Playing With An Older Dog

Do you have a furry, barking senior on your hands (or on your couch)? Fido will never stop being adorable. In fact, he somehow manages to get cuter as he ages. However, while he won’t be as playful or frisky as he once was, he’ll definitely still have moments where he’ll want to let his inner puppy out. Playing is still fun for older dogs, and it’s actually very good for them. There are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind, though. A Nye County vet, discusses playing with your aging canine pal in this article.

Why Is It Good To Play With Older Dogs?

Playing benefits Fido in several ways. For one thing, it’s a great boredom buster. Playing can also offer physical activity. 

Another reason playing is important is that it offers enrichment and mental stimulation. These are both very important. Just like people, dogs can suffer from cognitive decline in their golden years. Things like puzzle toys and scavenger hunts can get your canine pal’s brain cells fired up. That can help ward off cognitive decay.

Fido also benefits from the stability of regular play sessions. Many of our furry friends feel most secure when they are kept on a steady schedule. This is also a great way to make sure that your furry best friend feels loved. And, last but not least, it’s just fun for both you and your pup, and is a good way to get that cute tail going.

Does Playing Help You Bond With An Older Dog?

Sure! Playing can be a great way to bond with a new pooch, and just make him feel loved. Your canine pal will know that you’re doing something to make him happy. 

(Note: We love seeing older dogs get adopted! Senior dogs tend to make great pets. They’re usually very sweet and lovable, and are more interested in collecting belly rubs than in terrorizing the (neighborhood squirrels. Plus, they are often already trained. Another benefit of getting an older dog is the fact that they don’t need as much playtime or activity as young pups do.)

Why Do Senior Dogs Stop Playing With Toys?

Fido will slow down over time, just as we all do. He may not be as interested in toys as he once was. However, while your pet may now prefer things like puzzle toys, and has probably outgrown the need to chew, he should at least be somewhat interested in new toys.

It is worth noting that dental issues are quite prevalent in older dogs. Because Fido uses his mouth to play, these issues can definitely put a damper on his favorite games. Keep an eye out for warning signs. These include bad breath, drooling, swelling, tartar buildup, and bleeding gums. Your furry buddy may also seem a bit morose. Contact your vet right away if you notice anything wrong.

Do Senior Dogs Get Bored?

Yes, definitely! Boredom is actually much worse for Fido than you may imagine. It can lead to anxiety and depression, which is not how you want your beloved pet to feel in his golden years.

Keep this in mind if your pooch stays home alone while his humans go to work or school. Simply turning a radio on for Fido can offer stimulation and comfort. Playing with your furry pal before you head out for the day can also help.

Dog TV wouldn’t really count as playing, but can be great entertainment for Fido when he’s home alone.

At What Age Do Dogs Stop Playing?

Many dogs really never stop playing entirely. You may just notice that, instead of spending hours gnawing on chew toys or romping around, Fido just plays in shorter bursts. That’s perfectly fine!

What Games And Toys Are Appropriate For Older Dogs?

Fido’s play preferences will change over time. As your pooch ages, you’ll want to slowly scale back on games and activities that tax your pet physically, and focus more on things that offer Fido mental stimulation.

You may notice that your pooch starts to prefer softer toys, as they are easier on his mouth. If Fido has issues with his vision or hearing, he may like playthings that light up or make noise.

As far as games, there are actually lots of fun options. Many are very easy, and don’t take long at all.  

• Put treats in a blanket and tie it up
• Offer Fido a Kong toy. You can fill it with broth or peanut butter
• Treat-dispensing toys
• Scavenger hunts
• Hide and Seek
• The Three Cups game, dog version (put a treat under one of three cups)
• Puzzle boards
• Sniff walks
• Treat pickup. Toss a handful of small treats or kibble out into the yard, and have Fido go sniff out his snacks.

Ask your vet for more suggestions.

Do Older Dogs Need Playmates?

Dogs are for the most part very sociable. Many pups really like and benefit from being able to spend time with other dogs! 

That said, it’s important to choose your pet’s playmates carefully. Older dogs are often remarkably patient with puppies. However, a boisterous adolescent or young adult may be a bit too much for your furry pal. Choose polite, friendly dogs.

What Should I Know About Playing With A Senior Dog?

Fido will go through changes as he ages, just as we all do. This will impact every aspect of his care, from his diet to his play and exercise needs. 

Every dog is different, so the exact list of what is and is not appropriate for your canine buddy will depend on his age, size, health, and preferences. You’ll want to get some specific advice from your Nye County, NV vet. 

That said, there are a few things we would caution you about.

• Always play with Fido in a safe spot. Firm, level ground is best. We’d also suggest picking something with a soft surface, whether that means a grassy lawn or a carpeted room. That will offer your pet traction and provide a bit of cushion if he falls.
• Be careful of overexertion. Your pup’s muscles will be weaker than they used to be. He won’t have as much stamina, and may not be very coordinated. Older dogs can get tired out pretty quickly! However, your canine buddy will drive himself to exhaustion if he thinks that is what you want.
• Finally, do not encourage an older dog to jump or stand on his back legs. If your pet has or is at risk of hip dysplasia, that could exacerbate the condition. 
• Just like people, older dogs sometimes have vision problems. That can make visually oriented games, like Fetch, harder for them.
• Many older dogs have dental issues which makes chewing and pulling harder for them.
• If your furry pal has a special diet, too many treats could upset his belly. You’ll also need to be careful not to overfeed your furry bestie.
• Arthritic joint pain can also make moving around difficult.
• Fido may also have hearing loss, so he may not be able to hear commands or squeakers very well.
• Older dogs have more fragile bones, so they are more vulnerable to injury.
• Senior dogs sometimes get forgetful and confused, which can make more complex games annoying.

Pay attention to what Fido seems to like most. It’s also good to keep trying new things. 

Finally, don’t think of doggy playtime as a chore. Treasure this special time with your canine pal. We love seeing older dogs happily wagging their tails!

Visit Your Nye County, NV Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, your Nye County, NV local pet hospital, today!