Quick Answer
Expert advice from canine massage therapist Mary-Anne Smith on managing your senior dog's exercise and weight, including body condition scoring and harness selection tips.
Are Your Older Furbabies Turning Into Roly-Poly Couch Potatoes?
As our pets age and exercise less, weight gain can happen quickly. Keep an eye on their diet and portion size. It's essential to evaluate your pet's diet at different life stages to ensure they are receiving adequate nutrients to support their aging bodies and avoiding foods/treats that create inflammation. It's important to assess their body condition to keep the excess weight off their arthritic joints.
How Much Is Too Much Exercise for Our Oldies?
Daily exercise is essential. If your arthritic dog is overweight, be cautious of excessively long walks. Two 15-minute walks a day are far more beneficial and manageable than an hour's walk once a day.
Muscles lose strength and atrophy as the body ages. Gentle core strengthening exercises, regular massage and a wellbeing plan benefit our arthritic pets.
Harness Selection
Avoid harnesses that impede your dog's range of motion – these will create shoulder issues, changes in gait patterns and exacerbate your dog's arthritis.
Mary-Anne invites you to bring your senior dogs to see her at PITC Wairau Park and Silverdale on Wellness Wednesdays for remedial canine massage and soothing Vetcare Red Light Therapy treatment.
Mary-Anne Smith, Greyt Results
PITC Expert
