As humans age, they are naturally drawn to more relaxing lifestyles, gravitating toward the contentment that comes from a long life, and releasing the stressors of younger adult life.Dogs are no different. With age comes a sense of world-weary peace and the need to be handled with care and respect.

Dogs are living longer lives these days, but while old age is prolonged, dogs need not suffer because of it. Leslie Woodcock, D.V.M., a veterinarian in Aberfoyle, Ont., says that 70 per cent of her business is therapeutic treatments, affording a sense of well-being to geriatric canines. “The chief problem is osteoarthritis,” she says. “It’s similar to people: use it or lose it. Older dogs tend to walk less, are less fit, and get stiff. It’s important to get and keep older dogs moving.”

Kim Smith, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Technician at Petworks in Dartmouth, N.S., concurs. “People think they shouldn’t push an older dog to be active, but one day of doing nothing results in three days to get the level of activity back. It’s not just about muscles and joints; movement is good for cardio-vascular health, too.”

Offering a range of services that soothe the elderly canine, Dr. Woodcock includes cranio-sacral therapy and chiropractic treatments. She states that combatting obesity is one area in which dog owners can make a difference. “Diet needs to be modified; many older dogs are overweight, and much of this is attributable to over-doing treats,” she explains. “Veggies are the best treat! Green beans are fabulous and low-calorie.”

One treatment offered by both Woodcock and Smith is underwater treadmills. Because the dogs are buoyed by water, they can enjoy the warm water and low-impact exercise. This treatment is especially effective for heavier dogs with joint issues. The treadmill provides wet heat (Smith keeps the water at about 88°F) for the dog, rendering it more mobile.

Do dogs really take to the water? “Few dogs dislike water,” Smith says. “It’s like a hot tub; they can float and relax, be content. If they are a little nervous about the water the first time, I take it gradually. Most of them really look forward to their time in the warm, relaxing water.”

The water treadmill is especially good for dogs that enjoy swimming. They are secured into a lifejacket, and float for a while, as a relaxation technique. Once they are comfortable, they’re encouraged to dog paddle; because of the density of the water, their steps are like prancing – excellent exercise in a controlled, safe environment.

Another boon to stiff and sore dogs is joint yoga, something Dr. Woodcock uses by applying pressure to specific points on the dog’s body. An ice pack applied to inflamed, painful joints – hips, knees, elbows and shoulders – helps, too, and works to prevent micro-trauma to those areas when a dog exercises. She suggests owners get their dogs to stretch before exercise, just as they might do before playing a round of tennis or going for a jog.

In cases of acute pain, where it hurts to move, and a joint might be fused, Woodcock has seen success with acupuncture to manage pain. She reminds dog owners that keeping their dogs’ nails trimmed helps with good posture and therefore with mobility – a small aspect of care with potentially big benefits.

There is a psychological uptick to ensuring older dogs stay mobile, and Woodcock says this is achieved through bonding. “It benefits owner and pet,” she says.

“Get out and get physical – dog and owner working out together. It gives the dog a great feeling – ‘I am special, I am with my person’ – and becomes a shared event dogs look forward to on a regular basis.”

Petworks handles canine rehabilitation by working to ensure that a dog with reduced function can return to relatively normal capacity, and claims that age does not affect the outcome of physical therapy. While most of Smith’s patients are there for rehabilitation, and initially attend by veterinary referral only, she sees a substantial number of geriatric canines for on-going maintenance, “A doggie spa day,” she laughs.

Among the therapies Smith offers are massage and acupressure. “They don’t wriggle as much as you’d think,” she says. “Most of them lie on their sides and fall asleep; one snores right through it!” Massage therapy for older dogs helps with pain management when the brain reacts to the new stimulus, thereby raising serotonin levels.

Dr. Woodcock and Kim Smith offer a Zen-like state to older dogs that not only need it, but deserve the comfort in their respectable old age.

Learn more about the dogs in these photos