Your senior canine companion might not move around as much as he used to, but that’s not a free pass for him to nap all day long. Excessive inactivity can lead to health problems such as obesity, and it’s important to keep your elderly dog active for at least a small part of the day. Try these tips from your Cumberland County veterinarian to get the pep back in your older dog’s step.

Take a New Walking Route

If you’ve been taking the same around-the-block route with your dog for the last decade, it’s time to switch it up! Go somewhere different—you could even consider driving to a separate location, like a hiking trail, to introduce all sorts of new sights and smells to your pooch. Ask your Cumberland County veterinarian about safe and healthy walking zones in your area.

Try Out New Toys

Your dog might not horse around with toys like he once did, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get him a new toy once in a while to try and reignite the spark! Introduce a new toy and see if your pet is intrigued. Talk to your Cumberland County vet about good toys that might pique the interest of your elderly dog.

Interact with Other Dogs

If your dog is the only pet in the house nowadays, he’d probably enjoy seeing and interacting with some other dogs once in a while. Of course, this isn’t universal, as some dogs just won’t like being around other pooches, but if your pet is the social type consider taking him to a dog park or having a friend bring over their pet for the evening. It might just be the most fun your dog has all year! Be sure to ask your Cumberland County veterinary professional about how your senior dog might respond to other pets.

Set Aside Playtime

Remember to set aside a few minutes per day to play with your pet. This could mean short games or just an active belly-rub session. Just try to keep your dog active for 10 minutes or so a day—it will keep him healthy and keep your pet-owner bond strong!