Can you teach an old dog new tricks?

Senior dogs can still be the same fun furry friends as when they were younger, but they may need an extra bit of TLC and some closer care and attention paid to their diet and exercise regime.

There are a number of important things to remember if you are the owner of a senior dog, from changing their food to keeping up regular exercise — all to ensure they get the most out of every day and live a long and happy life.

You may think older dogs no longer need or are able to exercise, but this isn’t the case. In fact older dogs tend to be happier and healthier if they have an enough exercise to suit their age and ability.

Remember, the fitter they are today the more likely it is they’ll be fit and happy tomorrow. There are a number of ways which you can keep your oldie moving, including swimming, short walks, balance training and trick training.

Owners can also try brain games, such as treat balls or a treat finder, if your dog physically can’t manage lots of exercise. These are great for brain function and mental health. It’s important to consult your vet for guidance on exactly how much exercise your dog can comfortably enjoy.

Ensure you are feeding your older dog high quality food that is appropriate for their age and health condition. There are many specially formulated diets to help manage various medical conditions related with ageing, but consult a vet before making this change – and ensure any change in diet is introduced gradually.

Also keep an eye on the number of treats you give your dog, as they may be doing less exercise now they are older.

It’s also important to try and weigh your dog every six months to monitor their weight as weight loss can be an early sign of illness.

Enhancing your dog’s diet with natural supplements such as should also be considered as they can significantly aid with stiff joints, support joint structure and promote mobility all of which are vital for an elderly dog.

Making sure your four legged friend has a comfortable bed at home is another key way of keeping them happy and healthy, this is particularly beneficial for dogs with stiff joints. You may want to consider an orthopaedic or padded bed.

And if your dog experiences stiff joints consider using ramps instead of stairs, even softening hard wood floors with carpet or rugs can help stiff joints, particularly if your older dog struggles with slippery floors.

Siobhan Griffin, learning and development executive at Lintbells and former veterinary nurse, added: “Dogs are most definitely for life and continue to be amazing companions throughout. It can sometimes be sad to see them get older as they may slow down, seem less excitable and even start turning grey.

“Owners shouldn’t worry about this, instead they should focus on adapting small changes to their routines. By monitoring their diet and exercise and just making sure they have a comfortable and happy life at home. We would highly recommend adding high quality and natural supplements to their diet as well, as they have multiple benefits for elderly dogs.”