Exercise and Playtime

An exercise program is key to maintaining your pet's health and fitness. Before you begin, check with your veterinarian to be sure your plans are suited to your pet's physical condition. Then it's time to get started. Suggestions for your senior dog:

• Begin slowly, walking your dog on a leash for 10 minutes per day.
• After a week, increase the daily walks to 15 minutes.
• Depending on your dog's condition, you can increase the daily walk length until you are up to 30 minutes a day.
• The hotter times of the day (between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.) should be avoided. Low temperatures can cause shortness of breath in older animals.
• Older pets may require a lot of water during exercise, as their body temperatures rise quickly.
• It's up to you to be sure your senior pet is healthy and in shape for the activity you've chosen. Be sure he doesn't exceed his limitations.