Question by new SA mama: What amount of exercise is sufficient for my 17 year old dachshund?
My family is really active, we hike and jog regularly. We are used to bringing our dog, but the past couple of years it seems like we are carrying her more and more (we use a baby carrier on the longer hikes, she actually likes that!!) I know she is old (please nobody has to point that one out) and the vet says she is very healthy, not overweight or underweight, no arthritis or anything. Does anyone have experience with this? How long of a walk is good for her? I think that sometimes she just stops walking because she knows I’ll pick her up (she’s a bit spoiled, but she should be!!)

Best answer:

Answer by MMMMMEeeee
Let the dog rest. That is an old dog.

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Question by miss_amy018: Advice needed about exercise for overweight arthritic dog..?
I have a 5 and a half year old Chihuahua. She has arthritis in her hip because she broke it when she was a baby. She also has the condition that occurs commonly in small breeds where their trachea collapses/partially collapses causing them to cough. She weighs about 11 pounds should weigh 6-8. I want her to lose weight for her health, but it’s very difficult because she isn’t able to do a lot of physical activity (because of her hip and trachea). I hear that swimming is one of the best things for her and we’re getting a pool this summer, so I’ll be able to get in it with her. Anyone know of anything else?
Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Thanks to those of you who answered!!

Best answer:

Answer by Alyeria
There’s not much else besides swimming that will help your dog without putting strain on her limbs and chest, you can always change her food a little bit so she’s not eating as much or so she’s eating healthier. I think you should just stick with the swimming or talk to a vet about it as they might know of some excersizes you can do with her to improve her blood flow and movement.

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Question by Crazy Old Lady: Indoor exercise ideas?
I live in Chicago and now is not the time of year to really want to walk my dog. Just last week we had a deep sub-zero freeze, 5 inches of snow, 2 ice storms, 50+ miles and hour winds, record heat, heavy rains and tornado watches. Surprised I’m not sick yet! My dog has arthritis in her back knee and my girlfriend who has always helped me over the years while I am at work is also laid up from surgery. So, the dog isn’t getting as much exercise as she’s used to getting. I’ve tried a ball up and down the stairs but was too hard on her leg. Does anyone have any good suggestions for getting her some exercise that won’t hurt her leg more and that can be done indoors when the weather stinks? Please-no rude comments. This is the first time this has ever been an issue for the years I’ve had her.

Best answer:

Answer by Red Pony
You’ve obviously tried quite a few things, so I would suggest you invest in a treadmill. Both you and your dog could use it.

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Question by meeM0: How do I get my fat dog on an exercise program!?
My dog, Kerri, a Golden Labrador has a touch of arthritis and doesn’t walk as much as she used to. Also, since the kids have left she doesn’t get as much exercise as she used to. she’s gotten pretty round and lazy and used to be skinny and fast. I want to get her into an exercise routine and cant find info online about where to do it. Maybe some advice or sites with the proper information please!?

Best answer:

Answer by sophylakes
CUT DOWN ON HER FOOD AND TREATS – simple then throw the tennis ball for her out in the yard……. for an hour.. just watch the arthritis…. also,,, goldens love to swim,,, hike in the woods,,, play all the time……. I have two,,, they are great….. ***please note: your golden, no matter how much you feed her,,, is always going to act starved…:))))) just feed her less

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Question by Koter Boters misses Rufus!: How much exercise should a dog with arthritis get a day?
My dog Duke has it. I don’t think its hip dysplasia. my mom also thinks he has arthritis because when the weather changes he limps.

I used to walk him alot more but wen I am down and not happy(depression) i don’t but I was gonna walk him today but how long should I walk him for.
Should I put heat or cold on where he limps?

Best answer:

Answer by Bill L
Apply heat. Go to a vet.

bl

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My dog (a 3-year-old lab mix who was VERY likely bred in a puppy mill) was diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia about a month ago after somehow straining a hip. Although the diagnosis is not yet certain (he is scheduled for a few more tests – x-rays and such, next month), it is extremely likely that he either has or will develop it or another hip issue later in life. He’s been on supplements and prescription food, along with a steady, medium-rigor walking schedule, since then, and has improved to no end.

He’s trained for Advanced Canine Rally-o and Novice Obedience (hobbies, obviously. He’s not AKC registered, but it helps us communicate!), HOWEVER, I am unsure whether or not to re-start the exercises for this, as both will eventually lead (Rally-O already) to having to go over jumps. I was not going to, but this last week he’s done sooo much better and is back to his old self. (I saw him quite jump on a chair the other day to look at me through the window – but I made him get off immediately.)

So, should I go ahead with it? Should I wait until the x-rays come back? Should I just drop it altogether and work on the ground?
Thanks, guys!
And I’m certainly NOT going to give up on him because of HD! I’m biased, but he’s the best dog ever, so no matter what we’re going to do /something/ as a team. Be it Rally-O or therapy, work gives us a stronger bond. And I have continued his training on the ground during this month.