Make Your Senior Dog Smile with the Towel Roll Game

As our dogs get older, their needs change. Senior dogs often slow down, develop stiffness, or lose a bit of mobility - especially in their neck and shoulders.

The good news? With the right low-impact exercises, you can help your old dog stay mobile, healthy, and happy.

One of my favourite exercises to recommend for senior dogs is the Towel Roll Game. It’s simple, requires no special equipment, and combines gentle stretching with fun enrichment.

What Is the Towel Roll Game?

The Towel Roll game is a DIY enrichment game and exercise where your dog uses their nose to push open a rolled-up towel filled with hidden treats or kibble.

Not only does it make your dog smile, but it also:

• Encourages neck mobility

• Promotes problem solving and mental enrichment

• Slows down fast eaters

• Supports overall health in senior dogs

  
  

It’s the perfect mix of physical exercise, enrichment, and fun.

How To Do the Towel Roll Game

1. Lay out a towel and scatter a few treats (or your dog’s dinner) along it.

2. Roll the towel up, hiding the food inside. Start loosely if your dog is new to the game.

3. Place it on the floor and encourage your dog to nudge and push it with their nose.

4. Reward as they go — each successful push reveals a tasty surprise.

5. Repeat 2–3 times and keep the game short, fun, and positive.

   
   

Pro Tip: If your dog is overweight, use part or all of their normal dinner instead of extra treats. You can even get creative by rolling the towel into shapes - like a snail shell or simple towel animal - to keep things exciting.

Benefits of the Towel Roll Game for Senior Dogs

The Towel Roll isn’t just a fun game - it’s a therapeutic exercise with a range of benefits for older dogs:

• Neck Mobility – Encourages gentle stretching and movement through the neck, easing stiffness that’s common in senior dogs.

• Upper Body Strength – Engages muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper spine, supporting better posture and mobility.

• Cognitive Stimulation – Problem solving, sniffing, and nudging keep ageing brains active and engaged.

• Slower Eating & Digestion – Using kibble turns this into a slow-feeding game, which is healthier for dogs that usually gobble food.

• Weight Management – Swap treats for dinner to avoid extra calories while still keeping mealtimes fun.

• Confidence Boost – Achieving the goal of unrolling the towel gives your dog a sense of accomplishment and joy.

  
  

  

  You can keep your old dog pain free and mobile at home with easy exercises & games.

  
  

Why Senior Dogs Need Gentle Exercises

Senior dogs often face challenges like arthritis, stiffness, or reduced muscle strength. Regular, gentle exercises like the Towel Roll Nose Push can:

• Support joint health and flexibility

• Keep muscles strong to reduce the risk of injury

• Encourage safe, low-impact movement

• Maintain a dog’s mental wellbeing and confidence

  
  

It’s about quality of life - helping your dog feel good, move more comfortably, and stay engaged with the world around them.

Try It With Your Dog Today!

The Towel Roll Game is a simple, effective, and fun way to support your senior dog’s health right from home. Whether you use it as a daily enrichment game, a gentle stretch before a walk, or as part of dinnertime, your dog will love the rewards - both physical and tasty!

Want more senior dog health tips, exercises, and enrichment ideas?

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