Your dog may be slowing down, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't get out. In fact, he'll be happier and healthier if you keep him exercising. This doesn't mean going on the same five-mile runs you did when he was six or seven. Take into consideration the fact that his joints are stiffer, his energy level is lower, and his systems are working harder to keep up. All dogs are individuals, and the amount of exercise they can handle varies with the dog's breed, age, regular activity level, and so on. The point is, you know your dog and you know what he's capable of. Don't push him, but don't sell him short, either.

One thing you should continue to do as long and as often as possible is get your senior out for his regular walks. Not only are these good for his body (to keep those joints and muscles moving a bit and not stiffening up from lack of use), they're good for his soul. Without his walk, your dog is cut off from a great deal of the world — the one he knows by the smells he finds as you take your walk, wherever it may be.

The other activity you should continue with your dog as often as possible is to take him for car rides as you did throughout his life. For dogs who love their car rides, these can be the highlights of their day or week. They will reinvigorate your senior. While this may not seem like exercise per se, getting to the car, into and out of the car, and being wherever it may be that you go in the car are all opportunities to use his body and mind.