Ensuring Health

Less exercise, more rest

Less exercise, more rest

The most obvious change probably will be a decline in activity. The first thing to watch for is tiring after exercise. The aging dog cannot walk as fast or as far. Do not take long walks; instead, walk him little and often, especially to new places. Use a more leisurely pace, stopping several times for rest along the way. Don’t make the dog run up and down the stairs, for his heart is not as strong as it used to be. Don’t force him to play if he does not want to. Those games of catch and run and fetch, which he used to enjoy, may still interest hi, so don’t let him think he is being put on the shelf by stooping them entirely. Do cut down on the time and see that he doesn’t get overtired. 
An aging dog will want to sleep more. Let hi, and be sure his bed is a little softer as well as warmer in the winter. Be sure that he is not sleeping in a drafty place. Be aware of his intolerance for high and low temperatures and protect him from extremes. He feels the cold and heat as he never did before. Remember this when you bathe him and have both the room and the bathwater warm. Don’t bathe him unless it is absolutely necessary; sponge him instead with a damp cloth, or use a dry shampoo to keep him sweet and clean. His hair will turn gray and lose its sheen. Brush him often; he’ll like it, and brushing will help to stimulate his skin glands, which have become sluggish.