Senior Dogs: 6 Must-Try Bonding Activities in Vancouver

Go on a Nature Walk (or Drive)

Walks are still a wonderful, low-impact activity for your dog or adventurous cat, even as seniors. While your pet may not be able to walk for as long or as far, especially if they have stiff joints, walking is still a great enrichment activity. It helps stimulate all the senses and keeps your pet active. Walking is recommended for senior pets to help keep their joints in shape, and keep excess weight off — a problem that can worsen health problems in the golden years.

If your pet is too old to walk for long distances, consider attaching a wagon to a bike, or taking a ride in your car with the windows cracked. Your pet can still enjoy the sights and smells of the great outdoors without taxing their bodies.

If you’re local to Vancouver you can check out this article that gives the 5 Best Dog Friendly Trails in Metro Vancouver for you to explore with your senior dog.

Have a Pet Photo Session

Create everlasting memories and share joyful moments with your senior pet through a memorable pet photo session. A pet photo session is a great way to make memories with your senior pet you’ll get to keep forever. Hire a pet photographer to take some photos together of you and your pet cuddling, or out enjoying an activity. Best of all, your pet photographer can help you create personalized and memorable wall art, albums, and other keepsakes for your home showcasing your pet. 

Enjoy Some Massage With Your Senior Pet

Indulge in a soothing treat that even your beloved senior pet will adore—massage therapy! Whether you opt for an in-home session with a professional pet physical therapist or follow along with an online video, this gentle practice offers a remarkable opportunity to strengthen your bond.

Massage helps your cat or dog relax, and creates a comfortable, low-stress way to spend time together. Massage can also help relieve joint stiffness and soreness, and is a great way to check for any changes, such as new lumps or bumps, on your pet’s body. If you’re looking for a professional you could check out Vancouver Animal Massage.

Try Some Tasty Treats

Enjoying a snack together is a great way to spend some time with your dog or cat. There are many pet-safe recipes online you can try out that are both safe for your pet and for you to eat! Try out some dried sweet potato for a dog that enjoys chewing, or soft and chewy tuna treats for your senior cat.

Treats are a great way to share love and spend some time together on a gentle activity — just make sure not to give too many at once!

Bring them to Your Local Pet Store 

Enhance your senior pet's day with exciting outings to the nearby pet store, where they can personally select a brand-new toy, delectable treat, enticing bone, or stylish accessory. Introducing novel experiences and introducing them to new faces will undoubtedly enrich your furry friend's life.

Embrace the opportunity to broaden their horizons, as these adventures not only add joy and excitement but also promote mental stimulation and socialization for your senior pet. A few local spots to try and take them to could be Uptown Dog, KornaPet, Simply Natural Raw Pet, Petland or a local PetValu.

Bring Your Pup to a Beach 

Immerse your senior dog in the ultimate beachside relaxation or invigorating swim, creating a memorable activity to cherish. It's important to select a day with moderate temperatures to ensure your dog's comfort and make sure to provide ample shade for them to rest in.

Vancouver boasts an array of splendid dog-friendly beaches where you and your furry companion can bask in leisurely moments together. From Hadden Beach to Sunset Beach Park and Trout Lake Beach, the options are plentiful for you and your pup to unwind and soak up the sun in true beachside bliss.

Embrace the golden years of your senior pet and discover the countless ways you can continue to create cherished moments together. Despite the natural slowing down that may accompany this stage of life, there is an abundance of delightful activities awaiting you and your furry friend. Give one of the above activities a try and unlock a world of tail-wagging fun and heartwarming experiences that will etch beautiful memories in both your hearts.