If one aspect of owning a dog is the hardest to endure, it’s to watch them age. Many behavioral changes often accompany a gradual decline in their vitality and physical abilities. Dogs in their sunset years require extra care and attention. The University of Liverpool states that dogs are said to be in their senior years at an average of 12.5 years. However, this milestone tends to vary based on the breed. One activity that takes a direct blow is also the one dogs find the most exciting, walking. The good news is your senior dog can continue to go on daily walks but with special considerations. This article will discuss four unspoken safety rules to follow while walking senior dogs.
Check With a Vet First
Before taking a senior dog for a walk, get them checked with a veterinarian. The healthcare professional will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure the dog is safe and healthy to exercise.
Some breeds are not able to be as active as the others in their golden years. USA Today shares that larger dogs usually develop arthritis in their old age. This can make movement painful and challenging.
The vet may not discourage walking altogether but they will recommend a tailored exercise plan. All of this will be done taking into account the dog’s medical history and current physical condition.
If your dog has any health issues, it’s best to have an emergency vet also in your contacts. Let’s take an example: Suppose a senior dog parent takes their pooch on a walk in a beautiful dog-friendly city like Lakeway, Texas.
The city’s Bark Park in particular is popular to walk dogs, with or without a leash in certain areas. While walking, the parent notices that their pooch is in some discomfort. They decide to take their dog back home.
After a few hours, the canine suddenly begins whimpering, avoiding movement, and panting restlessly. What is to be done? They can call for the services of a Lakeway emergency vet. These medical professionals specialize in immediate care services outside of clinical hours.
According to Violet Crown Veterinary Specialists, everyone hopes they never need to see emergency care specialists but it’s essential during critical moments. So, do not rush your pet into walking or exercising without taking them to a vet first. Additionally, have the contact of emergency veterinarians handy.
Choose the Right Gear
Proper walking gear is essential for all dogs, but its importance only increases as they age. Our senior pooches may not be able to handle standard walking gear.
For instance, traditional collars can put a lot of strain on their neck. You can switch to a gentler option like a harness. Just make sure that it’s not too tight but fits your dog well.
A well-fitted harness may help distribute pressure evenly across the body. This ensures a safer and more comfortable walk for senior dogs. The simple fact is that senior dogs have different needs when compared to their younger counterparts.
They may need help with balance or be extra sensitive to cooler temperatures. Besides a harness, you can choose to cloth them in fabrics made of natural materials. During the cold season, give them extra protection and limit their exercise to shorter walks.
Most importantly, follow your dog’s pace and try to stick to familiar routes only. If your pooch has some sensory issues, keep those in mind as well, and be aware of the surroundings you’re walking in.
Keep a Constant Eye on Your Pet
This point deserves a separate mention since senior dogs need special care. As a pooch ages, their physical abilities gradually decline. This means they’re often more susceptible to being injured or experiencing pain while walking.
The American Kennel Club states that pet parents should pay attention to the weather, the pace, and how their pooch feels throughout the walk. Allow them to engage in a low-impact activity but keep a constant eye on them.
Things can take a wrong turn in the blink of an eye. Let’s suppose that a senior pooch is enjoying playing and interacting with other pets in another extremely dog-friendly city, Austin. In this city, nearly 77% of rentals welcome pets with open arms.
However, the climate does experience extremes of temperatures, particularly during the warmer months. This can be dangerous for senior dogs who already find it difficult to regulate their body temperature.
At the sight of the slightest discomfort, we would recommend contacting an emergency 24-hour animal hospital in Austin. The professionals will examine the pooch for signs of respiratory distress, dehydration, or cardiac strain. They will also recommend solutions like proper water intake, changes in walking routine, etc.
Also Read: Best Indoor Exercises for Senior Dogs to Stay Fit
Include Mental Stimulation
Keep in mind that walks are not only about physical exercise but also about mental stimulation. The latter will keep your pooch more engaged with their surroundings. This may improve their walking experience.
To keep your dog mentally stimulated, allow them to interact with their surroundings. The best way dogs do this is through sniffing, which keeps their mind sharp and engaged.
If your area has multiple dog parks, consider taking your pet to a different park once in a while. It will introduce them to a horde of different sights and smells. Moreover, try to get them involved in some mind-stimulating games.
A good example would be hide and seek, which may excite your dog’s mind and curiosity. Just hide their favorite treats (nearby) and have your pooch find them.
Finally, take your pooch for frequent walks, even if they’re short. It’s a great opportunity to strengthen your bond with them. The shared moments will not only bring you joy but will become a source of emotional support for your canine friend.
Just keep the tips we just discussed in mind. Then, nothing is stopping your pet from enjoying the simple pleasures of walking throughout their golden years.
