![]() What dog doesn’t like a treat! Dogs like to sniff things out and although their sense of smell may also deteriorate as they age, try hiding treats around the house and garden for them to sniff out.It’s worth bearing in mind that older dogs may have sore spots that they want to protect, or get tired quicker than younger playmates, and can show signs that they want some space such as growling at other dogs. Keeping them on a leash will also help you control their interaction with other younger dogs who want to play chase. You may find that if their eyesight or hearing is impaired, you need to keep them on a long leash so that they don’t wander off and cannot hear you recall them. Physical and mental stimulation are just as important for more senior poochesĬontinue to walk your dog regularly, but consider taking them for more frequent, shorter walks instead of a long, strenuous walk.If you have played with your pooch since they were a puppy, it will continue to be something they enjoy as they get older, but you may need to adapt playtime games to make them more gentle but just as stimulating. But we also need to be aware that a dog’s behavior changes as they get older, and although you should continue to exercise and play with them, you will need to adjust the form of play accordingly in order to keep your best friend mentally and physically stimulated. We are used to playing with puppies and helping them to understand their new environment through training and constructive play. You may even see signs of muscle weakness or joint pain. Energy levels might reduce, theirs eyesight might deteriorate and they may suffer some hearing loss. However, like humans, all dogs are individuals and some dogs can still be very lively as they grow older, whereas others may be prone to signs of old age earlier. If dogs don’t get regular exercise, they could become anxious or frustrated, their physical and mental condition could deteriorate and they may get destructive at home out of boredom.Īlways keep your dog’s health front of mind as the years pass. It’s a great way to release any tension they may have and will enforce the bond between you. Not only is it good exercise, play provides mental, physical and social benefits for dogs. Seeing your pooch chasing a ball or frisbee, playing tug-of-war with a rope or chasing and playing with other dogs is a sight for sore eyes - but the importance of continuing playtime with your dog when they get older cannot be underestimated. Changes In Dog Play Behaviour As They Age: How To Help Older Dogs Play
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