Your four-legged friend may be getting on but it is still important to keep them moving. From understanding joint supplements for older dogs to adjusting how you exercise your senior dog and how you can support them in old age, YuMOVE are here to answer all your questions...
Does my older dog need exercise?
Just as we humans are happier and healthier if we maintain regular exercise, so are our beloved four-legged friends. If we maintain an exercise pattern for our dogs that works with their age and ability, then they are more likely to be fit, happy and healthy in the future.
We recommend your vet advises you on how much exercise your older dog is capable of doing. Remember, exercise is supposed to be enjoyable as well as providing numerous health and well-being benefits.
Exercising can help to support your dog’s overall health and joints but also helps to...
Keep fit
By maintaining an exercise routine with your older dog, you can continue to help build and strengthen their muscles and keep their joints healthy.
Manage Weight
As your dog gets older their metabolism can slow down, with any extra weight putting stress on your dog’s joints. Exercise, along with a balanced diet, can help maintain and manage your dog’s weigh. As your dog ages, their needs may change, so it is important to keep an eye on their well-being and react accordingly if they need to change their diet or exercise regime.
Strengthen your bond and have fun
We all know dogs love the W-A-L-K word, so what is there not to love about taking time from your day to do your dog’s favourite thing? Even if they are just taking it slow and steady, regular walks can increase your dog’s happiness and keep your bond with each other stronger than ever.
How to exercise older dogs
Make modifications
Back in the day, your dog may have been itching to run off-lead or run alongside your bike. Now you have to change things up and modify your exercise routine so your pooch can keep up. If they love the park, drive there and let them tire out in their favourite place rather than the walk there or go at less busy parts of the day so they do not feel inclined to overexert themselves.
Take it easy
A slow walk with plenty of sniff stops and rests is perfectly fine. Some exercise is better than none at all. Just don’t be expecting them to run around a field or play fetch.
Don’t give up
It is easy to give up walks, but don’t, it is important to stick to a regular routine. Even if the walk is much slower and shorter than it used to be, that is okay. These little bursts of energy are good for your older dog at maintaining mental and physical stimulation. Think more short walks and less long ones.
How Can I Help My Dog Enjoy Walks More
If you’re noticing that your pooch isn’t as excited as they used to be, then the aches and pains of getting older could be getting to them. As their hearing and sight deteriorate the world could seem a scary place, so a calming supplement like YuMOVE Calming Care for Dogs could help improve their quality of life by boosting their mood and giving your older dog some extra support in their later life.
My Older Dog is Experiencing Stiff Joints, How Can I Help?
If your older dog is experiencing stiff joints then trying a joint supplement could really support them. YuMOVE Joint Care for Dogs, our triple-action joint supplement is proven to help support dogs with stiff joints by promoting mobility and soothing joints. Thanks to the active ingredients of cold-extracted ActivEase® Green Lipped Mussel and Glucosamine YuMOVE Joint Care for Dogs will support your dog’s joints.
If your senior dog is in need of more support than try YuMOVE Joint Care PLUS, for older dogs with more severe stiff joints.
How Else Can I Get My Older Dog To Exercise?
Alongside joint supplements and changing up your walking habits, there are a few other ways you can keep your dog active as they grow old gracefully:
- Brain Games - Mental stimulation is just as important as physical, so keeping your dog’s brain busy is important!
- Swimming - Without putting any pressure on your dog’s joints, swimming allows them to exercise whilst building muscle and supporting their bones and joints.
- Trick Training - The saying ‘you can’t teach an old dog new tricks’ isn’t true, training is a great way to exercise older dogs whilst also keeping their brains active. Even go back to the basics with ‘sit’ could get them moving in small steps
For more information on YuMOVE and out other dog supplements and how they can help your ageing dog check out our products here.
