Is 3 walks enough for my senior dog with arthritis & kidney disease?

Yes keep up with daily moderate exercise. As Lucy ages the length of the walks and exercise may decrease but should still be done at least twice daily. Many people stop exercising their dogs as they age. This results in muscle loss, and increased joint instability causing pain and arthritis. When you maintain the muscle mass it helps support the joints and keeps the tendons and ligaments strong. Dogs with arthritis actually have less discomfort when they are up and moving. So keep up the regular exercise and listen to Lucy and don’t push her when she’s had enough. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lucy.

This is a great question! It is normal that your dog will slow down with age, and want to play less. I would recommend following her lead. If she wants to play ball for 5-10 minutes and then stops after that, it's fine. Same for when she is on walks. If you wants to end early, I would stop the walk and bring her back home. It's great that you are getting her as much exercise as you are now, and I'd keep it up as long as she wants it :-)

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Walking Gandhi may flare up his arthritis so shorter walks may help lessen this. Also, I would recommend a joint supplement if you have not already. Exercise is great for Gandhi still and providing appropriate joint support and helping reduce any arthritis pain would be recommended. I would consider the below products and discussing arthritis management with your veterinarian. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. 1. Dasuquin for dogs 2. Welactin omega 3 fatty acid capsules for dogs 3. Adequan injections with your veterinarian 4. Hills J/D food (requires a prescription) 5. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Meloxicam and Carprofen for flare ups of arthritis.

If you meant the sweetener erythritol, it is not toxic to dogs. Xylitol is the sweetener that is very toxic to dogs. If it is very hot or humid out, keep walks short. A 10-15. Inure walk is fine. Monitor Quinton for excessive panting, lethargy or lameness. Let him be your guide. A good exercise for dogs with arthritis is swimming. It is low impact and will keep him cool.

Yes you are correct a harness will help you assist her as needed. I recommend a Help me Up harness. These are well made and although costly are worth every penny. I like that you are keeping her up and walking to maintain her muscles. I prefer several short walks and often just around your yard or close by so if she's too tired to keep going you are close to home. If she's not on arthritis pain medication adding some may improve her mobility and comfort. As for the cognitive dysfunction I use Neutricks a supplement that I find effective. If Elie is overweight losing a few pounds will help also. In addition to walks she may be more interested in life if you work on teaching tricks for treats, doing obedience like heeling, sitting and downs and playing with toys or balls to keep her engaged. Having a senior dog is a blessing so make the most of your time together. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Elie.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bernie. She sounds very sore. I would give her some time to rest. Then only walk her as far as she can handle. Fresh air and being outside is good for a dog's well being, however the walk needs to be kept within her comfort level. If she shows signs of struggling, you have over done it. She may only be able to go for a minute or two to start. Follow her lead. I hope this information helps!

As long as he keeps moving and is happy to go out with you there should be no problem. If you think he may be cold, you can always put a dog coat on him. It is good for him to move out. Adjust exercise to his ability. If he gets very stiff, you may want to have him examined by your vet as he is likely to suffer from arthritis. NSAIDs for dogs can greatly improve quality of life as they will lower inflammation and take away pain.