When our dogs are young puppies, they require a lot of sleep.  Their stamina has not yet been built and a majority of available energy is going towards the rapid growth which they are experiencing.  As they get older, they become more active and energetic, and eventually may get to the point where they have so much energy they are running laps inside the house and playing tug of war with every available piece of clothing.

Eventually the energy will stabilize and they will develop stamina. For years you may enjoy participating in a dog sports, going on long walks or runs, hunting, hiking, fetch or playing with other dogs or cats.

Just like their humans, eventually they will begin to tire more easily and will sleep more. They also will begin to get sore after a good work out. At this point in their lives it is critical to re-evaluate their daily activity level  and possibly make some adjustments.  below you will find some of the more common physical activities that dogs partake in and how to adjust them as your best friend ages.

Some Fun Activities

  • Walks/Runs. There may have been a time when it seemed your dog could go on forever. If they seem to be tiring more easily, you can start adjusting by slowing down. Instead of runs, go on walks, or take a short run.

  • Outings/Picnics. Take your outing when weather is appropriate. If its hot out, go in the morning or early evening when its cool. Remember, hot asphalt can burn paw pads.

  • Dog Parks. Take your pup to a dog park and let them roam at their own speed. If you do, it’s a good idea to make sure your pup is up to date on shots and flea/tick medication.

  • Swimming. A pool or lake is great, but in some cases your pup may over do. Buy a kiddie pool for your water loving dog to play in. They can relax without having to tread water for extended periods of time.

  • Play Ball or Soft Frisbee. For dogs that love to play fetch, this is a no brainer. Just keep the activity time (and distance of throws) appropriate for your pet.

  • Playmates. Sometimes our older pets seem to have more energy when they play with their younger friends. Just monitor their activity. Offer a “cookie” to get them to take a break and always offer water.

Activities for Aging Pets

As a general rule, always watch your pet for panting or slowing down.  Stop before they do. So they don’t wear out too much. The idea is to keep them moving but not make them painful the next day.