A Guide to Senior Dog Exercise.

A guide to how much exercise you should give senior dogs and how to protect their joints.

Author Dr Humphrey Grimmett BVetMed MRCVS and co-founder of Zooomy joint supplement.

May marks National Walking Month which is a campaign to encourage people of all ages to get outside and embrace the simple, yet profound health benefits of walking. For many who are dog owners, it also provides the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with your faithful friend but for those who own senior dogs, how much should you get involved without the risk of overexercising your pet?

The good news is that with a little thought and some careful observation, older dogs can absolutely take part. Exercise is a key element of any older dog’s health plan, and although senior dog owners may be concerned that they don’t want to overdo it, an ideal balance can be met.

Cartilage inside dogs’ joints has no nutrient supply other than from the fluid that fills the joint, the cyclical loading and unloading of the spongy cartilage during exercise has the effect of exchanging the fluid inside with the fresh clean joint fluid it’s bathed in, helping to get rid of harmful molecules and filling it with repair materials.

Movement helps keep the muscles flexible and builds strength and tone so that they are able to support the joints and bear weight. Cyclical loading of the tendons and ligaments outside the joint is also necessary to maintain their strength and prevent laxity of the joint which will exacerbate wear and tear.

So how can owners ensure their dogs ger the benefit without risks?

Generally speaking, the duration and intensity of walks need to be adapted to our ageing pets’ needs.  Shorter, less strenuous routes help keep joints, muscles and connective tissue mobile and nourished without overstressing tissues that could be suffering from wear and tear or existing injury.

Empathy is key, dogs are stoic creatures and won't always tell you loudly when something hurts. Watch instead for the subtle signs: a reluctance to get up after rest, stiffness in the first few minutes of a walk, lagging behind their usual pace, or a change in how they carry themselves; recognising and acting on these signs will ensure that aches and pains don’t turn into chronic issues.

Giving your senior dogs a joint supplement can also provide relief and prevent issues. At Zooomy we have developed one of the fastest-growing joint support products in the UK, offering an evidence-based long-chain Hyaluronic Acid (HA) supplement that delivers rapid improvements for pets living with stiffness or mobility issues.

Unlike supplements that rely on glucosamine, chondroitin or short-chain HA, Zooomy uses long-chain Hyaluronic Acid, the only form proven to be absorbed by dogs. The liquid is tasteless, free from fat, sugars and protein, and suitable for dogs with allergies or dietary sensitivities. Owners are advised to assess results over six weeks, though many report improvements sooner.

We have also launched a new web app for senior dog owners (app.zooomy.com) which is designed to help dog owners monitor and track their dogs’ mobility over time. No purchase is necessary to use the Zooomy app and anyone is welcome to get involved!

For more information on Zooomy visit: www.zooomy.com