A fact of life: It’s the same with dogs. In time, their hair turns silver and white. They become stiff in their joints, slow in their steps, and have pain. They become grumpy and cantankerous. They also have health problems that get worse over time, like arthritis. If your dog loses muscle mass, struggles to get back on their feet, licks their aching limbs a lot, or limps, they may have canine arthritis. 

They also need to keep moving a little bit every day, just like people with arthritis. Getting too much exercise can make your arthritis worse, but getting too little can make it even worse, so it’s a balancing act.

Exercise for Arthritic Pets 

Preserve your dog’s strength and blood circulation to help mend joints and tissues. Keeping your canine at an ideal weight will help reduce arthritis symptoms and enhance their quality of life. Nonetheless, here are some basic exercises you can perform every day with your arthritic dog to keep them agile and youthful.

1. Hiking

Short excursions on a level terrain are easy for hurting joints since they are mild. Aside from that, it’s a good idea to experiment with various routes and paths. Your dog will remain interested and engaged as a result of the diversity.

Just like you would while walking your dog on a leash around your neighborhood, you should keep a close watch on your dog when hiking to ensure that the activity isn’t doing more damage than good. Vet facilities like Rancho Park Veterinary Clinic, can help you monitor your pet’s health. Regular visits to the vet can lessen the risk of unwanted illnesses.

2. Walking

Short daily walks are preferable to longer, more in-depth excursions. Try it for 10-15 minutes at a time and see how your dog reacts to the exercise. Be cautious not to overdo it, though. Allow your dog to serve as your barometer, and if they seem to be in discomfort afterward, reduce the length of your walk the following time. 

Learn more about the importance of routine examinations for pets to avoid a more severe health problem. It is essential for pet parents to regularly visit the vet.

3. Swimming

In the same way that swimming is good for humans, it’s suitable for dogs, too. The exercise helps them use their muscles so that walking and hiking can’t. It also doesn’t put their joints and bones under a lot of stress. Another thing is that it keeps them moving freely. Try going to a nearby beach or a public pool that is pet-friendly. 

Sometimes local parks have lakes where you can take your pet for a swim, but be aware of dangerous wildlife. Some breeds love swimming and water play, so if your dog is one of them, they will not only appear and feel better, but they will also be happier, which is the best way to fight the signs of age.

4. Indoor Games

An inside play is an option if playing fetch outdoors isn’t practicable or desirable. The little play area will keep your dog from becoming overly excited and leaping to grab the toy, which might cause joint discomfort. Play hide and seek with your dog. Hide its favorite toy or train to sniff out rewards.

Daily exercise is crucial for both dogs and humans. And, like us, dogs in pain don’t want to move about too much. So it’s up to you to lead and keep them exercising regularly to avoid gaining weight and aggravating their issue. The importance of dog vaccinations is factual. Many diseases can be prevented by complete shots of vaccines for your pets. And it can also prevent common disorders as your pet ages.

5. Gentle Play

When it comes to playing, short-distance fetch is a fantastic alternative. While playing, try not to toss the ball or toy too far away from you. Allow them to recover their breath regularly by taking frequent rests.

Another excellent choice is a moderate game of tug-of-war with your partner. Both activities must keep your pet moving and exercising their muscles, but they should be somewhat challenging to engage in without suffering unpleasant effects.