Is your dog’s muzzle turning a little grey? Has Fido been slowing down? Realizing that your four-legged best buddy is now a furry, barking retiree can be both cute and melancholy. While you will need to make some changes to your dog’s care routine, you should prioritize comfort over amusement. Fido will require some entertainment and stimulation in his golden years. Continue reading for some advice on how to entertain an elderly dog from a local South London, ON vet.

Is Play Still Beneficial for Older Dogs?

Yes! Fido will always be a puppy at heart. His desire and need for toys and enrichment will never go away. Playing and entertaining your pet can give various benefits.

Here are some of the main ones:

• Mental Stimulation: Pets, like humans, frequently experience cognitive impairment as they age. Fido really needs to focus when chasing that ball or sniffing out the goodie you concealed. That’s excellent for his psyche. You could think of it as a canine version of a crossword problem. That’s great for your pup’s mind!
• Exercise: Physical activity benefits both humans and pets. You don’t want to overexert Fido or entice him into activities that are no longer safe for him at this point in his life. However, he will still require some exercise. Ask your vet for specific advice on the type and amount.
• Bonding: One of the characteristics that distinguish dogs from other animals is the fact that they form incredibly close ties with their owners. Play sessions reinforce the special bond between you and your dog. 
• Fun: Last but not least, playtime is fun for dogs. It’s important to keep that tail wagging! 

How Can I Keep My Old Dog Amused?

As your canine companion grows older, he will tire faster. He is also going to become more vulnerable to injuries from slips and falls, overexertion, and even heat. You should begin focusing on activities that will challenge your pet’s thinking while not stressing his body.

Here are a few tips: 

• Look for toys that give out treats or make Fido solve simple puzzles. These are great for enrichment. They’re rather like the canine equivalent of a problem-solving game.
• Despite popular opinion, it’s never too late to learn new tricks. Many dogs love learning new things!
• Scavenger hunts are another excellent alternative. Hide little nibbles or toys around your house, and let Fido find them. While this is often popular with many dogs, scent hounds really enjoy it.
• Take use of interactive toys. Fido is still capable of fetching! You simply want to select items that are gentle on his mouth. Older dogs also tend to like items that light up or make noise and are easy to track. 
• Brand new toys! Never underestimate the wonderful influence of simply buying something new for your pet. (It’s also cute to see Fido get excited.) 
• Many dogs may also be trained to find certain items by name. This also satisfies Fido’s inherent hunting and tracking instincts.
• Swimming is a fantastic activity for many older dogs. It’s an excellent, low-impact cardio workout, just like it is for people. The water is gentle on Fido’s joints because it supports his weight.
• Walking is popular with both older and younger dogs. Take Fido on new adventures. Just keep in mind that your pet will fatigue more quickly than he did previously.
• Car rides! Many pups love going for drives. Just make sure your pet’s safety comes first. Crates are always recommended for dogs when traveling. This prevents them from being jostled or flung around if an accident occurs. And, while this should go without saying, we can’t stress enough: never leave your pet unsupervised in a vehicle.

What Factors Should I Consider When Playing With An Older Dog?

Fido’s well-being should always come first. Here are a few things to bear in mind. 

Exhaustion is one thing to be aware of. Our canine companions will go to great lengths to please their people. Keep an eye out for indicators of fatigue, such as heavy panting or falling behind. If you discover any, stop playing immediately and let your dog rest.

Choose safe play areas. We would recommend either a grassy yard or a carpeted room. Fido will benefit from the traction, and will have some cushioning if he slips and falls.

Your four-legged best buddy may still enjoy playdates with other dogs. Just be careful to pick gentle playmates who will not exhaust him.

Keep an eye out for signs of arthritis or hip dysplasia, such as limping, trembling, reluctance to play. If you notice any, contact your vet right away. 

What Can I Do to Keep My Senior Dog Happy?

Senior dogs are typically very friendly and affectionate. In fact, their cheerful manner and adorable faces can melt hearts. At the end of the day, all Fido wants is to spend time with you. Pay lots of attention to your canine buddy!

Make An Appointment With Our South London, ON Pet Clinic

Are you looking for a good vet for your older dog? Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns concerning the health or care of your cute pet. As your South London, ON veterinary clinic we are always available to assist you!