Exercising Elderly Dog?

[LilJoe]

I have a 12 year old (almost 13) dog with arthritis and a hip problem (I'm thinking hip Displaysia?). When she was a pup to when she was about 7 she was pretty active, but since then she's been a lazy lump on a log. I don't want her to become overweight or any thing. Is there a way to exercise her 'softly'? Her joints mess with her even after a little walk around the yard.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Glucosamine HCI 1500mg with msm we give it to our 17 year old German shepard she runs with a pup

 

[LilJoe]

I might have to try that! ^ ^

 

[SMorrison7k]

Glucosamine HCI 1500mg with msm we give it to our 17 year old German shepard she runs with a pup

Yes, this!
Also, you can manually stretch and rotate/work her joints while lazing around the house to help keep them from stiffening.

 

[ShrekDawg]

Swimming is good for older dogs, but also any dog, because it's low impact and doesn't put as much pressure and force on the joints as running or something might.

 

[TheGoldenGirlz]

x2 on the swimming. If you have a pool let the dog into that, if not maybe invest in an above ground inflatable pool for use during warm weather

 

[LilJoe]

Yes, this!
Also, you can manually stretch and rotate/work her joints while lazing around the house to help keep them from stiffening.

I will do this as well How often should I do this? Or just when I can?

Swimming is good for older dogs, but also any dog, because it's low impact and doesn't put as much pressure and force on the joints as running or something might.

A golden retriever she is, but she doesn't live up to the water loving nature of her breed. She has always been afraid of water.

 

[X_and_Z]

Swimming - if she likes water swimming is a great way to keep pressure of the joints but keep muscles active.

Also, see your vet. Adequan injections, canine safe NSAIDS etc. can help your dog be more comfortable which leads to a more active, healthier dog.

And just to be sure, re-evaluate her weight - dogs are so commonly overweight that many people don't know what a healthy weight looks/feels like. This has a decent guide:
http://www.successjustclicks.com/fit-fido-or-fat-fido/

If you want to look into alternative/natural remedies this article may be of interest (for an opposing view search skeptvet.com):
https://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/10_3/features/Canine-Arthritis_15910-1.html

 

[ShrekDawg]

Do dasuquin and cosequin work or does it have to be 1500? Cause I have and have been using dasuquin

 

[ShrekDawg]

I will do this as well How often should I do this? Or just when I can?

A golden retriever she is, but she doesn't live up to the water loving nature of her breed. She has always been afraid of water.

Aw that stinks :/

You might be able to convince her with some treats maybe?

And look up Passive Range Of Motion (PROM) exercises, there's tons of videos on YouTube that show exactly how to do them, starting with the toes and moving up the legs. I think those would be good. They are often used for recovery from injuries or surgeries but I think they would be good to keep an older dog more active too.