Age not just catches up with humans, but also dogs. Just like
several humans, in their twilight years, many dogs trade their
active lifestyle with a lethargic behavior. Itโs not that senior
dogs donโt want to have fun, however, the pressure that running
around and exercising exerts on their joints is too much for them
to bear. Itโd be unreasonable to expect your senior dog to have
energy bursts like a puppy. While high intensity training is out
of question for your senior dog, you can follow some simple tips
to keep them active and healthy.
-
Go swimming
Unlike many physically demanding exercises, swimming is easy on
joints and muscles. Additionally, swimming helps improve
flexibility and is good for your furry friendโs mental health.
Instead of taking your pooch to an ocean, go to a pool or a
secluded lake. In case your dog has trouble walking, install a
ramp.
-
Use platforms for training
Platform training helps improve flexibility, joint strength,
and can do your dogโs mental health a world of good. You can
either buy a ramp or build one. When building a ramp, use
non-skid material. Make sure it is wider than your furry
friendโs stance. To train your pooch to perform exercises, use
positive reinforcements such as rewarding them with treats.
-
Go on short walks
Though your senior dog may no longer be able to run for long
distances at a high speed, it doesnโt mean they have lost their
love for running. To keep your ageing furry friend active, take
them on short runs. If this is out of question, consider going
on short walks. During your walks together, stay close to your
dog and watch out for signs of fatigue such as breathlessness,
frequent halts, and a slower than usual pace.
-
Introduce new toys and tricks
Do you believe in the saying you canโt teach an old dog new
tricks? Think again! Remember, age is just a number. Your dog
maybe slowing down due to their increasing age, however, they
will always remain a puppy at heart. If you adopt the right
approach, your senior dog will be willing to learn new tricks.
Train your ageing friend to perform simple tricks such as
speaking, rolling over, and playing dead. To stimulate their
brain, introduce treat-dispensing toys.
-
Play fetch
Playing fetch with your dog apart from helping them stay fit
also strengthens the bond that you two share. To help your
furry friend avoid stress, use senior dog toys such as soft
frisbees. Look for toys made of soft rubber that donโt stress
your dogโs teeth. To provide mental stimulation, use toys that
make noise. If your furry friend loves playing hide and seek,
hide their favorite soft toy in an accessible area in your home
and encourage them to use their senses to find it.
Do You Have an Active Pet Policy at the Office? Consider Getting
One of These Dogs
Image
Credits: Pixabay
Many workplaces are now shifting to a pro-pet environment. As
employees report better productivity and reduced stress with pets
being allowed in the office, companies are now giving more
thought to active pet policy.
If your office too has an active pet policy and you have been
thinking of adopting a dog for long now, here are a few breeds
that you can consider. These breeds are found to be the most
well-behaved dogs in a work environment.
Labrador
Labradors are one of the friendliest breeds of dogs. These dogs
are extremely loyal and gentle. They get along well with people
and with other dogs too. So, if your colleagues bring in their
dogs too, thereโs nothing to worry about because your dog will
surely behave well.
Pug
These little cuties are sluggish and gentle creatures. They like
to spend most of their time sleeping, so you wouldn't have to
worry about them running around the office or yapping at other
dogs. Their squishy, wrinkled faces can melt the hearts of even
the coldest colleagues.
Beagles
Nobody can resist the cuteness of a Beagle. They are one of the
most cheerful and friendly dogs, with kids and other pets too.
They love the company and bringing them to the office would not
just relieve you of your worries but it would be good for them
too.
Yorkies
These tiny, pretty pooches are great for a work environment.
First of all, they are just tiny, so bringing them to the office
is not much of a hassle anyway. Secondly, they are extremely laid
back and social and can easily charm anyone at your workplace. We
bet no one would have a problem having a Yorkie around in the
office.
Samoyed
Samoyeds are these extremely affectionate fur balls that can melt
your heart at first look. They are gentle and smart and tend to
get along well with people. They are very playful and friendly,
and your colleagues are sure to love having one around. They are
slightly on the bigger side, so you might need a separate space
for your dog.
Chihuahua
This pocket-sized delight can easily fit into your handbag or in
your desk drawer at the office. But you don't have to hide it in
your drawer of course, because these dogs are very cheerful and
friendly. Despite being so tiny, they are incredibly loyal and
gutsy. So, you'll also have a mini guard dog around at work. You
can also find out some other breeds that can prove to be great
office pets. Having the company of a dog at work can be a big
morale booster for everyone.
