Are senior dogs who can't walk still can be happy?
Carter Hahn
2025-08-03 02:43:03
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Senior dogs love exploring things at their own pace and track every scent, so take them on a slow walk, letting them sniff anything and everything that comes their way. If walking isn’t on the cards, try puzzle toys or teaching them a new trick. Senior dogs may not be up for a huge run around the park, but they still love to play easy games, join you for a short walk and get out of the house. Everything in moderation and low-impact activities like swimming and a cheeky game of hide and seek can be great to keep them active, without the big effort. Mental stimulation keeps senior dogs away from boredom, enhances their engagement with the environment, and keeps them happy. Provide your dog with a high-quality dog bed, or an orthopedic bed for joint issues like arthritis. Make it as pleasant and positive as possible, our senior dogs adore love and attention. Think about adding carpets for better grip, putting down things like yoga mats and anti-slip rugs on slippery surfaces, using ramps to get in and out of the car, and helping them go up stairs and on/off furniture. By incorporating these tips into your senior dog's routine, you're not just addressing their physical needs but also nurturing their mental and emotional well-being.
Roselyn Dicki
2025-08-03 02:09:18
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Like us, as our dogs age, their ability to do all the things they used to be able to take in their stride reduces but, with some careful management, a watchful eye and a lot of love and care, we can ensure we make their veteran years happy, healthy and fulfilling. When living with an older dog, they still have the same mental, emotional and social needs as they have always had, and indeed by paying attention to those we can keep our older dogs stimulated, happy and, if anything, deepen the relationship we have with them. Exercise is still important though. In humans it seems to play a significant part in holding mental ageing at bay – or at least it seems to engender a positive mental attitude – and the research we have means we can safely assume the same for our dogs. So while our older dogs can’t do the great long walks they did when they were younger, they can still enjoy several short walks through the day. Not only will this give them the physical exercise they need but it also gives them more contact and interaction with you – and social interaction, especially with their owner, seems to play a definite role in keeping dogs mentally sharp with a more youthful attitude.