Nurturing Strength in Their Golden Years:

The Importance of Muscle Health in Senior Dogs

As dogs get older, we often notice their love of naps grows stronger and their playful energy fades. While slowing down is a natural part of ageing, it’s important not to overlook one critical part of your senior dog’s wellbeing: muscle health.

Maintaining strong healthy muscles doesn’t just help your dog stay mobile, it’s also vital for their balance, joint health, and overall happiness in their later years.

Why Muscle Health Matters in Older Dogs

Muscles do more than just help your dog move. They support the joints, stabilise the spine, and protect the body from injury. In senior dogs, muscle mass naturally starts to decline, a process called sarcopenia. 

If left unmanaged, this can lead to:

• Difficulty standing up or lying down

• Trouble with stairs or getting into the car

• Loss of coordination or increased risk of falling    Joint strain and worsening arthritis

• A general decline in confidence and independence

The good news? With a little extra care and attention, you can help your dog maintain better muscle condition well into their golden years.

Common Causes of Muscle Loss in Senior Dogs

Some muscle loss is normal with age, but it can also be accelerated by:

• Reduced activity: Older dogs tend to move less, which means their muscles aren’t being used or strengthened.

• Chronic pain: Conditions like arthritis can make movement uncomfortable, leading to further inactivity.

• Underlying health issues: Illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disease, or hypothyroidism can impact muscle health.

• Poor diet: Lack of adequate protein or essential nutrients can slow muscle repair and growth.

How to Support Your Senior Dog’s Muscle Health

Muscle health isn't about turning your dog into a bodybuilder, it’s about supporting their ability to move, play, and enjoy life comfortably. Here’s how:

1.    Encourage Gentle, Consistent Movement:

Short daily walks and mentally stimulating play keep muscles engaged. Low-impact activities like swimming or walking on soft grass can also help reduce joint stress.

2.   Try Strength and Balance Exercises:

Book sessions with a reputable Canine conditioning coach to include simple, safe activities, helping to maintain core strength and balance.

3.  Book Regular Canine Massage or Physiotherapy:

Massage boosts blood flow, relaxes tight muscles, aids the removal of waste materials and toxins within soft tissue and can help identify early signs of muscular strain. Canine physiotherapists may also recommend tailored strengthening routines.

4.   Keep Their Environment Supportive:

Use non-slip rugs, ramps for stairs or cars, and elevated feeding stations to reduce strain during daily routines.

Signs Your Dog May Need Help with Muscle Health

If you notice any of the following, it may be time for a muscle check-up:

• Hind leg weakness or dragging feet    

• Shaky standing or sitting

•  Reluctance to walk, jump, or play

• Muscle loss along the spine or hips   

• Stiffness after resting

A veterinary assessment can rule out underlying issues and guide you on the best support plan for your dog’s specific needs, working alongside other canine health professionals such as Physiotherapists, Clinical Canine Massage Therapists and Hydrotherapists.

Final Thoughts

Your senior dog has been by your side through thick and thin. By helping them stay strong and mobile, you’re giving them the gift of continued independence and joy in their later years. Muscle health plays a huge part in that, and a little effort can go a long way toward a happy, wag-filled retirement.