As your dog heads into his senior years, he might move a bit slower and tire out sooner. Just because your dog is older and not as active, it doesn’t mean that you can’t play her favorite games or take her out on a walk. Remember, active dogs are happy and healthy dogs. Exercise is still an important part of their health.

Here are some tips to keep your senior dogs healthy and active.

Take your dog for a check-up

If your dog seems physically uncomfortable, it’s not right to assume that it’s due to old age. Yes, some dogs experience discomfort in the joints, but you want to make sure that she is not experiencing limited mobility as a result of a condition. That said, it is important that you take your dog to your veterinarian at least twice a year.

Keep moving

Don’t stop exercising unless your dog has an injury. It is still recommended that aging dogs get regular walks throughout the week. Remember, you need to keep them active without overdoing it. So, try to keep your sessions short.

Swimming is also a great form of exercise for dogs of all ages. It is especially recommended for senior dogs because it is a low-impact activity and is not too tough for their hurting joints.

Play time

Arthritis may be a pretty good reason not to play fetch with your dog, but there are also some games that do not require running. Hunting food is one of them. Hide some dry dog food inside the house or in the backyard and ask your dog to look for it. This does not only exercises her body, it also keeps her mind and senses sharp.

Dogs that are not used to finding their food tend to give up easily. Make the game easier for her by scattering the food a few inches away from her. You can scatter the food in the backyard later on, once she develops the skills and confidence.