Growing older together: keeping your dog happy and healthy

According to the Canadian Animal Health Institute, as of 2024 Canada was home to an estimated 7.2 million dogs. That number has likely grown.

Dogs have certainly become an integral part of many people's lives. This statistic will not be very surprising to those who have come to recognize the many benefits animals bring to our lives. The Pet Effect, aptly named by the Human Animal Bond Institute, lists the many ways in which having a pet can improve our lives. Studies have shown that having a dog can measurably lower blood pressure, decrease levels of anxiety and combat the many physical and mental effects of loneliness. But what happens as we age?

Dogs require physical and mental stimulation to thrive, and when we are no longer able to provide this for our loving companions, what options do we have?

As someone who has been part of the pet care industry for more than two decades, I get to see firsthand the way in which pets enhance people's lives. The endless joy they bring is unmatched, and it is no surprise that pet ownership continues to grow. Seniors will often require more help physically caring for their pets. This reality should not prevent them from continuing to share their lives with their beloved companions. Dog walking services are available to assist, and in this blog I will focus on how a dog walking service can help meet both the physical and mental needs of our pets as we age.

A walk is not just a walk. You may think a dog walk is just exercise, but the truth is that a walk to a dog is much more than that. Aside from the obvious physical benefits of exercise to a dog, a walk provides much needed mental stimulation.

Walking is crucial for any dog. It provides the opportunity to sniff and explore and, with close to 125 million to 300 million scent receptors in a dog's nose, this is the creme de la creme to a dog. A dog who gets to sniff and explore its environment is a dog who is already on its way to being more well adjusted and a happy pooch.

A professional dog walking service not only ensures each canine gets the exercise they need, but also ensures that dogs get to sniff, use their brains and bodies, and socialize if the service provides this.

Socialization matters too. Dogs are social animals, like humans, and they thrive with interaction with other dogs, assuming they were socialized well and do in fact want doggy friends. Many dog walking services provide group outings, which can do wonders for a dog's mental wellbeing.

Signs a walking service would help. So how do you decide if a dog walking service could help you continue caring for your dog as your own physical capabilities change? You are finding walks physically tiring or uncomfortable. You can walk your dog, but not as far or as often as you used to. Your dog has more energy than you do. You are recovering from an injury or surgery. Winter weather or slippery conditions make walking difficult. You still want your dog to have regular exercise and stimulation, even when you cannot provide all of it yourself.

How to choose the right service. The pet industry has exploded, and there are plenty of companies to choose from. When choosing a service, it is very important to ask questions. How long has the company been in business, and are they bonded and insured? Where do they take the dogs? How do they ensure safety? Look for reviews, because a well established business with plenty of reviews can help narrow down the search.

Most importantly, utilizing the help of a dog walking service does not mean you are not capable of caring for your dog. It means you are adapting your dog's care to your changing circumstances. And you will both be happier for it.

Sources. Canadian Mental Health Association, The Pet Effect: Animal Companions and Mental Health. Canadian Animal Health Institute, Canadian Pet Population Survey Highlights the Importance of Access to Veterinary Care. PubMed Central, The Role of Olfaction in Dogs: Evolution, Biology and Human Oriented Work.