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PETS | Senior special
they’re waist deep. You can get
the same result as a treadmill in
water,” he says.CHAT TO YOUR VET
If you aren’t sure and want to
introduce a new exercise regime
for your older pet, consult with
your vet to ensure it’s appropriate
for aging joints. Your vet also
may be able to suggest ways
to modify your pet’s favourite
activities so he can enjoy them
well into his senior years.MASSAGE FOR
OLDER PETS
Having aching muscles massaged
can benefi t older pets. Melissa
Sciberras from Pawsitive Animal
Therapies says massage has many
therapeutic benefi ts for seniors.
“It calms older pets, helps with pain relief, boosts
circulation and immunity and can slow down the
process of arthritic degeneration,” she says. You
can see a professional to assist with this or even
complete a short course in doggy massage and
DIY. Always seek the advice of your vet before
commencing any form of physical treatment.harness. “If it’s a safe environment, it’s much
better for an older cat to have some time
outdoors during the day from a metabolic
point of view,” Dr David says. This is because
an indoor senior cat doesn’t have much
opportunity to exercise. “They’ll amble from
the sofa to the food bowl, then amble to the
litter tray and back to the sofa.”WATER WALKS
While getting your feline in the water could
be a challenge, most dogs love to play in the
ocean or a pool and as water supports your
pet’s body, it’s a non-weight-bearing exercise,
which supports aging joints.
However, Dr David says swimming in water isn’t
as benefi cial as walking through it. “With doggie
paddling, a dog’s legs move around in very small
circles but if the dog is walking in water, they’re
extending their joints, stretching them out, so
getting a greater range of movement,” he says.
You can take your dog along to a
physiotherapist for some hydrotherapy, which
may include walking on a treadmill in water, but
Dr David says there are other alternatives. “If you
can fi nd an off -leash beach with a long stretch of
coastline, walk in the water with your dog untilAugust http://www.facebook.com/petsmagazine
Old dogs can still enjoy a walk, as long as you
pace it to suit their age and fi tness level.Maggie, the world’s Maggie, the world’s
oldest dogoldest dog
A West Australian Cattle Dog called
Maggie lived to the ripe old age of
30, sadly passing away in 2016 in
her sleep. But what a life she had,
racing around after the motorbike
on the farm and rounding up cows
until she was 18 years of age. Even
in her senior years, Maggie kept fit
and active. While it’s very unusual
that Maggie lived for as long as she
did, it shows that keeping active
can help a pet live longer.PLF070_pg040-042_Seniors & Exercise.indd 42PLF070_pg040-042_Seniors & Exercise.indd 42 6/21/2017 11:07:52 AM6/21/2017 11:07:52 AM