Top do’s and don’ts from animal experts on how to look after an elderly dog

Experts have revealed the top things you should and shouldn’t be doing with your elderly dog – such as keeping it mentally stimulated, but not expecting it to run for more than 60 minutes. Celebrity vet Dr James Greenwood, and dog behaviourist Caroline Wilkinson, said teaching your old dog new tricks is beneficial when it comes to keeping your old dog healthy and happy in their golden years.

However, expecting them to run long distances, having them struggle on slippery flooring, and “replacing” them too soon, are big no-nos for your elderly canine companion.

It’s critical to remember a dog’s life cycle runs much quicker than a human’s – so while you may still feel happy going for multi-mile walks or playing rough, they might have moved past this phase.

It comes after research of 2,000 dog owners, commissioned by Forthglade natural dog food, found 43 percent believe you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

And nearly a third (31 percent) would continue treating an elderly dog exactly the same way they would a younger pup – while 37 percent feel unsure if they should even change their dog’s diet as it ages.

But 93 percent recognise 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.”

However, more than half of dog owners (51 percent) cited that they had stopped all behavioural training by the time their dog would be considered senior, which is 8-10 years old.

But nearly nine in ten (89 percent) respondents say they cherish the time they spend with their four-legged friend.

They list playing games (65 percent), taking their dog to their favourite walk spots (55 percent), and treating their pup to their favourite foods (53 percent), as the top ways they spend “quality time” with their dog.

And when it comes to exercise, a quarter of dog owners believe elderly dogs should be walked for 30 minutes a day on average, according to the OnePoll.com data.

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 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.

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