How strength fights aging

As our canine companions get older, their bodies change, just like ours. 

Sarcopenia is the involuntary loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with age or immobility. Sarcopenia is one of the most important causes of functional decline, loss of mobility, strength, and independence in dogs, just as in humans, and the cause of significant reductions in quality of life.

Research suggests that in dogs, without intervention, a gradual loss of muscle mass and strength starts around 6 to 7 years of age, with more significant loss occurring later in life - up to 15-20% between 7 and 12 - possibly more in some breeds. This intersects with osteo-arthritis which occurs in 80% of dogs during their life, and increases in commonness as dogs age. Due to pain, they may move less. 

Some sarcopenia is likely regardless - as it is part of aging, but the best predictor of muscle mass later in life in human studies is MUSCLE MASS before the decline, and how strong the dog is. Strength is also one of the best ways to reduce pain resulting from joint disease - weak muscles put extra strain on joints and result in greater laxity and pain from joint conditions. 

Strong muscles maintain movement and help our dogs to run jump swim dig roll and even get up and down, all of which are ESSENTIAL for both mental and physical health. 

Basically it boils down to this: USE IT OR LOSE IT. 

So - if you want to help your dog live a longer, happier, more independent, functional and pain free life, then ensuring that they stay strong is critical - and this likely needs targeted exercise. 

That includes the heart so it includes cardio as well as targeted exercise. Some of my favourite cardio activities that are also super fun are retreiving directionals and hide and seek - as well as being built into fitness activities like cavalettis and circle work. 

If your dog has a joint condition there are still loads of ways to do this safely including water walking, set pace treadmill walking, hydrotherapy, and your fitness pro can refer you if needed :)

To keep muscles strong, we need targeted loading - basically the gym for your dog :) A good fitness pro can work with you and your vet team to adapt exercises to increase strength within the constraints of any conditions. 

If your dog is in pain they may not be very interested in doing anything, so you might need to sort out a good pain management strategy with your vet before you can make a lot of progress - but remember - strength also fights pain, so its a critical part of a holistic approach to the best life possible for as long as possible. 

If you need help staying motivated, check out the FREE motivational trackers and planners I made you and STEAL MY WARMUP to make sure your dog is physically and mentally prepared.