Taking Dog Flexibility Into Consideration as Your Pet Ages

Daily exercise is critical to keeping your dog in peak health. Some breeds are naturally more active than others and you should keep this in mind when choosing a pet. Yet, whatever your pet's natural inclination, as he ages things like a sluggish metabolism and joint pain can slow him down.

You can't prevent the natural aging process, but you can take it into account. If your older pet has arthritis or some other condition that affects dog flexibility, look for ways to accommodate his limitations while still meeting his need for exercise and outdoor time.

For instance, whereas you and your dog may have reveled in shared runs or long walks when he was young, now he may be content with a walk to the corner and back. You will need to be content with this now, too.

Your dog may also enjoy weekly swimming sessions. Swimming is a great aid to dog flexibility and most breeds find it fun and relaxing exercise. The buoyancy of water eliminates the problematic impact of exercise while preserving its many benefits.

Some pet owners have found that acupuncture helps to reduce joint pain and maintain dog flexibility. Giving your older dog a nutritional supplement such as glucosamine can also provide relief. Always, a healthy diet is central to preserving the best pet health.

Aging usually means limitations and you need to be accepting of these limitations in your pet's life. When dog flexibility is impaired, it will mean making accommodations in several areas of life.

You may need to provide an improvised ramp to help your older pet get up and down the stairs in your homeYou may eventually need to bring your dog's food to him rather than expect him to come to his foodYou may have to exhibit patience and understanding if he demonstrates bathroom accidents. Bladder control issues are not uncommon for older dogs and his painful joints make it hard for him to get to the door and let you know of his need.

We are fortunate to live in a society which values pets even as they age. There are many ways that pet parents can make life comfortable for an aging pet. And there are a number of pet products designed especially for dogs with joint pain. Companies like ProLabs make quality pet products including glucosamine-based supplements to benefit joint health.