How to Keep Older Dogs Busy 

It is important to make sure that your older dog is receiving as much mental and physical stimulation as possible. Their senses may not be quite up to par as what they once were, and they may not be as quick as they used to be but having fun with their people is a huge thrill to them! The good thing about this is that it will help them maintain their cognitive agility as they age. A little time and effort goes a long way and we will teach you some things that you can do to keep your senior dog busy!

One way to stimulate your dog mentally and physically is through toys. We are aware that a dog’s passion for toys may decrease as they age, but there are ways around this. Think about rotating toys on a weekly basis. This keeps things fresh and excited for your four-legged friend! Interactive toys are also a plus. If your dog enjoys stuffed toys, look for those with “parts” that are intended to be pulled out of or off the toy. This will really bring their senses to life.

Another way to fire of the senses is through nose work.  While your dog is in a sit/stay, hide a treat or toy, then release them to find it. Be sure to cheer for them along the way as this will add more excitement to their adventure! Keep your senior dog’s mind healthy by teaching them a new trick. It’s never too old to learn! For example, you can teach your dog to balance a treat on their paw or muzzle. Furthermore, puzzles are a wonderful option. Treats hidden behind panels or under sliding blocks motivate dogs to use both their noses and paws.

On another note, you may consider adopting a new canine pal for your older dog. Just keep in mind that not all dogs want to deal with a new dog in their home. You will have to test out the waters and see how your dog does with a new furry friend. When it works, it works well! As you can see, there is so much that you can do to keep your older dog happy, healthy, and active. We truly believe that age is just a number. Do not ever limit yourself to new PAWsibilities!