DISCLAIMER: The blog content is not intended as, or a substitute for, professional
veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian
or other qualified animal health provider.
As dogs age they can start to develop signs of aging that may limit their ability to run and jump, but this doesn’t mean senior dogs shouldn’t still receive exercise. High-impact workouts can cause added stress to a dog’s joints, but thankfully there are plenty of low-impact exercise options that you can do with your dog.
Swimming is another low-impact option that a lot of dogs enjoy during warm weather. For small dogs, baby pools are an alternative to a large swimming pool, river, pond, or calm lake. Doing the doggy paddle helps exercise your dog’s muscles without putting as much impact on their joints – plus, swimming can be a great exercise for dogs that aren’t motivated to walk.
Equipment can also be purchased to do some at-home, low-impact exercises with your senior dog. Exercise balls, various foam pads to stand on and step over, Bosu® balls, inflatable discs, and other rehabilitation devices are commonly used to help dogs with balance and strength. Some canine rehabilitation centers with this equipment even offer sessions for senior dogs and have underwater treadmills to utilize, too.
Finally, passive range of motion (PROM) exercises can easily be done at home without any equipment. One such exercise involves gently moving your dog’s hind legs, one at a time, in a circular motion as though they are pedaling a bicycle. It can even be done with your dog standing up or lying down. All of these exercises and more can be used alongside joint supplements such as Cosequin®. You can helpmake a big impact on your senior dog’s health and well-being by keeping your pet moving with low-impact workouts.
