Senior pets are not unlike senior citizens. They need frequent checkups, typically receive multiple medications, and have “senior moments.” Like people, pets tend to lose muscle and balance with age. This age-related muscle and proprioceptive loss can lead to inactivity and weight gain, increased stress on jointsfrom diminished stability of surrounding musculature, and injuries from tripping and falling.
Senior pets can benefit from massage to relieve aches, shorter and more frequent walks for cardiovascular health, and strengthening, stretching, and balance/proprioception exercises to encourage strength and stability.
Three types of exercises may benefit older pets:
Passive range-of-motion (PROM) exercisesGeneral exercises for maintaining balance and proprioceptionTargeted exercises aimed at strengthening gluteal and hamstring muscles (the muscles needed to maintain standing)Dr. Ilana of A Well Adjusted Pet will be on hand to show you easy ways to help keep your senior dog moving! Ellen Davison, owner of The Rex Center will be in the therapy pool to give your dogs a demo of the benefits of warm water therapy.
BRING YOUR SENIOR DOGS! Try out The Rex Center’s facilities, including the warm water therapy pool, workout room, physio balls, and many other physical therapy aids.
