Animal experts say it really is possible to teach an old dog new tricks – and it is important to do so in order to keep them mentally stimulated as they reach old age.
Other things you should be doing to look after your elderly dog monitoring their diet to make sure they are eating well, tailoring their daily exercise to suit their age – and simply enjoying quality time together, and taking plenty of photos and videos.
Meanwhile, things to avoid as your dog ages include assuming that just because they are getting older, they no longer want to play or be active.
It is also crucial not to forget that your dog's physical abilities may be changing – for instance, older dogs may struggle on slippery floors, so putting down rugs around the home will help them get around more easily.
The top tips come from celebrity vet Dr James Greenwood, and dog behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson – as a poll of 2,000 dog owners revealed almost a third (31%) would continue to treat an elderly dog in the same way as a younger pup.
And while 89% say they cherish quality time spent with their furry friend, 43% believe you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
In fact, over half of dog owners (51%) said they had stopped all behavioural training by the time their dog would be considered senior, which is 8-10 years old.
But encouragingly, 93% of those polled, in the research by Forthglade natural dog food, said they recognised the importance of keeping an old dog mentally stimulated, to keep their brain active.
Caroline Wilkinson said: “It’s absolutely possible to teach an old dog new tricks, to keep it mentally stimulated later in life, and reduce cognitive decline.
“We know that half the time spent on mental activity is just as stimulating for your dog as double the time on physical activity, and so this is a really easy way to keep their life enriched and happy as they get older.”
The research, via OnePoll.com, also revealed that when it comes to exercise, a quarter of dog owners believe elderly dogs should be walked for 30 minutes a day on average
And they list playing games (65%), taking their dog to their favourite walk spots (55%), and treating their pup to their favourite foods (53%), as the top ways they spend “quality time” with their dog.
Dr James Greenwood added: “As a dog ages, it’s important to keep them moving, but be sure to keep it within their own individual capabilities.
“If stiff joints or mobility problems do start to become an issue, speaking to a vet should always be the first step, as lots can be done to keep older dogs mobile.”
And with 37% unsure whether they should change their dog's diet as their pet gets older, Caroline Wilkinson said: “When keeping an older dog healthy, a good diet should be top of the list.
“Like us humans, not only does a nutritious diet boost their long-term health physically, but the stomach is the second brain, so also affects how the dog is feeling.
“If we’re feeding a good diet then the dog is going to be happier, relaxed, and content, as well as feeling physically well – a healthy diet helps with everything from energy to play, good behaviour, right through to improving sleep.”
The research follows the launch of Forthglade’s new meals for dogs that are tailored to support their varying needs, from puppies through to seniors.
CAROLINE WILKINSON’S DO'S AND DON'TS FOR CARING FOR AN ELDERLY DOG:
- DO: Keep an eye out for any changes to your dog, both physically but also mentally, and keep a close eye on anything that differs from the norm.
- DON'T: Put your own agenda and lifestyle before the dog. Ensure their walks are tailored to their age, and try and minimise drastic changes to their lifestyle or routines.
- DO: Keep their brain going by engaging with them in simple training exercises, which can have both a physical and mental element.
- DON'T: Don’t dismiss an older dog and presume they don’t want to still be active. There is a temptation to think once an old dog gets a condition, we can’t do anything with them anymore.
- DO: Make a “bucket list” for your dog. Think about the things they really love doing, and that you’d love doing with them – like going to the beach – and help them tick it off in a way that suits their needs.
- DON'T: Forget your dog’s physical abilities may be changing. Older dogs may struggle on hardwood floors, for example, so putting runners and rugs down will help them with mobility.
- DO: Enjoy the moments, and take lots of photos and videos, as dogs’ lives are so short, and the memories will last forever.
