How Seniors Can Build a Fitness and Activity Routine With Their Senior Dogs

Dogs are great companions, and studies have shown that owning a dog can lower your blood pressure while also reducing stress and anxiety levels. They are also a great way to stay active later in life. Among senior pet owners, nearly 70% own senior dogs. Dogs of all sizes require daily exercise, encouraging you to reach fitness goals by building an exercise routine around their need for activity. It's also a great way to bond with your canine companion.

We have some great ideas to help you get more exercise with your dog, no matter your activity level. 

Build a Fitness Routine With Your Senior Dogs

Dogs need daily exercise, and you do, too. But many seniors find that their energy levels vary from day to day, so some days you may be up for more activity than others. Fortunately, dogs are pretty adaptable, and there are things you can do with them every day, no matter your energy levels. 

Low Energy

Have a low-energy day, or need to take it easy?

A low-energy day is perfect for breaking out some toys in the backyard. Throwing a ball for your senior dogs is a great way to give them exercise. You'll be able to stay seated comfortably, but the throwing motion can help limber up your muscles and increase your heart rate. If you feel up to it, take a few laps of your garden with your dog. Daily tasks like getting up to feed your senior dogs and let them out can also increase your activity levels and boost your step counts. If you are worried that this isn't enough activity for your dog, consider hiring a dog walker to help them burn off their extra energy. 

Medium Energy

Have a little more energy to spare?

Take your dog to the dog park. A dog park is an excellent place for a medium-energy day or when you aren't sure how much energy you will have because it's so adaptable. You can take it easy on a bench, make a few laps of the grounds, or venture further afield if you both have some energy to burn after playtime. The dog park is a great place to socialize your dog, and there is a good chance you'll have a chat with some other dog owners, too. 

You'll find great dog parks all over Tennessee. PetSafe offers two dog park locations in Knoxville, on PetSafe Way and Central Street downtown. If you are in Nashville, head to Centennial Dog Park in the West End Park neighborhood. If you are outside of these areas, use Google to locate local dog parks to visit.

High Energy

Senior dogs can be the perfect workout partner if you are looking for ways to boost your physical fitness or take your workout routine to the next level. 

Jogging with your dog can help increase your heart rate and give you a great cardio workout. Hiking is another excellent high-energy fitness option, and Tennessee is full of amazing trails to explore. Check out the Trails at Fontanel in Whites Creek or The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail in Ashland City. Look for paved, well-maintained paths to reduce the risk of injury to you or your dog. 

Are you looking for more ways to increase your physical activity? Talk to the Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville team for advice on how to stay active while aging in place. Contact us, Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville, today for more suggestions.