October 10, 2024, 11:17 am | Read time: 6 minutes

Working out with older dogs is a controversial topic. Some dog owners fear that they could overtax their dogs with too much exercise in old age, while others believe that sport and sufficient exercise are the best preventative measures for aging. So what is true?

How dogs change as they get older

Dogs age just like us humans. As they get older, everything becomes a little more strenuous, and activities that used to be easy for four-legged friends suddenly become more difficult. If your dog used to be able to run alongside you for 10 kilometers without showing any signs of tiredness, a few years later, it can be a completely different story: Your dog suddenly stops to sniff at every opportunity, runs listlessly alongside you, and afterward seems more tired than before. These are all signs that your dog is now more tired of exercise. Out of consideration for your pet, you should reduce the amount of exercise. To ensure you still enjoy your workout, consider dividing the exercise into two sessions: first, complete a round on your own, and then include your dog for a lighter round.

What you should bear in mind when exercising with older dogs

If you have observed any of the signs of aging described above in your dog, you should take a few safety precautions before slipping into your training shoes. Basically, whatever sport you do with your dog, make sure you do it responsibly.

Before you start, check with the vet

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for older dogs to ensure early detection of cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal changes, and other potential health issues.
“The earlier you recognize that your dog has joint problems, the better you can help it,” says vet Dr. Hölter, “If the dog shows persistent symptoms or a sudden change in temperament, you should always consult the vet treating it.” If the vet gives the go-ahead, there is nothing to be said against joint training.

The right amount: less is more

How much exercise is really good for your dog? Make sure you don’t overload your dog under any circumstances. Should you observe your dog appearing listless or exhibiting signs of exhaustion or fatigue, it’s important to reduce the intensity or duration of the exercise. Keep a close eye on your four-legged friend: can it keep up with you without any problems, or does it seem distracted?

With older dogs, the type of day can also play a major role, and your dog may be more or less fit depending on how it feels. If you notice that your dog seems unenthusiastic during training, take it seriously and do not push it beyond its comfort zone – unlike you, your dog can’t tell you when something is hurting it and training is causing it discomfort. To avoid overstraining your dog in the first place, it’s better to focus on small, short sessions rather than training sessions that are too long. If you require a more intense workout, you may opt to train further on your own.

The benefits of exercise with older dogs

If your dog is used to a lot of exercise from its younger years because you have been doing exercising together all your life, it is very likely that it will still enjoy exercise at an advanced age.

Exercising together strengthens the relationship

Exercising with your dog is a great way for sports enthusiasts to “kill two birds with one stone,” so to speak. As the owner, you use your time more effectively and save yourself a trip to the gym. At the same time, the dog-human relationship also benefits from the shared exercise and sporting experience. Exercise prevents boredom and makes everyday life more colorful for humans and dogs.

Improved health through sport

Sports and exercise in old age are also beneficial as they keep your four-legged friend active and strengthen muscles, coordination, and the heart. However, the sport that is good for your dog is not necessarily the sport that you prefer. You should critically observe whether your dog can actually follow you during training or whether it is rather wobbly on its feet.

Suitable sports for older dogs

To keep your dog active, you can also do specific dog sports with it. Sports such as agility, “degility,” or mobility are suitable sports that strengthen older dogs and support their musculoskeletal system. With these types of dog sports, the focus is less on performance and speed and more on the fun of exercise.

“In principle, old dogs should also exercise “moderately but regularly,” says vet Dr. Hölter. What this means depends, among other things, on the size of the dog, as well as its training and nutritional status. Fast sport with sharp stops or turns puts a lot of strain on the joints and is therefore not recommended for four-legged seniors; calm types of training are more suitable.”

More on the topic

Depending on breed and size When does my dog become a senior?

Important decision Should I get a second dog? A dog trainer’s advice

Big differences How much sleep do dogs need?

Conclusion

As dogs age, their requirements change, just like those of us humans. Dogs that used to be very active find it harder to get going and become exhausted more quickly. This is also noticeable during sport. To ensure that you are not the only one who enjoys sport and that your four-legged friend also gets its money’s worth, you should always check with your vet before you go for a run or bike ride together whether your dog’s health allows you to train together. If nothing speaks against it, a joint exercise session will have many positive effects on your dog and your relationship.

Exercise brings you both closer together, and you both benefit from it in terms of your health. However, you should be careful here: Your dog may now have different needs than you. If in doubt, you should choose less performance-oriented sports for your dog, such as agility or “degility,” to ensure that the sport is really good for your four-legged friend. If, on the other hand, your dog is able to continue doing sport with you despite its age, the rule is: “No one is left behind!”. The less capable dog should set the pace, as you would hope for yourself in your later years.