Technology has been improving by leaps and bounds and it all extends to our pets to make their lives easier and comfy and to also keep track of their activity level. Old Dogs or senior dogs still need to keep active physically and mentally. You can play games and engage them to try new things and stay active and healthy to a ripe old age. But the best part... you can track all of this on your cell phone.
Like a Fit Bit for your Dog! Not only is this a wonderful device for dogs that tend to wander off, but it also tracks their activity level based on age, breed and weight. There are suggestions of how much activity they should be receiving daily and you can stay on top of this. If they have not done much while you were at work, then you know you need to play with them or walk them depending on how senior they are and what they can achieve. Even old senior dogs will still enjoy a slow stroll or play games on the floor with you.
Older Dogs Do Wander Off
Just because your dog has entered senior years, and tends to lay around a lot, doesn't mean they can't suddenly have a spurt of energy and wander off.. My own Dog, Sasha did this. This is when technology helps. She was simply laying outside on a nice fall day watching us rake leaves.
Suddenly she wasn't there. She had wandered off down the back of the property to see a delivery person. It doesn't take much for even the most well trained dog to simply vanish. Having tracking ability can really help, especially if they get out during storms and are terrified. This save so much time and heartache trying to find them in the middle of the night.
Games to Play to Keep Older Dogs Active
Tug of War A gentle tug of war on the floor will bring your dog back to life. It becomes quite easy to simply lay around, but just like with us humans, this can cause stiff joints and depression. Getting on the floor with them at their level will help to get them moving without leaping to their feet.
Fetch You will of course have to adjust how far away you throw that tennis ball, but encourage them to get it and bring it back in your yard, or simply roll the ball if indoors. Monitor their energy levels as you don't want to over tire them but at the same times they need to move.
Guessing Game Using treats as a lure, take 3 cups and turn them upside down, and place a treat under one cup and tell them to get the treat. They will have to sniff it out. This might even get them to their feet. Or hide some treats in areas they could reach and have them search out the treats. Even just walking around the house sniffing and trying to find the goodies will get them moving. All moment helps.
Hide and Seek Hide somewhere on the opposite side of the house and call them. They will come looking for you. Have a treat ready and lots of love and kisses when they find you. My dog Sasha loves this game. She came upstairs looking for me. She took the stairs slowly but she did it, and of course the treat was a great motivator.
Don't Let Them Lay Around All Day It can be easy to simply let them lay around and sleep, but this is only going to make aging quicker and more painful. Just like us humans we need to move and be engaged. Physical activity needs to be adjusted. Your dog is not about to sprint up the stairs if he/she is advanced in years. But all movement is good and keeps them limber and happy. We all like to see our furry family members happy!