Exercise for senior dogs is important for maintaining mobility, muscle strength, a healthy weight and mental wellbeing as they age.
While older dogs still benefit from regular activity, their routine should usually shift towards shorter, gentler and more consistent exercise such as walking, swimming and scent games.
The trick is matching activity to your dog's individual mobility, fitness and health.
Why is exercise important for senior dogs?
Regular exercise helps senior dogs maintain muscle strength, joint mobility, healthy body weight and mental wellbeing.
As dogs get older, inactivity can contribute to loss of muscle and mobility, so keeping them moving at a level suited to their individual health and ability remains an important part of senior dog care.
Movement also gives older dogs valuable mental stimulation. A gentle walk isn't just about clocking up steps, all that sniffing, investigating and neighbourhood surveillance gives their brain something to do too.
For dogs showing stiffness or reduced mobility, nutritional joint support may also form part of their overall routine. PetWell MOBILITY Hip + Joint Support combines ingredients including New Zealand green-lipped mussel, turmeric, MSM and more to nutritionally support joint comfort, flexibility and everyday movement.
What is the best exercise for older dogs?
The best exercises for older dogs are generally low-impact activities that encourage regular movement without excessive jumping, sprinting or sudden changes of direction. Gentle walks, controlled swimming, scent-based games and simple strength or balance activities can all be adapted to your dog's fitness, mobility and confidence.
Gentle walks
Walking is one of the easiest ways to keep a senior dog active. Choose relatively flat, comfortable surfaces and allow your dog to set the pace.
For some dogs, two or three short walks may be more manageable than one big outing.
Let them stop to sniff. This is great enrichment for them.
Swimming
For dogs that enjoy water, swimming can provide exercise without the same impact as running or jumping. Introduce water gradually, supervise closely and make sure your dog can enter and exit safely.
Dogs with significant mobility problems may benefit from professionally supervised hydrotherapy or rehabilitation rather than backyard freestyle.
Scent games
Hide small treats around your home or garden and encourage your dog to find them. Scent games provide mental enrichment while getting your dog moving at their own pace.
PetWell's freeze-dried treats are perfect for games like these.
Gentle strength and balance work
Controlled exercises may help maintain strength and coordination, but the activity should suit your dog's physical ability. If your dog already has joint, neurological or mobility problems, ask your vet or canine rehabilitation professional which exercises are appropriate.
Read more about Signs of Joint Pain in Dogs
How much exercise does a senior dog need?
There is no single amount of exercise that's right for every senior dog. Their ideal routine depends on age, breed, fitness, weight, mobility and existing health conditions, so focus on how comfortably your dog moves before, during and after exercise rather than chasing a particular number of minutes.
Consistency is usually more useful than the occasional heroic walk.
For an older dog that has become less active, start gently and build activity gradually. Dogs with arthritis, for example, may tolerate frequent shorter walks better than infrequent long ones.
Pay attention to how they recover afterwards too. If your dog is noticeably stiffer or more tired later that day or the following morning, the session may have been too much.
How can I exercise my senior dog safely?
Exercise senior dogs safely by keeping activity controlled, adjusting intensity to their ability and watching closely for changes in movement or behaviour. Avoid forcing them to keep up, particularly in hot weather, and reconsider the activity if you notice limping, hesitation, unusual fatigue, lagging behind or difficulty getting up afterwards.
A few simple rules can make a big difference:
- Start each outing at an easy pace.
- Choose stable, non-slip surfaces where possible.
- Avoid repeated jumping, sharp turns and frantic stop-start games.
- Exercise during cooler parts of the day in hot Australian weather.
- Carry water on longer outings.
- Let your dog dictate the pace.
- Finish with a few minutes of gentle walking rather than stopping suddenly.
If your senior dog suddenly becomes less willing to exercise, don't automatically put it down to "getting old". Reduced stamina or changes in mobility can sometimes indicate pain or an underlying health issue that deserves veterinary attention.
What is a simple exercise routine for a senior dog?
A good senior dog exercise routine combines gentle daily movement, mental enrichment and plenty of recovery time. Rather than trying to tire your dog out, aim to keep their body moving comfortably and their brain engaged, adjusting the routine whenever their energy, mobility or health changes.
A simple day might look like:
Morning: Short, relaxed walk with plenty of sniffing.
During the day: Five-minute scent game or gentle enrichment activity at home.
Afternoon or evening: Another comfortable walk, easy garden wander or supervised swim.
After activity: Water, rest and a comfortable place to recover.
If joint support is part of your dog's wellness routine, a daily product such as PetWell MOBILITY can be sprinkled over food. For older pets needing broader nutritional support, PetWell also offers a Senior Wellness Pack combining joint and gut-health support.
As dogs age, their bodies become more susceptible to various health issues, particularly joint problems, and mobility challenges.
What if my senior dog struggles to exercise?
If your senior dog is struggling with activities they previously managed comfortably, reduce the intensity and speak with your vet rather than simply stopping exercise altogether.
Changes such as slowing down, stiffness, limping, difficulty standing or reluctance to use stairs may indicate discomfort or reduced mobility that should be assessed.
At home, small changes can help too. Non-slip mats on slippery floors, ramps where appropriate and easy access to favourite resting spots can make everyday movement less challenging for older dogs.
Read more about Dog Exercise Benefits
FAQs
Should senior dogs be walked every day?
Many senior dogs benefit from regular daily walking, provided the duration and pace suit their health and mobility. Short, consistent walks may be better tolerated than occasional long walks.
Can you over-exercise an old dog?
Yes. Watch for limping, slowing down, excessive fatigue, reluctance to continue or increased stiffness following activity. If these occur, reduce the exercise and discuss persistent changes with your vet.
Should senior dogs still exercise if they have arthritis?
Dogs with osteoarthritis are often still encouraged to participate in appropriate mild-to-moderate exercise because controlled movement can help maintain mobility. The exercise plan should be tailored to the individual dog and their level of discomfort.
What exercises should senior dogs avoid?
Activities involving repeated jumping, sharp turns, sudden stops or high-impact running may place unnecessary strain on ageing dogs. Choose controlled, low-impact movement instead.
Keeping Your Senior Dog Moving
Growing older doesn't mean your dog needs to retire from exercise altogether. Their routine simply needs to evolve with them.
Regular, gentle movement, good nutrition, mental stimulation and appropriate joint support can all contribute to keeping senior dogs comfortable, engaged and enjoying the things they love.
Getting older may slow them down a little, but it certainly doesn't mean the adventures have to stop.
Keep your PetWell.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care.
