I often hear owners say that they don't take their elderly dog out to exercise like they used to, because the dog is no longer interested in walking, has difficulty moving around and therefore only goes out to do his business and comes home? As a veterinarian and guardian of an elderly dog, I would say that this is mistaken behavior... we must remember that aging is not a disease and advanced age is not an obstacle to exercising! Of course, there are some limitations, but it's up to us to encourage the animal to move around and maintain its exercise routine.
Certainly, aging is a complex and inevitable biological process that affects various body functions and, just as in humans, elderly dogs can indeed show a reduction in physical endurance, cardiorespiratory capacity and mobility. However, decreasing activity levels will only make these conditions worse, as they can lead to loss of muscle mass, joint stiffness and even the development of problems such as cognitive decline. This is exactly why it is so important to encourage your pet to exercise.
Maintaining an exercise routine appropriate to the animal's age and physical condition improves cardiovascular health, strengthens the immune system, avoids joint overload, prevents degenerative diseases and promotes a better quality of life. In elderly dogs, exercise helps maintain mobility, as joint movement during exercise increases the circulation of synovial fluid, improving cartilage nutrition, as well as stimulating the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans by chondrocytes, which are cartilage cells, promoting regeneration and maintenance of the extracellular matrix. Exercise also helps to strengthen and prevent the loss of muscle mass, as well as helping to prevent various chronic diseases.
There are even scientific studies proving the benefits of physical exercise for maintaining cognition! A study published in 2022 evaluated 11,574 pet dogs enrolled in the Dog Aging Project, a scientific research program focused on the study of canine aging, with the aim of measuring the impact of physical activity on dogs' cognitive ability. Of the 11,000-plus dogs, 287 had scores above the clinical threshold for canine cognitive dysfunction and they concluded that the chance of developing cognitive dysfunction is negatively correlated with the degree of physical activity, i.e. exercising can mitigate the risks of impaired cognitive function in elderly dogs.
In addition to the physical benefits, exercise also has a significant impact on the mental and emotional health of elderly dogs. The stimulation provided by walks and other forms of physical activity helps to reduce stress and anxiety and improves mood. Contact with the external environment, interaction with the guardian and sensory stimulation promote a more balanced emotional state which is essential for the animal's well-being. Regular physical activity provides numerous health benefits overall, contributing to a longer and more balanced life. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle exacerbates the effects of aging, accelerating functional and cognitive decline and increasing vulnerability to chronic diseases.
Therefore, maintaining an adequate level of physical activity is fundamental to preserving the dog's autonomy and comfort in old age. The ideal is to encourage exercise from an early age and adapt it throughout the animal's life. While young and adult dogs can benefit from more intense activities such as running and agility, elderly dogs need low-impact exercises such as moderate walks, physiotherapy and interactive games that don't require a lot of physical effort. The ideal is to maintain a consistent exercise routine, respecting each dog's individual limits and avoiding activities that may cause pain or discomfort.
Moreover, some precautions are essential to ensure that exercise is safe and beneficial. In summer, avoiding times of intense heat to prevent dehydration and paw pad burns, offering fresh water during and after activity and watching for signs of fatigue are fundamental measures to preserve the health of the elderly dog. And in winter, avoid very low temperatures, because if the elderly dog is exposed to low temperatures for too long, its body temperature will drop, which can cause various health problems, as the chances of heart and respiratory problems increase. In this case, take them out to exercise at times when the temperatures are milder and encourage indoor activities, with some games and physiotherapy if necessary.
So there's no point in thinking that because your dog is getting old he should stay at home! Ensuring that an elderly dog stays active is a commitment that directly reflects on their happiness and longevity. Physical exercise not only helps maintain health, it also strengthens the bond between guardian and animal, promoting moments of joy and connection. Incorporating daily activities into your pet's routine is an investment in their well-being and in building a fuller, healthier life for both of you.
References:
Bray EE, Raichlen DA, Forsyth KK, Promislow DEL, Alexander GE, MacLean EL; Dog Aging Project Consortium. Associations between physical activity and cognitive dysfunction in older companion dogs: results from the Dog Aging Project. Geroscience. 2023 Apr;45(2):645-661. doi: 10.1007/s11357-022-00655-8.
Smedberg, K et al. A pilot study of a joint outdoor exercise program for dog owners and dogs. Vol:.(1234567890) Scientific Reports, (2024) 14:14321, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-65033-0
McKenzie BA, Chen FL. Assessment and Management of Declining Physical Function in Aging Dogs. Top Companion Anim Med. 2022 Nov-Dec;51:100732. doi: 10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100732. Epub 2022 Oct 21. PMID: 36273752.
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