If your middle aged companion animals don’t seem as interested in play, don’t give up – adapt. Older animals may have physical changes that impact how they play, even if they aren’t suffering from major illnesses. Issues like reduced energy or changes in hearing and eyesight may impact an animal’s play behaviors. The key is to adapt play to meet their current physical abilities rather than to give it up because the social, mental, and bonding benefits are still highly important to maintain health in animals’ older years.

• Talk to your vet. Like people, as animals age it’s important to know what kinds of behaviors should be avoided. Discuss any particular health challenges and their limits with your vet in advance of launching a new exercise routine for senior companion animals.
• Slowing familiar games down is a great way to adapt.  For example, for an older dog who always loved a good game of fetch as a pup, try rolling a ball a short distance in the living room instead of pitching it across a field. The activity will still bring stimulation and engagement without vigorous exercise that may exacerbate physical challenge. An older cat may need increased access to different levels so s/he doesn’t have to jump as high to reach ‘t a favorite perch or window.
• Let play be play – keep it fun. Play time is all about fun, so don’t bring out the nail clippers, training challenges, or whatever it is your animals have learned to tolerate over the years. For an older animal, a bait and switch may result in frustration that is hard to undo.
• Dogs don’t need to learn how to lose. It may be helpful for a human to learn they won’t always win, but don’t teach that lesson to your dog. For an older dog, games like keep away may lead to just that, but they will keep away from engaging. Dogs often give up on games they can’t win. For an older dog especially, that may translate into the loss of important social and mental stimulation as well as bonding- so play nice.
• Most of all, love. Seems obvious, but spending time with an animal who is slowing down is all about letting them know you care. Make the most of your furry friends’ older years!