Could your yard help your dog live longer and better?

Key takeaways:

Research suggests that backyard enrichment can support dogs’ cognitive health, mobility, and emotional well-being as they age.
Experts say reducing chronic stress, preventing tick exposure, and encouraging mentally stimulating outdoor activity can all contribute to a healthier canine lifespan and health span.
A dog-friendly backyard with rotating scents, joint-friendly surfaces, and quality play time can help dogs stay happier and healthier longer.

If every pet parent had one wish, it'd be for their pup to live longer. With a dog's average lifespan of 10 years for our biggest fellas and 15 years for the littlest ones, it's never enough time together.

That said, science is stepping up: The folks over at The Dog Aging Project are working on a pill that could add years to your dog's life, and some pet parents are turning to cryopreservation. More immediately, however, research is decoding the secrets to your dog's longer lifespan and health span, or the amount of quality years they enjoy. And the insight from that, for lawn-lovers like us, is that your backyard can be an anti-aging oasis. Here's how:

How backyard play can affect your dog’s stress levels

It’s easy to sit on the deck and throw a ball for your dog to chase and bring back to you. Your dog probably even enjoys it. However, a recent study says don’t overdo it. “Fetch is fine; ceaseless and repetitive chasing a ball for hours is not,” explains Dr. Leslie Sinn, CPDT-KA, DVM, DACVB, a veterinarian at Behavior Solutions in Ashburn, Virginia. “Some dogs become so ball-obsessed they cannot relax in the presence of a ball…some will remain over-aroused for a long period afterward.”

According to Dr. Sinn, over-arousal in dogs — a fancy way of saying that their fight-or-flight pathway is activated — can spike cortisol levels. Studies have shown that cortisol spikes can affect your dog’s frequency of bacterial or viral infections, and there may be a link between mental stress in dogs and some forms of cancer.

The solution? Structured play, like a lawn obstacle course or a backyard nosework game. Take a look at your space with an eye toward providing thick lawns, which are a perfect place for your dog to run and roll, as well as some dedicated soil patches where your dog can dig without destroying your favorite plants.

Why sniffing is good for your dog’s cognitive and emotional health

Zooming in on the topic of nosework, while there’s not a direct link to longevity, studies have shown that sniffing boosts a dog’s emotional well-being and is likely to lead to lower stress levels, making this a win for your dog’s health span.

The takeaway for your yard: Construct a sniff station. Secure trellises to the side of your house or a fence. Add detachable flowerpots filled with dog-friendly herbs, like basil, dill, lemon balm, salad burnet, thyme, or rosemary — any nontoxic plants will do.

The key is to rotate the pots once a week, so that your dog continues to benefit from the variety. Sniffing has often been compared to social media for dogs; think of a sniff station like your dog’s very own FYP, keeping them engaged and curious.

How to protect your dog from ticks in the backyard

“We are observing a substantial increase in tick exposure among both humans and pets,” says Saravanan Thangamani, PhD, a professor of microbiology and immunology and expert on ticks at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York. One stat to ponder: There’s been a whopping 78% rise in the number of ticks submitted to the Upstate Tick Testing Laboratory so far this year, which receives ticks from all over the U.S. for identification.

A bite from a tick can harm your dog’s health span and lifespan, potentially transmitting Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and ehrlichiosis. “These infections can lead to chronic illness, joint pain, lethargy, neurological complications, or kidney damage if left untreated,” notes Dr. Thangamani.

Flea and tick medication is a must, and using tick-control products in your backyard can play a key role in minimizing risk to your dog and your family. Also make your property inhospitable to these bugs. They thrive in tall grass, piles of leaves, wooded areas, and dense vegetation. In fact, one study found more than three times as many deer tick nymphs in areas with large leaf piles compared with areas where leaves had been cleared.

How your yard can help offset arthritis in dogs

Yup, dogs get arthritis, too. In one study of dogs age eight years and older, more than 57% had arthritis in the elbow and nearly 40% had it in the hip, impacting their mobility and quality of life.

As your dog ages, ramps vs. steep stairs may be an obvious move; keeping your lawn lush, like a soft carpet for your canine, can help, too. Pet-friendly mulch and rubber pavers instead of concrete paths are a wise choice, too.

But how about some gentle-on-the-joints water time, too? Paddling in a pool deep enough for your dog to stretch its limbs, if available, can help regain joint movement in pooches with osteoarthritis, according to one study. You might try a DIY project, like this Dachshund who has his very own custom water treadmill in the yard.

Why social time in the yard helps dogs age better

As the years pass, dogs shouldn’t be “lone wolves.” One analysis of 25,000 canines by the Dog Aging Project found that social companionship was tied to healthier aging. Puppy playdates in the yard are a good thing, but not all dogs will adore playing with other canines, Dr. Sinn says. Pups who don’t tolerate other dogs well will be much happier hanging out with you in the backyard, and that’s absolutely okay. So take breaks to engage with your constant companion, and enjoy the together time!

About the Writer

Marti Trgovich has written about animals for National Geographic, the Washington Post, Newsweek, and Kinship. She lives in New York City with a small senior Chihuahua named Gus, whose dream yard is actually the city’s Riverside Park.

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