Playtime: The Key to Helping Your Dog Age Gracefully
As much as it’s a drag, our pets get older—just like we do. They lose some steam, slow down, and need more time to bounce back from walks and playtime, too. But also, like humans, they can age gracefully. And taking some measures to keep them active can help them stay youthful for longer, too.
Some research even links increased amounts of activity—and social activity and playtime, specifically—to preserved brain function. So, if you want to keep your dog happy and healthy for as long as possible?
Keeping your older dog active
There are generally some clear signs that your dog is getting older. They may have bad breath or cloudy eyes, for example. They may develop weird (but often benign) lumps and bumps, or mobility problems. Again, these are some of the same issues that people experience as they get older, too.
So, as a pet owner, your goal is likely to prolong their quality of life. And one way to do that is to keep their physical activity levels up as much as possible. Obviously, your dog is going to slow down, and you don’t need to push them if they’re tired or worn out. But getting exercise is key.
Several studies have found that the aging process itself can be compounded by disability and disease—meaning that if your dog isn’t getting as much exercise as they once were, they may be more likely to get hurt or sick. So, it can be a good idea to keep them moving (and yourself moving) even as the aches and pains start to mount.
As your dog does get older, though, they may not be up for a hike up Cowles Mountain or an all-day romp on the beach. But what you can do is make sure that you’re setting aside time to play with them, even if it’s some tug-of-war or fetch in the backyard.
Other ways to keep your dog happier for longer
In addition to making sure your dog stays active, you can also try to keep their metabolism up. Some studies have shown that caloric restriction may also extend dogs’ lifespans. The difference was considerable, too—dogs who were fed 25% less than their peers, in one study, saw their median life spans extended by 1.8 years.
This isn’t to say that you need to put your dog on some sort of diet or sign them up for a fasting regimen, but make sure they’re getting enough—not too much—to eat. It’s also a good idea to check in with what you are feeding them to make sure they’re getting a balanced diet. Dietary needs can change with time, too, so check in with your vet to see if there’s anything you should change or do differently.
Along with diet and exercise, you’ll want to do your best to make sure your dog is comfortable with the climate (they’re not too cold or hot when at home), that you’re brushing their teeth (yes, seriously), and of course, bringing them in to see the vet regularly.
All of these, in tandem, can help slow down the aging process in your dog. It doesn’t guarantee that they’ll live longer, of course, but doing your best to keep your pet happy and healthy can go a long way to making sure they’re around longer. Plus, some exercise and dietary considerations don’t hurt pet owners, either!
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