We all remember sledding on a snowy day or skating on a brisk winter afternoon. The chill air and brisk wind bothered us not at all. Our puppies bound throw snow drifts and let their ears flap happily in winter winds. Now that I'm a bit older I'm not likely to be found on a sled and the cold makes me head for the indoors just a bit sooner. My ears chill and my joints creak . Your dog feels the same way. Your older pet suffers the same joint changes and the same aging muscles. Dogs are prone to arthritis and while exercise is healthy, it's good to recognize that your dog may not want quite as long a walk as his puppy self. Neurological conditions such as disc disease in the spinal cord can slow movement in older dogs, especially among the larger breeds. Both these conditions are more evident in the chill of a late winter or early spring day. Paws are more sensitive to cold and ice crystals may injure his pads. Dogs don't show pain as clearly as their owners, and your pet has few ways to let you know that the late winter weather makes his beloved walks less enjoyable or downright painful. Don't assume you can walk with him the same you did when he was a pup. But exercise is important to your dog's health and enjoyment of life. Here are a few tips for you and your senior pet:1. Consult your veterinarian about an exercise plan to get the 2. Make your exercise plan consistent. Your dog values routine and looks forward to the world of outdoor sniffs.3. Microchip your dog. Older dogs may have more difficulty finding their way home should they be lost.4. Make it a point to schedule your walk in the warmer parts of the day if possible. 5. Be sensitive to your dog's enthusiasm for the walk. Keep your total route to a range that is healthy for him but doesn't overdo it. 6. Dogs experience the world through their extraordinary sense of smell. Vary your route, however short, for new sniffs. 7. Dogs need new experiences, sights, sounds and smells. If your pet is no longer able to talk distances, consider a pet stroller to keep them connected to the world around them.
Skip to content
