THE old saying you can’t teach an old dog new tricks is just a myth.

According to natural pet supplement manufacturer, Lintbells, senior dogs can still be the same as when they were younger, but owners need to pay closer attention to their pet’s diet and exercise regime.

Older dogs still need exercise and tend to be happier and healthier if they have enough exercise to suit their age and ability.

There are a number of ways owners can keep their pet’s moving, including swimming, short walks, balance training and trick training.

However, if your dog is physically unable to manage lots of exercise, owners can try brain games, treat balls or a treat finder.

People are advised to consult their vet for guidance on how much exercise their dog can comfortably enjoy.

It’s also important to ensure you are feeding your older dog high quality food that is appropriate for their age and health condition.

A spokesperson for Lintbells said: “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.”

Owners should keep an eye on the amount of treats they give their dog, particularly as they may be doing less exercise.

Dogs should also be weighed every six months as weight loss can be an early sign of illness.

Making sure your pooch 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. Owners may want to consider an orthopaedic or padded bed.

If your dog experiences stiff joints, you may want to consider using ramps instead of stairs, while 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, said: “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.”