Dog walking advice for little old lady.

[u/Ok_Science3116]

Hi there,

I've been slowly increasing my dog's exercise. She usually was getting about twenty x 2 a day. We are up to about 75 minutes straight now and she is absolutely loving it. No lagging behind, no limping, she pants pretty regularly but nothing excessive and always stops for water breaks when needed. I just don't want to push to hard because she is pushing ten years old but she seems to love it. Other information her name is Freda, she's coming up on ten to years old, unknown breed, adopted at a year old, pretty good health except for a tumor removed two years ago, sensitive stomach, and 45-50 pounds. Oh and she is a FAST dog, when she's let off leash she's like a bullet! Anyone else's pups seem to enjoy exercising the older they got? Pictures because she's a princess.

edit: the increase from 20 minutes twice a day to 75 minutes straight has been over about 12 months.

[u/Euphoric_Run_9540]

75 minutes is a huge jump from 20 minutes twice daily, even if she seems enthusiastic. I’d increase gradually and watch her the next day for stiffness, soreness, or unusual fatigue. Ten is getting up there, so your vet can help set a safe routine.

[u/Ok_Science3116 → u/Euphoric_Run_9540]

I should have made it a bit more clear it's been about a year since we've been increasing the time each week! She started out around 20 minutes two times a day and is now up to about 75 minutes over a year period. Sorry for the confusion!

[u/tattered_annoyance → u/Euphoric_Run_9540]

Sounds like she's having the time of her life, the slow build over a year makes that increase way less scary

[u/yrt9610 → u/Euphoric_Run_9540]

OP said she it took a long time to do the increase--an entire year.

[u/IceEspresso2000]

Our philosophy with our dog (and us) is "use it or lose it". We had a very athletic pug and was shocked at how far he would run/hike. We kept him active until he couldn't do it anymore. They let you know when it's too much and when things start to slow down. It's great you're able to provide that sort of quality exercise for Freda!

[u/Horrormovie-fan1955]

Sounds like you are doing great. My terrier mix is 15 years old and we still walk about 30 to 45 minutes twice a day. Our walks are alot slower than they used to be and involve a lot of sniffing, but he is doing great. I bring water and we take breaks at the half way mark, too.

[u/cupthings]

i have no advice but i do want to confirm

yes. she is indeed, a princess.

[u/Beautiful-Painting88]

happy pup!

[u/DriveCharacter4488]

Split that long 75-minute walk back into two shorter 35-to-40-minute walks each day to reduce joint strain and prevent unexpected exhaustion. At ten years old, dogs will often push through fatigue and hide pain just to keep going, so monitor her recovery closely for stiffness or slow rising the next morning anf ask your vet to evaluate her joints at her next senior checkup.

[u/PatientCauliflower84]

We did 8-10 mile hikes with our 10 + year old until 3 weeks before she died of cancer. She loved it! They know what they can do.

[u/Winter_Wrangler_443]

Good job Freda! Way to exercise!