Elderly dogs can be felled by arthritis just as can humans. When a canine is suffering from arthritis, he will be stiff and achy and have a hard time getting around. However, he needs to keep moving or else he will completely lose his agility and mobility.
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Signs of Arthritis
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You may suspect that your dog is suffering from arthritis when he is reluctant to lie down or stand up. He may show signs of distress when he is trying to climb stairs or when he's running. You may be able to hear a clicking sound emanating from his joints when he is walking. Your dog might be ambivalent about exercising, because he’s in pain, so you'll have to gently spur him into action.
Moderate Exercise: Walking
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Do not require your arthritic dog to undergo extreme exercise, which will aggravate his inflamed and aching joints. A short daily walk is advised. If your dogs wants to run, let him. If he wants to take a breather, stop and rest. The rule of thumb, according to Exercisemydog.com, is “not too much, not too little.”
Fetch, Keep-Away and Hide and Seek
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If your dog is still capable of running, at least in spurts, play some games with him, such as fetch, keep-away and hide and seek. The games should include periods of rest, and the entire game should not last for an extended period of time. Don’t allow your pet to overdo it.
Swimming, Treadmill and Stair Climbing
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Your dog should engage in exercise that doesn’t over tax his joints but provides him with good range of motion and muscle building. Swimming is easy on the dog’s arthritic joints. You can also try walking on a treadmill and going up and down the stairs, if he can still manage that.
The Benefits of Moderate Exercise
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Take your dog for a walk around the neighborhood a couple of times a day. Too little exercise is more detrimental to your arthritic dog than too much, but the wrong kind of exercising can cause his joints further damage, according to Peteducation.com.
When your arthritic dog exercises this triggers the release of joints from his fluid, which lubricate the joints. When a joint is lubricated, this helps the joint to move better.
Massage Your Dog
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Massaging your dog before and after exercise will warm him up and then help relax tired muscles and joints. Gently knead the areas where he is stiff and achy, using a circular motion. Applying moist heat compresses to your dog’s joints will also relieve pain and inflammation.
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