As your pup ages, you may noticed that they no longer seem as interested in the activities that they used to enjoy.  Perhaps your retriever who once begged you to play fetch for hours tires after the first three throws of the ball.  Perhaps your energetic puppy  who used to go on five mile runs with you or no longer perks up when you say “walk”, or pick up the leash.  Maybe you have just noticed that your dog enjoys lounging on the couch with you more than, well … anything.

Activities to do With Aging Dogs

If you find yourself experiencing this, don’t fret!  Just as your adult dog may not enjoy chewing as much as they did when they were a puppy, your senior dog probably doesn’t have exactly the same interests they did when they were four. Many humans can relate to this as well – Most of us don’t have the same interests when we are 50 or 60 years old as we did when we were teenagers (thank goodness).

You may be wondering if what you have always done isn’t working, what should you do.  Understanding that you may have to make some changes for the sake of your dogs happiness and comfort is an excellent first step. There are many ways to continue bonding and connecting with your senior dog, in ways that you will both enjoy.

  • If your pet used to love walks and is good in the car, take them on car rides!  The trip will allow you to experience some new, cool things together.  You could even take a boat ride but remember to use a doggy life vest.

  • Get them a mentally stimulating toy or game; just because their hips don’t work doesn’t mean their brains don’t!  Keep your fur friend’s mind sharp and entertained by hiding treats in a toy or maze.  Placing cups upside down, hiding a treat in one (so the have to figure out which cup holds the treat & practicing low impact obedience training with them. 

  • Have a movie night: kick back and relax with a good film, some quilts, and some snacks for you and some for low fat easily digestible treats for your dog and watch a show with the family.

  • Immerse yourself in a luxury grooming session: Find a comfortable – and easy to clean spot and brush your dog with a gentle bristled brush or grooming glove.  If you are comfortable with it, you can also bathe them if they enjoy it.

  • Get a massage: Massages are not just for humans, these days there are dog and cat masseuses that perform massage therapy for our fur friends or YouTube how to massage your pup yourself.   This will actually allow you to treat yourself and will help loosen tight muscles and ease your pets physical pain if its muscle related. Book a massage at a nearby spa yourself and coordinate it so you can pick your puppy up afterwards.

These are just a few ideas to do with your senior pet.  You will know your pet better than anyone else; be creative and come up with your own fun bonding activities.