Part 1: The Importance of Your Older Dog’s Walk!
In the next series of blog posts, we will be discussing ways to keep your older dog feeling good and being happy! Of course, we recommend using Get Up & Go Tablets as a first line of defence.
You can stock up on Get Up & Go tablets by calling 1800 33 88 22 or by ordering online at www.getup.christomstaging.com.au
But in addition to the tablets, there are other things that we can do to help our older friends.
As our beloved dogs age, it is so important for them to keep doing the things that “used” to make them happy!
We may have to make some changes to those “things that make them happy” but we certainly shouldn’t NOT do them! We will just need to do things a bit differently.
One of the first things that we need to do is to keep them walking and exercising. Although they may not be able to do the same walk, at the same pace and for the same distance, they will still enjoy a walk and need to get the exercise.
As our dogs get older many times eliminating daily exercise from the older dog’s routine due to mobility issues or other age related conditions happens. Unfortunately this can worsen their physical ailments. Keeping your dog active can give them a mental big lift, but it can often slow the effects of aging.
Research shows that the “morning walk” for a dog is highly important. According to Healthy Pets Website, most dogs don’t actually get to do what they were bred to do. For example, most “hunting dogs” don’t actually get to hunt these days. But they have an innate desire to do so – to run through fields, sniffing out birds or whatever, and barking to let you know they’ve found something!
Other research shows that “dogs need to walk”. In the wild, packs of dogs get up in the morning and walk to find food. The pack’s Alpha Dog leads the way, and the lower pack mates dutifully follow. For a dog, walking fulfills a migration instinct.” From Pedigree Website.
From The Water Bowl Website, in an article entitled, “10 Truths About Walking Your Dog”, further information on your dogs NEED to walk:
“Your dog comes from good stock. Wolf stock. No matter how small, coiffed, cute and domesticated – all dogs share one origin – the very undomesticated, wild wolf. Wolves are nomads by nature and spend up to one-third of their time on the move, sometimes covering over 100 miles in a day in search of food. This wanderlust is deeply engrained into your dog’s DNA. Does your dog get crazy excited before a walk? This is “pack” behavior similar to what wolves do to work up adrenalin before a hunt. Wolves wander, hunt and eat, in that order. Your dog wants to walk. Your dog needs to walk. Bonus: if you walk your dog before feeding him, you are fulfilling his elemental psychological drive to “work” for his food.”
If you dog is very arthritic, walking can become difficult. But arthritic dogs still need to keep moving – without overdoing it. Dog strollers and dog wheelchairs can help you and your dog get out and moving without over-stressing them.
Another great way to help them continue to exercise is through hydrotherapy, allowing them to move about in water, which is much easier on their joints.
If life is too crazy with kids, work, and all the other stuff that happens daily, you may have trouble finding time to walk your dog.
Here are some great tips from on how to fit the dog walk into your daily schedule:
- Set a schedule
- Have a daily reminder
- Bring the doggy stroller
- Be flexible
- Get up half an hour earlier.
To assist in keeping your older dog healthy and happy, Get Up & Go Tablets are definitely important.
Get Up and Go tablets can be ordered online at www.getup.christomstaging.com.au or by calling 1800 33 88 22
