As your dog ages, you may notice they aren’t as energetic as before. They might be less eager for long walks or less exuberant when greeting you. Aging can present challenges, not only for us, but for our furry friends as well.
Adjusting exercise routines for a dog’s senior years can sometimes feel like a balancing act: we want to keep them active while avoiding overexertion.
Why adjusting exercise is essential for senior dogs
As our dogs age, their bodies change—just like ours. Stiffness, joint pain, and reduced stamina are common complaints. Over 70% of dogs over 8 years old suffer from some form of arthritis!
Stiffness, trouble getting up, or hesitating to jump into the car can all be signs of pain, so recognizing these early and addressing the pain is crucial. (I’ve written a blog about recognizing pain: [link to blog 21])
In the following sections, I assume you’ve consulted your vet if needed and that any pain your dog may have is being managed.
Beyond pain, aging often means taking things slower, just like with most people (although, of course, there are always exceptions).
How to tell if your senior dog needs a slower pace
One thing we often see is longer “sniffing breaks” during walks. While sniffing time is important for any dog, with seniors, these moments can gradually last longer. If this happens more toward the end of a walk, it can be a sign of fatigue.
Slowing down or plodding along behind you can also be a clear signal. It’s important though to consider the circumstances: some dogs develop strong preferences for specific routes, and if we don’t honor their choice or preference, they might slow down or even stop walking altogether. Being mindful of the situation helps in understanding what’s really going on.
If your dog appears stiff after a long walk, this can also be a sign that the walk was too long or too intense. You might notice it particularly after they’ve had a nap post-walk. If they’re a bit stiff when they get up, this can be a clear sign that you overdid it. Again, stiffness after a nap could also indicate pain, so I assume here that any possible pain is being addressed.
Best exercises for senior dogs
1. Walks on soft terrain: low-impact movement
Simply walking is one of the best forms of exercise for dogs of all ages, but especially for those with age-related issues. For senior dogs, it’s usually better to opt for shorter, more frequent walks instead of long hikes. Walking on softer surfaces like grass or forest paths is also gentler on aging joints than on pavement or asphalt.
A side note: at the time of writing, it’s autumn, and the forest floor is covered with acorns, beech nuts, and chestnuts, which can be tough on older paws. This is something to keep in mind when choosing your route.
It’s not that longer walks are off the table entirely, but if you do go for a longer walk than usual, consider making the next day a rest day with shorter walks, to give your dog’s muscles and joints a chance to recover.
2. Swimming: great exercise for dogs with joint issues
Swimming is often called a “zero-impact” exercise, meaning it allows for movement without stressing the bones and joints. It’s also a great way to build muscle strength.
A few safety tips for older dogs are important though:
- Don’t overdo it. Some dogs love swimming so much that they want to go on forever, especially if there’s a ball involved. My own dog Freya only gets her ball by the water, and as far as she’s concerned, it can never last long enough. She doesn’t consider the toll on her body, but I do, so I make sure to keep it short.
- If your dog doesn’t swim regularly, their swimming endurance will be lower, so build up muscle strength gradually.
- Be mindful of how your dog enters and exits the water. Sometimes the swimming itself is enjoyable, but if the bank is steep or high, climbing out can put a lot of strain on their body.
3. Balance and coordination exercises
Here in the Netherlands, there are various places where you can do canine balance and coordination exercises with an instructor. In many Western countries, this type of exercise is also offered, although it may be called a different name. This is an excellent way to provide adapted exercise. Often, the simplest exercises have the greatest effect on your dog’s muscle strength and balance. You can even do some exercises at home, especially if you’ve discussed them with a good instructor.
4. Sensory gardens
It’s worthwhile finding out if this is available near your area. They’re specially designed gardens (often privately owned by dog enthusiasts and available by appointment) with a range of items to sniff and different surfaces to walk on. The variety encourages the dog to keep moving, and because it’s done slowly, it’s low-impact—the ideal type of exercise for seniors.
Plus, all that sniffing provides wonderful mental stimulation, usually leaving dogs happy and content.
Determining the right frequency and duration
For senior dogs, “less is more” often applies. Shorter, more frequent walks are generally better than long, intense activities. That said, doing the same route every day can get boring, so try to vary your walks when possible (if your dog is ok with this; some dogs feel safer sticking to familiar routes on their walk).
There’s nothing wrong with driving to a forest or a park, even if you can’t walk for hours. Even just a 15-minute stroll is worth it for your dog.
So how long should these walks be? That’s not a question that is easy to answer. It’s often more important to consider distance rather than time. We frequently notice with senior dogs that we’re still out with them for the same time as before, but the distance covered gets shorter. In other words, we take longer to complete the same route.
A walk with lots of sniffing and exploring has a different impact on the body than a brisk walk. While I’m a big fan of sniffing for movement and muscle strength, it’s also important to cover a few stretches where you pick up the pace somewhat for a little bit.
Safety tips for exercising older dogs
There are a few extra precautions to keep in mind.
- Be careful in warm weather: senior dogs handle extreme temperatures less well. Choose cooler parts of the day for walks or play sessions.
- Make sure you take plenty of drink breaks: older dogs dehydrate more easily than younger dogs, so bring water, especially in warmer weather.
- Watch for signs of overexertion: panting or slowing down could mean your dog needs a break. If they start limping, that’s a clear warning sign that something is wrong. It’s better to stop early than to push them too far.
Consulting a professional
Again, I assume your dog has been checked and any pain is managed.
Consulting with a professional in canine movement, such as your vet or a canine physical therapist, can be extremely valuable in keeping your dog moving properly. A good therapist can provide exercises you can do at home to help maintain muscle strength.
Just as with us, regular exercise at home is often more effective than occasional visits to a therapist. Canine fitness trainers can also help here.
“Listen to your dog” remains key. As dog owners, we see our dogs daily and are often the first to sense when something isn’t right. A professional’s independent, expert eye can be invaluable in pinpointing the issue. Together, the owner and therapist can form a strong team dedicated to the dog’s well-being, with each step carefully tailored to the dog’s needs.
Enjoy the golden years
Caring for a senior dog is a journey filled with both challenges and precious moments. Adjusting exercise is not just about keeping them physically active; it’s about connecting with your dog in a way that suits their stage in life. It’s okay to adjust expectations. A three-hour forest walk may be neither possible nor needed to make your dog happy; there are so many other ways to fulfill your senior’s needs. It’s about the connection, and enjoying each other’s company.
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