quieter can also give them more space to take things at their own pace.

Take it easy

There’s nothing wrong with a slower walk. Give your dog time to sniff, explore and stop for a rest when they need one.

Watch how they’re getting on rather than expecting them to cover the same distance they once did. Shorter walks can still give them valuable exercise and stimulation.

Keep going

Shorter, slower walks still count. In fact, a few shorter outings may be more manageable than one long walk.

Follow your dog’s lead and be prepared to change things as their needs do. Some days they may be raring to go. On others, a potter around the block might be enough.

How can I help my older dog enjoy walks more?

Start with what your dog enjoys. Familiar routes, quieter places and plenty of sniffing time can make outings more enjoyable as they get older.

Think about the little things too. Give them time to get going, avoid rushing them and choose routes that match what they’re comfortable doing now. It’s less about how far you go and more about giving them a chance to get out, move and enjoy themselves.

How can I support my older dog’s joints?

Keeping active and maintaining a healthy weight are both important for your dog’s joints as they age. You may also want to add a daily joint supplement to their routine.

YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS for Dogs is our high-strength formula, designed to aid mobility, support joint structure and soothe joints with Omega-3s. It contains ActivEase® Complex, Glucosamine, Manganese and Hyaluronic Acid to give older dogs extra joint support.

For dogs who may need even more support, YuMOVE Joint Support PLUS Max for Dogs is our strongest PLUS formula yet. It contains high levels of ActivEase® Complex Omega-3s – a unique blend of Green Lipped Mussel and Hoki – to help soothe joints.

How else can I keep my older dog active?

Not every bit of activity needs to happen on a walk. Try mixing things up with:

1. Brain games – Food puzzles and scent games are a fun way to keep their mind busy.
2. Swimming – If your dog loves the water, swimming can be another way to get them moving.
3. Trick training – Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? Keep sessions short and fun, whether you’re teaching something new or brushing up on the basics.

A final note

Every dog is different, especially as they get older. If you’re unsure how much exercise is right for your dog, or you notice any changes in their mobility, behaviour or willingness to exercise, speak to your vet for advice.

For more ways to support your dog through their senior years, take a look at our dog supplements.