Hi, I'm Lisa!
As a physiotherapist, I had one big dream: to help dogs move pain-free and happily. Now, I've been doing just that as a canine physiotherapist for over two years! Besides my work, I'm a proud dogmom to Wiccan (pictured), owner of my pony Lilly, a bit geeky, and always up for a day trip or outing. Follow my adventures at @lisasloodts , and my physiotherapy stories at @ lillsun.physiotherapy .
Because I work daily with dogs who experience joint or physical problems, I know how important it is to support them properly. Do you want your four-legged friend to stay as fit and happy as possible, even in later life? In this article, I share my most important do's and don'ts for an active senior dog!
👇 Read on quickly and discover how you can optimally support your dog!
Keeping your older dog fit and happy: Do's and don'ts!
Don't we all wish our dogs would never age? That we could go on endless adventures together, take long walks, and play endlessly? But as the years pass, we find that walks become more difficult. Perhaps your dog walks a little slower, stops to rest more often, or has trouble getting up after a long rest.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to keep your four-legged friend healthy and happy for as long as possible. Here are the most important do's and don'ts to ensure your dog has the best possible retirement!
Do's: What you should definitely do
1. Sufficient walks
As a physiotherapist, I often hear owners say, "I don't walk my dog too much anymore so they get enough rest." Even with the best intentions, exercise is essential for your dog's health, as otherwise they'll lose muscle mass, fitness, and agility. So, what's the ideal walk for your older dog? They'll tell you! Try walks at a lower intensity than before, but avoid too low an intensity, as this can cause your dog to lose fitness. If the walk is too high-intensity (too long, too much unstable ground, too strenuous), your dog will need more recovery time after the walk. This way, they're telling you to take it easier on your next walk.
2. Fitness for my dog
There are two essential activities for your older dog: walks and fitness exercises. No, you don't need to drag your dog to Basic Fit for the latter; you can do it right at home! There are several exercises that train your dog's muscles the same way you train yours in a gym/sports class. For example, you can get your dog to squat by having them sit and then stand up. It's best to create a personalized training plan for your dog with a physiotherapist, but if you want to get started, here are some fitness exercises I recommend to every dog owner.
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Puppy Squat: Have your dog sit, then take a few steps back and call him to you. Reward him with a training treat (Chicken Winners). Repeat this 5-10 times. Try to do this every day.
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Pump: Ask your dog to lie down. From this position, ask him to sit. Reward him with a training treat (Chicken Winners). Repeat this 5-10 times. Try to do this every day.
3. Supplements: Gutsy Hip & Joint for strong joints
One of the best ways to support your senior dog is to add a supplement to their diet that keeps them moving and supple. The Gutsy Hip & Joint supplement has the ideal combination to give your dog an extra boost. What's in it? Glucosamine and turmeric help reduce joint pain and slow joint wear and tear. They also contain vitamin C, which promotes collagen production, contributing to strong joints. And finally, the combination of hyaluronic acid and collagen keeps their joints supple and well-lubricated, so movement remains easy peasy and lemon squeezy for your dog.
Don'ts: What to Avoid
1. Overweight
We like to spoil our dogs with an extra treat here and there (who isn't guilty of that?), but with age and less exercise, we notice that those extra pounds stick around (both for us and for our dogs). That extra weight puts more strain on joints and can cause or worsen pain and mobility issues. This makes your dog less inclined to exercise, and we end up in a vicious cycle. That's why it's important to keep a close eye on your dog's weight and discuss it with your veterinarian.
2. Excessive exercise
While exercise is essential, too much or too intense activity can do more harm than good to your older dog. This can lead to longer recovery time from certain activities or increase the risk of injury. Therefore, it's important to listen to your dog and adapt your activities to their needs and abilities.
3. Insufficient veterinary checks
As we age, health problems can become more common. Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help you identify early warning signs and implement appropriate treatments or adjustments as soon as possible. Ideally, you should have your dog checked at least twice a year.
Enjoying together, even at a later age
With the right care, adjustments, and support, we can help our four-legged friends age as comfortably and happily as possible. Keep listening to your dog's cues, adjust their lifestyle as needed, and remember: even gentle walks and short playtimes can make a world of difference!
Want to optimally support your dog? Consider Gutsy Hip & Joint , so your four-legged friend can continue to move smoothly and pain-free. This way, you can continue enjoying many more wonderful walks together!
