It isn’t enjoyable to see older dogs having little physical strength, unable to accomplish their hopes to play and have some fun. In particular, larger dogs like golden retrievers may suffer much anguish as their minds are active, yet they cannot catch up with other pets due to age-related inhibiting factors. So your once cheerful dog may not be so involved in senior years. Still, he may have the heart to engage in activities like the younger puppies he may notice in the house or the neighbourhood.
The best way to keep your senior pet content in his old age is by keeping him occupied with a few short training sessions now and then and playing physically less-demanding games. Additionally, buy cheap pet insurance to cover your older pet for accidents, illnesses, and health emergencies. Finally, a dog insurance nz backup that caters to your older dog’s wellness needs is essential while you provide him sufficient mental stimulation through some enjoyable activities.
Here are five games you can play with your senior dog.
Treasure hunt!
This game suits your senior dogs. All you need to do is hide his favourite toys or food items in easily accessible corners and then ask him to find them. Then, as he sees one by one, you may reward him with tiny portions of a delectable treat.
Dogs share a powerful instinct to seek things out, which is an innate tendency from their early scavenging days. That is the reason they love to sniff things. Getting your senior pet to sniff and find items often is a brilliantly safe outlet for their pent-up energy.
Cardboard boxes!
Give your older pet some cardboard boxes that he can shred and destroy. It can be a splendid enrichment activity. You can also up this game on another level by filling the container with shredded paper, balls, or scrunched up newspaper. He can now rummage through the box to his heart’s content. However, pet parents need to supervise their dogs when they have things like these in their paws. Some dogs may love chewing and eating things apart from food and put themselves at health risk.
Pool games
If your senior dog loves to play in the water, then arranging some water activities in your backyard pool may be the right thing to do. Not only does it help your older dog cool down on hot summer days, but also it relaxes his aching joints if he has been suffering from arthritis issues. If he is anxious about getting into the pool, perhaps organise a large water tub for him to stand or wander about in. Then, toss in some of his choicest toys and use a sprinkler or hose to make the activity more engaging.
Learn tricks!
Since older dogs may have mobility issues, make sure what you teach him doesn’t involve too much movement that may further aggravate his joint health. In addition, it would help if you focused on the low-impact tricks, so he enjoys the training session without becoming exhausted and sore.
Hide and seek!
Instead of hiding objects, you can as well hide and ask your older dog to find you. Give him some cues so he knows when the game starts. You may use something simple like “come and find me” or say, “Fido! Find me now”. Try playing this game with your dog indoors, in smaller places, or in enclosed parks initially. However, if your senior doggo has severe mobility or vision problems, we advise you not to play this game with him.
Slowing down is part and parcel of aging, but there are ways to keep your older dog mentally stimulated. First, meet your vet to seek advice on keeping your senior dog happy and healthy in his old age. With cheap pet insurance, you can easily claim the vet visit charges from your insurer. In addition, Dog insurance NZ may come to much use as your senior pet is more susceptible to age-related medical conditions and health emergencies.
