Fitness for Older Dogs

Exercising older dogs is essential for both their body and mind. Keeping your dog fit as they age will help them to lead happier, healthier lives, but why is this so?

Looking at the dog holistically, we see a range of interconnected systems that work together. When those systems function correctly, this leads to optimum health; however, when dysfunction or disease occurs in any of those systems, health and wellness are compromised.

Wellbeing encompasses physical and mental health; optimising canine wellness directly impacts their quality of life. Canine Fitness (or Canine Conditioning) focuses on improving how dogs use their body in everyday movements, their chosen sports, or leisure activities. Fitness exercises stimulate the body physically and mind mentally as they learn new things and increase their overall fitness.  

A range of systems within the body must adapt and improve their ability to function as we build mobility, strength, endurance, balance, speed, and focus. Engaging in fitness exercises with our dogs helps their body and brain while creating a deeper bond between owner and canine.  

Sometimes it’s easier to see the physical changes as our dogs begin to move more fluidly than it is to notice the shift in mental health. For older dogs lacking in condition, it is often the emotional side that we see improve quicker. Older dogs who lack exercise and enrichment are more prone to Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, so it’s vital to their well-being to focus on fitness throughout their life.

Apart from enriching their lives and stimulating their mind, fitness used strategically may reduce the risk of injury. Improving biomechanics ensures that muscles and joints are used efficiently and align the force loads through the body to promote health. As dog's age, they may fall into patterns that put extra stress or strain on certain parts of the body to compensate for pain, stiffness, injury, etc.

Warning signs that your dog may need to improve their fitness include behavioural changes, altered sleep patterns, depression, lack of interest in socialising, moving less, and difficulties in everyday movement. Fitness is enriching for dogs, young and old; if your older dog is spending more and more time on their bed, act now and start to look at their fitness – small changes can make a big difference to their quality of life.

We can help. First, we assess your dog's current ability level and routine. We work with you to set motivating goals and design a customised fitness plan with exercises specific to your dog's needs. We work with clients globally to help improve their Canine Fitness, so send us a message to talk about improving your older dog's life through conditioning or fitness.