Should I limit exercise for my very active older dog?

[ObsessiveGoogler]

I have a 14-year-old mixed breed who is still incredibly active. She'll run for miles quite happily - if I walk four she'll run at least twice that. I've always been pleased she's so fit, but was just wondering as she's getting older should I be limiting her at all for the sake of her joints? She sometimes seems a little stiff of an evening, but is always rearing to go again by the next morning. We give her joint supplements. My previous dog developed severe arthritis at this age, and I really want to avoid this.

I’m not a vet but I’d say, if she’s starting to get stiff, perhaps rein it in a little or replace with swimming same benefits less impact.

Having said that, if she’s happily trotting along in front of you by the end of the walk, as opposed to lagging behind or alright down. She’s obviously really fit and enjoying herself and unfortunately they don’t live forever so should live well.

Thanks - yes no signs of slowing down by the end of a walk and keeps running all the time she’s off-lead. I’m really careful in warm weather. She does love her runs so wouldn’t want to reduce them unless there’s a good reason.

Do you give her any supplements?

My nearly 13 year old spaniel still loves his walks, I try and limit them to 4k steps maximum for me as he does way more than that. We do one longish walk in the morning and then 2 short walks late afternoon/before bed. He's got arthritis but the vet said to keep active to keep his muscles from wasting. He has medication and we use Zoomy (hylauronic acid) supplement.

Yes, Jointaid.

I'd prioritise quality of life over length of life. If she is happy running and running I'd do what I could to make that keep happening. If that means that she only lasts another year or so rather than two or three I'd be happy with that.

My old but active ones do very well on cod liver oil and Yumove. Helps with the stiffness after a long run.

I agree - but want to keep her pain free as long as possible. @Buildingthefuture will add in CLO.

Might be an idea to take her for a vet check.
She might benefit from some low level pain relief for the stiffness.

Agree with @ACynicalDad !

My eldest Golden is nearly 14. She’s still doing 5-6 miles a day, but when she does slow down to much, or gets too stiff, I’ll call time. She’s a bit stiff now when she finishes a walk, and sometimes in the morning or if she’s been sat down for too long. But if I cut her walks to preserve her joints she’d be miserable and at nearly 14 she deserves the best few months I can give her.

No one will ever convince me a dog that used to do 10 miles a day easily (as my girls do/did), would be happy doing 30-40 minutes a day to ‘give them longer.’

I’ve tried supplements but not seen any improvement (and I do think most are just a waste of money) over the last three weeks. I’ll give her a bit longer on them, but after that I’ll take her off them.

This was exactly our approach with our old boy, and I still think we made the right call.

Thanks. Think I’ll carry on as we are. Unfortunately swimming not an option as she despises water. If she seems to be getting more stiff I’ll take her to the vet, and carry on with supplements on the off chance they help. She’s still living her best life at the moment so won’t interfere with that.