Exercise Ideas for Older Dogs with Mobility Issues

As dogs age, they can develop mobility issues like arthritis that make exercise more difficult. However, exercise remains important for older dogs to maintain muscle tone, joint health, and prevent obesity. The key is tailoring the exercise routine to your senior dog’s physical capabilities. With some creativity, you can find fun ways to keep your older dog active.

Low-Impact Exercise Ideas

Swimming is an excellent low-impact exercise for senior dogs with joint issues. The buoyancy of water supports their body weight, reducing strain on the joints while still allowing movement. You can buy a kiddie pool, take them to doggy swim sessions, or walk them in shallow water at lakes/beaches.

Hide-and-seek games using your dog’s sense of smell are mentally and physically stimulating. Hide treats around the house and encourage them to hunt them out. Increase the difficulty by hiding treats in boxes they need to open. These games exercise their nose, brain and promote gentle movement.

Build a simple homemade obstacle course with targets to weave through, tunnels to crawl under, platforms to climb on, and ramps. Walk them through it on-leash, allowing them to complete elements they feel comfortable with. Having to navigate obstacles and change speed/direction gives a workout.

Hold up your palm and have them touch it with their nose for a treat. Slowly move it around at nose height to encourage body stretching and movement while engaging their mind.

Continue practicing basic verbal or hand signal tricks like sit, down, spin, etc. that are non-taxing mobility-wise. Easy trick sessions enhance mental sharpness and gentle movement.

Place treats, toys or food in a Wobble Wag Giggle Ball or Kong toy. The uneven shapes cause gentle rocking as the dog tries to extract the contents, working different muscles.

Activities to Avoid

Certain types of exercise should be avoided for elderly dogs with mobility restrictions.

High-impact activities like jogging should be avoided, as this can overexert arthritic joints.

Let your dog use pet stairs/ramps to reach furniture and vehicles. Don’t encourage them to jump down or catch flying discs which risks falls or joint injury.

Don’t overdo walks. Take shorter potty outings when needed instead of one long exhaustive hike. Carry them partway or invest in a doggy stroller if necessary.

Exercise older dogs on non-slip surfaces at an easy pace. Don’t allow them to walk on slippery floors, icy sidewalks, etc. A fall could seriously injure them. Give them rubber booties to wear if they slip and slide a lot.

Additional Exercise Ideas

Playing gentle tug games engages their mind, promotes oral health through chewing, and prompts light physical activity. Just be cautious of any aggression or compulsive behavior.

Help mobility-limited dogs get outside by supporting their hindquarters with a sling/towel and walking them around the yard to sniff. Go at their pace, allowing rest breaks.

Open the windows to let interesting scents in on short car rides. The mental stimulation can be very enriching. Stick to flat terrain though.

Know When It’s Time

When mobility issues are causing your dog significant pain, it might sadly be time to send them over the Rainbow Bridge. Look out for telltale signs like a diminished appetite, depression, whimpering, and aggression caused by pain.

The key is being sensible about exercise with an older dog. Focus activities on gentle movement and mental engagement without overexertion. Adjust as needed based on your individual dog’s health and mobility restrictions. The right exercise routine will help improve joint health and keep them active as long as possible.

Consult your vet if you have questions about appropriate activities. With some thoughtful modifications, you can still have fun with your senior dog!