Companion Animals

Companion Dog Senior Exercise and Joint Health

Appropriate exercise management for senior dogs to maintain joint health and welfare without causing pain.

Key Facts

Senior dogs benefit from regular moderate exercise to maintain muscle mass and joint mobility
High-impact exercise can exacerbate arthritis in older dogs
Swimming and hydrotherapy provide exercise without joint impact
Exercise should be little and often rather than occasional long walks in older dogs
Monitoring for signs of pain after exercise guides appropriate exercise intensity

Welfare Considerations

Appropriate exercise maintains muscle mass and joint health in senior dogs, while excessive exercise causes pain and welfare harm, requiring careful monitoring and adjustment.

What You Can Do

Adjust exercise intensity and duration to match your senior dog's capabilities
Consider hydrotherapy as a low-impact exercise option for arthritic dogs
Monitor for post-exercise lameness or stiffness as a sign of exercise intensity adjustment needed