An Aging Dog's Needs: Physical Exercise & Mental Stimulation

Every dog has needs.  And as your dog ages, those needs can increase - and change.  If you have an aging dog, are your meeting their needs?

I'm not talking about the basic (but very necessary) needs such as regular vets checks, senior blood panels to check for ailments, a quality diet, and added padding for their beds...  I am talking about an aging dog's need for physical exercise (without added stress on their bodies) and quality mental stimulation.

As our four-legged companions age, it is our job as the dog's advocate to make sure that ALL their needs are met - that includes their physical AND mental needs. 

Older dogs tend to develop aches, pains, arthritis, and other "aging" ailments, just like humans.  But, an aging dog still needs physical & mental stimulation.  Just like with humans, keeping your dog's mind sharp helps keep your dog young at heart, and wards off depression (yes, dogs get depressed too).  And physical exercise allows your dog to loosen up stiff joints and ward off muscle atrophy.

While Fido may not be able to chase the ball across the yard the way he used to, you can still play with him with his favorite toy.  Shorten the distance that you throw the toy, thereby shortening the distance that he has to run.  This way, you can still play your favorite game for several repetitions before he gets too tired...

If you and your dog enjoy walks, maybe shorten the walk so your dog doesn't do too much.  If you walk a path that includes hills, maybe find a path that is less extreme.

Teach your dog new tricks - shaking paw, spin, speak, finding a toy that you have hidden in the house, weaving between your legs, backing up, finding a treat that you have hidden in the house... the list goes on and on.  Be creative and use your dog's natural skills & instincts to create new tricks!  The key is to pick something that your dog can do without causing discomfort but still offers them a chance to stimulate their bodies & minds....

Does Your Dog Speak Cat? Living With Cats & Dogs

Living with multiple cats & dogs in one household can be quite an experience...  not because they don't get along, but because they get along SO WELL!

I am never sure who starts the game, but at least twice a day it sound like a herd of elephants are racing through the house.  Depending on the rotation, it is either a cat chasing a dog or a dog chasing a cat.  This is a favorite game with our pets, and they are all playing equally.  It is really amusing to watch how the roles are then reversed so the chaser becomes the chasee.  I marvel at how they 2 species have invented such a mutually enjoyed game!

Cats & dogs don't have to be enemies when living together.  Our cats do not hide in fear of the dogs (in fact at night the cats & dogs will curl up and sleep together) - and we have young, high drive herding breeds with very high prey drive!

Our dogs do not "hunt" for cats to stare down and torment them with the "run, kitty, run!" look on their face.  The dogs are not allowed to chase the cats with ill-intent, and the cats have always set boundaries for younger dogs on when and how any mutual games will be played. 

Since our cats are smaller than our dogs, the dogs are taught to respect the cats from the moment they enter our house.  We always make sure that the cats will not be harmed by an exuberant puppy by accident. 

The key to having a harmonious household of cats & dogs is for the human to set up for success by being proactive rather than reactive...

Young puppies are monitored around the kitties, and we properly exercise the pups (mentally and physically) prior to being integrated with the cats. This helps take the edge off the dog's energy and prey drive.  We also teach the puppy  the joy of playing with toys so we can redirect their energy when needed.  And of course, teaching the puppy basic obedience and manners helps as well!

Our cats also have higher-elevated areas to go when they want a break from sometimes-overly-friendly- dog-tongues.  Everyone deserves their own space.  The dogs all have crates and take Puppy Naps (see my previous post for more information on Puppy Naps!) - cats need the somewhere that is all their own, too.  This also gives the older cats some peace and quiet when the "youngsters" are playing!

The circus must be in town...  I hear elephants running down the hallway....

The Art Of Puppy Naps

Puppy Naps - that is what we call "alone time" in our household.  In an active household of multiple dogs & cats, Puppy Naps give our dogs a much needed break from the rest of the pack.  Puppy Naps allow our dogs to have peace and quiet, which allows them to truly unwind and relax.

Puppy Naps are not just for puppies - adult dogs benefit from naps as well.  Khruiz, my 5 year old male Belgian Sheepdog, still takes Puppy Naps every day.  While he enjoys being with the rest of the pack, he also gets grouchy if he doesn't get some time to himself.  Every day, he asks to go to bed.  He likes to lounge on my bed (this is also the only time he gets to hog the whole bed!). And throughout the day, our dogs crawl in to their crates (the doors are open during the day) to grab a quick nap when they need a break.

Puppy Naps also help young puppies learn that it is okay to be alone- that even though we (the humans and other dogs) are in the house, we don't all have to be together every waking moment.  Teaching your puppy to be away from you also helps to deter separation anxiety.

When you are home, what is the percentage of time that your puppy (or dog) is in the same room with you? Do you find that your pup begins to panic if you step outside without them?  Is your dog already starting to show signs of anxiety (excessive drooling, destructive behavior, barking, etc.) when you leave?  It may be time to start instituting Puppy Naps in your house....

In the beginning, keep Puppy Naps short and stack the deck in your favor:
1. Make sure your pup has had mental and physical exercise (a tired puppy is less likely to fuss about being away from you).

2. Place the pup in a room that they are comfortable resting in (usually the room where they sleep at night). If your dog enjoys their crate, make it available to them.

3. Give them a new bone or toy - something that you feel safe leaving them with- that will occupy their minds.  Remember that Puppy Naps does not mean they MUST sleep, just that they hang out by themselves.  If your dog fusses, ignore them - going back to quiet them will only teach your dog that all they have to do is fuss, and you will magically appear!

4. Keep the naps short at first- 5 to 10 minutes if your dog is new to Puppy Naps.  On days when you are home for several hours at a time, give your pup several short naps to help speed the learning process along.

5. It is important in the beginning that you stay in the house as well!  If your dog is showing signs of separation anxiety, having you going outside can cause more anxiety - all while you are trying to show your dog that naps are good!  Select a calm, quiet project to do while your puppy learns about naps, or take a short nap yourself!

As your dog becomes more comfortable with Puppy Naps, you can extend the nap time, wean off the bone or toy, and the increase the activities that you do during their naps.  And you may find your puppy starts giving itself a self-appointed nap!


It's been a long day... I think I'll go take a Puppy Nap! ~ Katrina