We discuss the special care that our sweet old dogs need to stay healthy and happy. Your sweet old dog may not move as fast as they used to, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have to exercise.

In fact, it is important for older adults to maintain mobility and a healthy weight to avoid putting additional stress on their aging bones and joints. Exercise also helps prevent diseases that often accompany obesity, such as heart disease or diabetes.

It may be hard for your dog to adjust to the weather these days, but there are many indoor exercises that can help them stay in good shape.

Before you start, remember to ask your veterinarian if your dog is healthy enough for light exercise, and work with your veterinarian to determine what the appropriate amount of exercise is for your senior. Never let your older dog get more than they are comfortable with, and if they want to stop exercising, let them rest and relax.

Once you get the go-ahead from your vet, try these six low-stress, easy exercises.

1、 Puzzle feeder

Consider getting a puzzle feeder for your older dog.

These toys provide a mentally stimulating challenge that can help keep your senior’s brain active and sharp, as well as provide them with the opportunity to move around. The physical requirements of these toys should not be too demanding.

Offering your older dog food through a puzzle feeder will also help your dog to slow down when eating, which will further promote weight loss if that is one of your goals. Stick with toys that don’t require much physical effort because you don’t want to overwork your pup.

Classic Kong is always a good choice, although there are many other puzzle feeders on the market that you should check out. Find something that suits your dog’s activity level.

2、 Take something on the carpetGrabbing never gets old, but it’s harder when your joints and bones are sore.

It may be better for your older dog to fetch indoors on the carpet because they can more easily maintain their footing without fear of falling and getting hurt.

Use soft items that won’t put pressure on the teeth. There are several toys designed for older dogs that are both nice and soft. Stick to short, low throws so your dog doesn’t have to run, jump or walk too far.

Remember, this doesn’t have to mean challenging your dog; it’s just to get them moving and provide some activity to stay in shape. Give them plenty of water when you’re done playing, and don’t rush them to keep playing when they start panting or get tired.

3、Gentle tug-of-war

Tug of war is probably one of your dog’s favorite games in life, and there’s no reason you can’t play it.

In fact, the pulling motion is a great exercise that allows many of your dog’s muscles to work together. It can help strengthen the neck, chin and shoulders.

Use soft items that will not put pressure on your teeth. Remember, you can’t play as roughly as you used to, so you can’t wiggle or pull hard, which can lead to dental and muscle injuries. Let your older dog win once in a while to help build their confidence.

Depending on the type of toy you use, this game can also provide your dog with a light flossing action that can improve the health of teeth and gums.

4、Stretching exercises and physical therapy

If your dog has some joint problems, you may wish to consult a physical therapist to improve their condition.

A physical therapy session may include massage, stretching and hydrotherapy, but you may also be given instructions for at-home exercise to keep up with care. This is especially important if your dog has mobility issues because the muscles, joints and ligaments still need exercise to stay healthy.

Proper stretching can help warm up and move joint fluids, improve blood flow, and make joints and muscles feel more relaxed and comfortable, but you shouldn’t push an older dog to the point of discomfort. Stretching can improve your dog’s gait, making it easier for them to walk and become more active.

You can do some stretching exercises at home, but it’s best to consult a professional before you start so you don’t stress your dog out too much and cause more problems.

5. Find it

“Find It” is a fun game that provides a mental and physical workout for dogs of any age. All you really need to do is hide some treats in the room and let your dog sniff them out.

If you’ve never played before, you may need to help your older dog in the first few games. Eventually, they should be able to find the items with their own instincts.

You can also hide their food and make them eat it slower, but don’t rush them if they start to feel tired. Make sure you hide the food low, in a relatively small area, so they don’t go far.

This should be a fun workout, not too challenging, but it will get your dog using their brain and body.

6、New tricksYou may have heard the saying, “Old dogs can’t learn new tricks.” This is simply not true, and we should give our seniors a little more credit. They just need more patience, but learning new things exercises the brain and the body.

Of course, you wouldn’t want your seniors to do anything that requires too much physical effort, but there are many techniques that don’t require much exercise.

Balancing treats on their nose, walking between your legs, or just doing something basic that your pup may have missed or forgotten over the years can be a good exercise, a rewarding experience that will let your dog know they can still please you, even in their later years.

Keep training short enough to avoid fatigue and be aware of your puppy’s needs. There is no harm in giving them enough love for what you ask for, even if they don’t know it. At this age, you’ll be happy when they start acting out and making an effort.

Have you tried these exercises before? What other indoor exercises do you like to do with your dog? Please let us know in the comments below!