Keeping Your Pup Entertained When They Can't Walk Like They Used To
Coming up with ideas to keep your pup entertained when they’re no longer able to walk like they once did can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I totally get it. But after a year and a half with our paralyzed senior pup, Duncan, our family has found a solid routine of activities that are guaranteed to keep him engaged—and I’m sure they'll work for dogs of all abilities!
1. Snuffle Mats and Homemade Treat Puzzles
Snuffle mats or homemade puzzles using towels and dog toys are a fun and rewarding way to engage your dog. They’ll love sniffing out their treats, and it helps stimulate their brain, too!
2. Licking Mats (Freeze for an Extra Challenge!)
Licking mats are a great way to keep your dog busy. For an added challenge, freeze them with a tasty spread like peanut butter or yogurt.
3. West Paw Toppl Tough Toys
Fill these versatile toys with your dog’s homemade food or wet food to keep them occupied for longer. It’s also a great mental workout as they try to clean out every last bit. I find these easier to use than Kongs, but they’re a good option, too!
4. Good Ol’ Brushing
If your dog loves being brushed, this can become a relaxing part of their routine. I recommend using brush gloves for a pampering session that feels like a massage. Even just five minutes a day will make your pup feel loved and cared for.
Just because your dog can’t walk like they used to doesn’t mean they don’t still enjoy getting out and about. We use the Sekey Collapsible Foldable Extended Wagon (with a 440 lbs weight capacity) to give Duncan the chance to see the world while we walk. It’s a perfect solution for pups who can’t walk on their own but still want to feel involved.
6. Get Your Dog Some Wheels
If it’s within your budget, dog wheelchairs can work wonders for giving your pup the independence to run around in the backyard or even indoors. It’s a game changer! (I will include more info on these in a later post).
7. Go for a Car Ride
Both of my dogs love car rides—it’s their little adventure! Whether it’s a quick trip to the library or just a joyride, it’s a simple but fun way to mix up their routine.
8. Turn on Music or TV
Dogs love music and sounds, and it can be a comforting background when you’re not around. Especially if your dog watches TV, try putting on an animal show or something soothing to entertain them while you’re out.
9. Trick Training
Your dog can still learn new tricks, no matter their age or mobility level! Adapt some classic tricks like 'shake,' or teach them new ones like 'touch' (where they touch their nose to your hand), 'crawl,' or 'flop' (where they lay on their side after being upright). Duncan picked up some creative new tricks when he was 12!
10. Tug of War
For toy-motivated dogs, tug of war is a great way to get them moving. It’s not just fun for them, but it’s a great way for you to bond, too.
11. Spa Time!
Pamper your pup with a little at-home spa day. Trim their nails, tidy up the fur around their paws, rub in some paw/elbow cream, clean their ears (especially important if they spend a lot of time on the floor), brush their teeth, and give them a bath. If your dog enjoys grooming, they’ll love this!
12. Talk to Them
Dogs love to hear your voice, and it can be a comfort to them. Tell them about your day (they’ll listen, it's not like they can walk away), sing a song, or read them a story. It might seem small, but just hearing you talk will mean the world to them.
I hope these tips help you keep your pup happy and entertained, even if they can’t get around the way they used to. Sometimes, it's the simple things that make the biggest difference!
Love, love, love the blog.
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