Dog, Just for Fun, North Wales
Best Places To Walk Your Senior Dog In North Wales
Like us, as our dogs get older they begin to slow down. Although they might not have the same energy they had during their earlier years. They still like to get out of the house and enjoy all the wonderful smells of the outdoors.
As January is known as dog fitness month, we want to take a look at some of the wonderful places sitting on our doorsteps. Just because your pooch might be a bit older, you still want it to enjoy those golden years.
Whether or not you live in North Wales, there are some spectacular places to visit both for our lovely locals and tourists. Taking pride in the beauty that beholds this country, North Wales gives you the opportunity to build and share some wonderful memories with your four-legged friends, even our older pals.
Where to start in North Wales
A great place to explore and a little overshadowed by its sister known as The Great Orme is The Little Orme. It is located at the end of Llandudno bay and the perfect spot for taking an older dog. Especially if they have difficulties walking. If you park up nearby then it’s a nice and easy walk along the path.
This is a stunning place that offers beautiful views and if you are lucky you might see the seals in Angel Bay. With many dog walkers, your dog will thoroughly enjoy this walk. Taking in all the smells and meeting lots of furry friends along the way.
Equally the Great Orme is another beauty that offers a variety of different trails. This huge chunk of rock has many hidden gems. The long walk around the Orme might be too much for those older limbs. But fear not as there are many more paths to take. The Great Orme Tramway allows dogs on board if they are on a lead, taking you up to the summit.
Best places to walk your senior dog – A stroll round some gardens
The walkthrough Haulfre Gardens is beautiful, offering stunning panoramic views overlooking Llandudno. With small tea rooms if you and your dog need to take a rest. There is often a bowl of water left out for any passers-by looking for a delicious taste of refreshing water.
If your dog can push a little more than ten minutes. You will be led onto the side of the Great Orme overlooking West shore beach. On a fine day, the sky will be clear with views of Puffin Island and Anglesey.
Best places to walk your senior dog – Take them to Snowdonia
Betws-y-Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, is an excellent place for dogs. It is full of dog-friendly shops where the staff is known for making your pooch feel especially special. Along with lots of places to eat and drink allowing your dog to take a well-deserved rest.
There is a selection of walks to suit all different levels of walkers. Any of us taking an older dog around this beautiful spot might enjoy a walk around Llyn Elsi. It is approximately four miles so lots of breaks may need to be taken. The walk up this clearly marked path is a little steep, if you have a dog carrier it might be ideal for this part of the walk. Especially for smaller dogs who might have difficulties walking. Once you reach the woodland walk, the ground is perfect for your four-legged friend.
Best places to walk your senior dog – Get them down the beach
Talacre Beach is a stunning dog-friendly beach located near Prestatyn, holding home to the Point of Ayr lighthouse which dates back to 1776. The surrounding seawater is great for arthritic dogs, they will get some pain relief benefits. Even if they only go for a paddle as the water can help reduce the inflammation in their joints.
You and your four-legged friend will enjoy exploring this beach. It’s especially nice watching all the different birds in the sky, the sunset on a nice clear evening. Or you might be lucky enough to spot some of the rare species that inhabit this area, such as the natterjack toads. Both you and your pooch might need a little courage though, as the lighthouse is said to be haunted…
Best places to walk your senior dog – Some great lakes to walk around
If you are wanting to fill your memory book with some stunning snaps of your pet adventures then Llyn Crafnant near Llanrwst is the perfect spot. This beautiful spot has perfectly flat ground which is great for an older dog, with the opportunity to paddle in a stunning lake that lies in a beautiful valley where the forest meets the edge of the Carneddau mountains. It’s a circular trail of 2.5 miles long and is suitable for pushchairs or buggies which people often use for dogs with difficulties walking, this way they can still get the enjoyment of being in the great outdoors.
Best places to walk your senior dog – How about exploring Anglesey
Anglesey is home to some magical places and one at the top of our list is Llanddona Beach. During the months of October and April dogs are allowed to visit this lovely beach, with a long stretch of golden sand. It’s a great place if our dogs want a peaceful walk along the beach without the pressure of steep hills or uneven surfaces.
Another one of Anglesey’s treasures is Rhosneigr beach, with parking close by it’s a win-win for those little legs. To finish off your walk there are lots of local places to eat. That welcome dogs to sit and enjoy the atmosphere with their humans
A jaunt down by the rivers
Hiding away by the River Conwy is a world of beauty. Both you and your furry friend will feel like you’ve stepped into the most exquisite oil painting filled with spectacular colours. Although you must keep your dog on a lead and it is only open to our little four-legged friends at specific times throughout the year, this is a treat.
Especially for an older dog who might not get to experience as many walks as they used to. The gardens will be full of tantalizing smells which will help to stimulate their minds. The great thing about these gardens is that you can cut the walk short if it becomes too much for your dog and the car park is close by.
North Wales really does have it all, including a wondrous Towpath that runs alongside the Llangollen canal. Another great walk that is suitable for senior dogs. With some stunning views, the walk is flat which will be comforting to delicate dogs. It’s also a great place to take a buggy if your dog needs a rest along the way. The path runs from Llangollen to Hurleston Reservoir near Nantwich in Cheshire.
Get out and about with your Senior Dog
It’s really important to get your dog outside of the house. Even old dogs need mental stimulation and they won’t get that from being indoors. Being outside, even if it’s for ten minutes, will give your dog a little spring in its step. Even if it doesn’t have the same bounce it used to once have.
When they are out and about they are drawn to the smells in the air. In particular, other dogs smells, for them this is like checking their emails and texts. It’s a form of communication and something that can make a huge difference in their day.
Putting your dog out into the garden isn’t enough. If they really struggle there are a few tools that can be used to support them. Most veterinary practices supply injections that will help alleviate the pain for the month, especially if your dog suffers from arthritis.
Buggies and pushchairs as mentioned before, are fantastic ways to transport your dog on longer walks. Trailers that can be attached to the back of bicycles are also an option, just make sure you don’t go too fast, cycling over the bumpy ground can be sore on your dog’s limbs.
Best places to walk your senior dog – Bring them to the Dog Park in Abergele
If you are unsure about taking your dog to any of these destinations. We always have our dog park in Abergele with specific sessions put in place for older dogs. It’s a great way to get your dog out and about without putting too much pressure on them or you.
There is also a dog park group set up on our social channels. This is a wonderful community full of dogs and their humans. It’s a great way to meet dogs of similar ages. This is a great opportunity to meet other dog owners who may have knowledge and experience of having an older dog. They may have some excellent tips to help you out.
A lot of the members in this group are great for organising pup dates in and outside of the park which is an excellent way to get your older dog out and about.
Remember to check their diet as they get older
The bits in between and after taking your dog for a walk are just as important as the walk itself. Take into consideration what you are feeding your dog, as they get older and go on shorter or fewer walks they become less active which makes it easier for them to gain weight. It might be an idea to speak to your local vet or a member of the PetPlace team in-store who can advise you and give you information on what might suit your dog.
As well as their diet, making sure they are comfortable in between walks can help with your furry pal. A supportive, soft bed is great for recovery. There are some fantastic car beds when transporting them to and from these destinations as well as beds for the home.
Due to your older dog not getting out as much their nails will need regular trims as they won’t be able to wear them down the way they used to when out and about.
As always, if you have any questions regarding your ‘Senior Dog’, don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team, you can pop into the store or get in touch via any of our social channels or website.
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