Senior fitness for dogs?

[Bicoastal]

There is a current thread in Horse Care about maintaining the actively competing senior horse. Lots of similar threads.

How do you maintain the actively competing senior dog?

I am bringing my Pap back to agility from two weeks rest after a limp that is either soft tissue or cervical disc. He is 9yo.

Recommendations for bringing him back to running agility & competition OB?

Honestly, I don’t know what a thoughtful warmup is. Masseuse recommends walking; it is really difficult to get his 4" long legs to walk, not pace. A PT recommends specific stretches for competing but that was when he was misdiagnosed:confused: (maybe) with a dislocated first left rib.

For cool down, we’ll walk (this means he trots or paces) a lap around the building and I let him hang out til his breathing is normal. I do not put up a hot dog, thank you Horse 101.

[SarahandSam]

I’m curious to hear responses from people with more experience… my 8-year-old dachshund was having hind end pain two weeks ago, I believe, and the vet thought he’d just tweaked something and gave us Rimadyl… he’s back to normal now, but I’m a little nervous about whether he’ll be ready or not for an agility trial at the beginning of August. I don’t want to push him and have him injure himself again, but I also don’t want to keep resting him entirely and then have him injure himself at the trial because he’s not in shape.

[S1969]

Well, my senior dog doesn’t compete in anything but sleeping, but I have to say I’ve been very impressed with the results of a chiropractor for my younger dog, and many of our friends that have used this Dr. as well; some in particular for their senior dogs.

I would definitely recommend a chiro for an agility dog if you can find a good one and can afford it.

[Bicoastal]

I am right there with you, SarahandSam.

S1969, Timber gets massages and has seen a chiro. The chiro and the masseuse think the problem is his back. The gp and ortho couldn’t find anything so said it must be soft tissue. PT said first left rib dislocation. Second gp/acupuncture said either soft tissue or cervical disc “he reacted when I manipulated his neck.” Ortho specifically said it isn’t his neck; he shows no reaction.

I need a horse person to watch him move! I can’t tell if he’s sound or not but after two months diligent rest, we are moving forward. Increasing leash walks from 5min to 10min to 20min. Freedom around the house. Play solo.

My old man isn’t a competition dog is a Dachshund Concoction. 1 year ago he had acute hind end laxity. Now he works on balance discs and tricks to stretch, balance/core strength, and body awareness. Hilly walks are recommended; someone is going to call SPCA when they drive past me dragging him up a hill.

And one more photo cuz I just got these from a very talented friend and am in love!

[wendy]

you shouldn’t stretch a cold dog- if you’re going to stretch, do it after his run.
The best warm-up is to walk briskly, then trot briskly, for about 15 minutes before going into the ring, then pop over the practice jump a few times, then go. It’s very hard to do this at a trial- they usually insist you be standing around the ring gate for some time before you run; I try to do active tricks, like spinning and begging and high-fives and hand touches while waiting.

Look into doing pilates for your dog. There are also specific PT exercises recommended for various parts of the dog- if he has a weak hind end, doing controlled sit-to-stand, and being danced backward on his hind legs, for example. If you can find one, talk to a doggie PT therapist about your dog’s specific issues.

[GraceLikeRain]

I don’t have an actively competing senior dog but Dexter’s granddam is either 10 or 11 this year. She is actively doing agility and going for her MACH. She experienced a back injury about a year ago and her vet found a really good rehab vet who taught her how to do proper stretches, and got her doing regular swimming both of which made a big difference in her comfort.

I’d also look into joint supplement if the Pap isn’t already on something.

[Bicoastal]

[QUOTE=wendy;7077667]
you shouldn’t stretch a cold dog- if you’re going to stretch, do it after his run. [/QUOTE] I agree and this gave me pause when I asked the PT for exercises and stretches specific to the Pap.

@wendy;7077667

There are also specific PT exercises recommended for various parts of the dog- if he has a weak hind end, doing controlled sit-to-stand, and being danced backward on his hind legs, for example.

A doggie PT said, in a small group mini-clinic, walking the dog upright backwards was to be avoided and forwards is beneficial? Or did I get that switched up? She demo’ed with a dog, pointing out one direction being easier than the other. Guess I’d have to try and see which way is easier. During that exercise, we discovered a dog with an ilio tear.

@GraceLikeRain;7077705

I’d also look into joint supplement if the Pap isn’t already on something.

I’m leaning towards this one from SmartPak. They had been on this but when car bill + vet bill collided, I saved pennies by not renewing the supplement.

A Back on Track coat is also on my wishlist when finances stabilize.

[SarahandSam]

I never heard of pilates for dogs… interesting! I do need to look into a chiro for my older dog… she already gets acupuncture and massage.

OP, your dachshund concoction is adorable!

[wendy]

yeah, dogs often get plenty of aerobic exercise, but have weak core muscles which leads to injuries- thus pilates. You’ll want to rent or buy a DVD to see how to do it.
A simple way to build core strength is the classic “beg” position- the dog has to use back and belly muscles to hold that position. Go for longer and longer periods.
To build muscles, light weight-pulling works the hind and back. You don’t want to do heavy weights for agility, but pulling a light weight up a hill a few times is excellent conditioning work.