Best routines for senior dogs

Routines are an incredible way to take control of your life; they’re the ultimate form of self-care. But if you’ve ever tried to implement or amend a routine in your day-to-day, you know it’s not easy. Likewise, breaking a routine (or having no structure) can come with a range of negative feelings. In these ways, dogs are the same.

Choosing (and sticking to) a daily routine is important for older dogs, especially. As your dog goes from pup to pensioner, things can become more difficult. They may become more irritable or confused, and physical activity could become more of a challenge. 

By giving your elderly dog routine, you can support the cognitive and physical challenges they may face. Consistency removes surprises, reduces anxiety and confusion, and promotes a consistent exercise schedule. Additionally, it gives them security – by feeding them at similar times, giving them consistent bathroom breaks and making bedtime predictable, you can soften the challenges they’ll face as they age.

Your older dog’s daily routine should be built around your ageing buddy. So, consider some best-practice criteria, such as:

Nutrition 

Nutrition isn’t just about what your dog eats, but when they eat it. Dogs know when it’s dinner time – if that time starts shifting, it can be stressful for your pooch. Routine can build expectation, aid digestion, and help you to avoid over-feeding. It may also stop your older dog from getting cranky – you don’t want to stress the old timer out. 

Exercise 

When a dog ages, they start to struggle with things that they once ran circles around. Try to introduce activities into your senior dog’s routine that encourage them to move, without pushing them past their limits. Depending on your old dog’s medical history, breed and physical limits, you may need to look at new exercises. 

According to PetMD, things such as swimming, shorter walks, or maybe scent games or puzzle toys can be beneficial. Whatever happens, don’t give up on exercise altogether. Not only does physical activity reduce the risk of obesity and improve strength, but gentle exercise can also stimulate their mind and reduce the risk of behavioural issues. 

Grooming 

Grooming your senior dog requires care and consistency. It can often fall to the wayside – if your old scruff doesn’t look too scruffy. But grooming is about more than tidying. While you’re washing your old dog down, you’ve got an excellent opportunity to check for lumps, bumps, sores and more.

It's important to consider your dog’s health when grooming as well, as holding the same position for a while can become uncomfortable. You can consider techniques to minimise discomfort, but a short grooming session as a daily routine can benefit older dogs. Not only is it more comfortable for your dog than a long session each week, but you can do a more thorough check and stay on top of things. Consider grooming a different section each day. It’s also a great way to spend quality time with your best friend.

Fulfilment

If there’s one thing any dog owner knows, it’s that they love to sniff, chew, lick and be active. Dogs are wired a certain way, and while age may slow them down, it doesn’t remove those instincts they’re born with. Keeping a senior dog active doesn’t just revolve around exercise – it’s about meeting their core needs. 

Try to enrich their lifestyle with a range of activities – scent games, for example, can give your golden oldie a task to really stick their snout into. Puzzle games can fill the role of a brain teaser, giving them that dopamine hit when they finally crack the code.

Enriching your dog’s life – early years and the later ones – through mental and physical activities that scratch the itch on their natural instincts is essential at every age. Your dog’s need for mental stimulation never wanes. To deny them the ability to explore with their instincts is to surrender them to boredom.

These routines don’t just offer mental stimulation either, they can reduce stress, build their confidence, get them active and most importantly – these routines are fun for the both of you.

Rest

In the same way your grandpa might need a nap in his armchair, your dog might need to rest their greying head a moment – in your lap, or in their bed. 

Giving your elderly dog time to rest in their routine is important, as they can’t always charge ahead like they used to. Do them a favour, and put their sleeping space somewhere warm, quiet and away from draughts and children. Placing water near their bed can stop them from needing to make any taxing journeys too.

You can start adjusting your elderly dog’s routine in a way that’s unique to their needs (and yours). Remember, you’re a team – so you’ll need to work hand-in-paw to get something that works for you both.

Some things to consider when creating a unique, daily routine for older dogs are:

Type of breed  

Each breed has different needs and requirements, depending on its unique characteristics (not to mention its own personalities). All these things will influence the nuances of the elderly dog routine you’re trying to establish.

For example, a working breed such as a Border Collie might need a bigger focus on physical activity and mental stimulation. While a Pug might need a focus on gentle but regular exercise, due to the breed's disposition to respiratory issues.

Health

Even if your old dog has lived a good and full life, they’ve probably picked up a few bumps along the way. These health conditions can vary in severity, but they’re essential to consider – even if it goes against what your old dog needs. For example, if you’ve got a Golden Retriever, they need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. But if they’re arthritic, then walking may be more of a challenge. Switch up your routine, focus on indoor games, short and gentle walks, or swimming.

If you’re ever worried about your pet’s health getting in the way of their daily routine, or how to best accommodate it, always talk to your vet – they’ll give you an answer unique to your dog. 

Work schedules

The best routines for senior dogs are the ones you can both stick to, which means your lifestyle and work schedule may force you to get creative. Try to be conscious of and have contingencies for unexpected work commitments, such as a friend or neighbour who can pop in and help. Or construct your elderly dog’s routine in a way that your work life doesn’t impact it. You could implement some pet care tech products too, such as automated feeders or potties. 

You should try your best to design a schedule that isn’t easily disrupted. If you’re moving house, for example, or a family member is moving out, try to maintain their existing schedule to the best of your ability.

With an elderly dog routine, you can keep those greying tails wagging just as they used to. There are three main areas that having a daily routine for older dogs can benefit:

Relationship  

As your dog ages, you might find they struggle to join you in various activities. In time, that may leave you feeling a little distant. But with an elderly dog routine, you can get their toe beans tapping with excitement throughout the day as they get used to each new activity you implement – even if it’s the dreaded grooming session.

Spending time with your fluffy family member is important as they age – you can always make time now, but you can’t ever get it back.

Behaviour

Keeping your old dog stress-free, entertained and active, with a predictable schedule and enough stimulus is an essential part of making them happy. While they may not act like a pup again, you’ll catch glimpses of that puppy-like joy, even when they’re getting grey. 

With a predictable routine, you’ll avoid the anxious barking or chewing as your dog will feel calmer, safer and more in control of their day-to-day. 

Wellbeing

Creating a daily routine for older dogs means it’s easier to monitor your dog’s health, give them the exercise and mental stimulation they need, and ensure they’re fed well. It also makes it easier to track any health issues that might appear – and get ahead of them early.