How To Help Your Dog Live Longer
Dogs are our best friends. We love them, we care for them, and we want them to be with us as long as possible. Unfortunately, dogs don’t always live as long as we would like them to. But there are things that we can do to help extend their lifespan and keep them healthy and happy! In this article, we will discuss the importance of exercise, diet, and regular checkups with the vet. We will also provide tips on how you can help your dog live longer!
How long do dogs live?
How long do dogs live? The answer is — not long enough.
Dogs are our best friends, they are family. They are always happy to see us, no matter what kind of day we’ve had. They make us laugh, they comfort us when we’re sad, and they are always there for us. So it’s no wonder that we want them to live forever.
Unfortunately, that is not possible.
Like any living creature, dogs too have a lifespan. And while some breeds live longer than others, no dog lives forever. The average lifespan of a dog is about 12 years, though this number varies based on the size and breed of the dog.
Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, and indoor dogs typically live longer than outdoor dogs.
The dog that lived the longest was an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and five months old!
So, what can you do to make sure your furry friend also lives as long as possible?
How to help your dog live longer: Valuable Tips
- Know your dog’s background
- Regular exercise
- Healthy and well-balanced diet
- Dog supplements
- Regular checkups with the vet
- Investing in medical care
- Dental care and grooming
- Nurture dog’s mental enrichment
- Pamper your senior dog
Improve the future by knowing the past — help your dog live longer
It is important to be informed about your dog’s background.
Many people get dogs without knowing anything about their history, which can lead to problems later on.
For example, if you adopt a dog from a shelter, you may not know anything about the dog’s parents or their health history. This can make it difficult to know if the dog is at risk for certain diseases or conditions.
Similar problems can occur when thinking about getting a purebred dog. That’s why it is important to do your research and choose a reputable breeder.
When choosing a breeder, be sure to ask about the health history of the dog’s parents and grandparents, as well as any other relatives.
You should also ask about any health problems that have been seen in the puppies. A reputable breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and will provide you with a written contract that includes a health guarantee.
Also, if you already have a dog, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you have all the information you need about your dog’s background:
- Adopted dog from a shelter: the staff should be able to provide you with some basic information about the dog’s history.
- Dog is purebred: you should be able to get information about the dog’s parents and grandparents from the breeder.
- If you purchased your dog from a pet store, you may not be able to get much information, but you can still ask the store for any paperwork they have on the dog.
Another great way to know our dog’s background in these modern days is by using dog DNA tests.
Embark Dog DNA test can help your dog live longer
Embark is a dog DNA test that can be used to determine the ancestry of your dog. The test can also be used to screen for certain genetic diseases and conditions which can help you to make informed decisions about your dog’s health.
The test is simple to use. You will need to collect a sample of your dog’s saliva using the provided swab. Once you have collected the sample, you will need to register the kit online and pay the required fee.
Once your dog’s sample has been received, it will be processed and the results will be sent to you within a few weeks.
The Embark dog DNA test is a great way to learn more about your dog’s background and to ensure that your dog is healthy and free from genetic diseases.
Knowing your dog’s background is the foundation for all of the other valuable tips mentioned later on in this post. It gives you a personalized perspective on how to tend your own dog’s health and longevity.
So, keep reading for more useful tips that can help your dog live longer.
Exercise is the key to a long and healthy life
Just like us, dogs need to get regular exercise in order to stay healthy.
Exercise helps to keep dogs’ hearts healthy, their minds sharp, and their joints flexible. It also helps them maintain their optimal weight, which is important for many health reasons.
Other benefits of exercise are that it can help reduce stress, improve dogs’ mood, and even help them sleep better at night.
You should provide your dog with plenty of exercise time, but also not overdo it. Overtrained dogs can be at risk for injuries, and too much exercise can actually shorten their lifespan.
Around one hour of daily exercise is advisable in general, but this will vary depending on your dog’s age, breed, and health condition.
If you are wondering what an ideal exercise time and pace are for your dog, consulting with your veterinarian would be a smart move. He will be able to give you specific recommendations based on your dog’s age, size, breed, and health condition.
FitBark dog activity monitor can help your dog to be fit and healthy
The FitBark dog activity monitor can be a great resource to track your dog’s activity level and make sure he is getting enough exercise.
FitBark is a company that makes products to help keep dogs healthy and fit.
Their most popular product is the FitBark dog activity monitor. This device attaches to your dog’s collar and tracks their activity level, sleep quality, calories burned, and more.
This awesome gadget is loved by dog parents and veterinarians in 140+ countries. It is also waterproof and it fits collars up to 1.5″ (38 mm) wide.
The data collected by FitBark can help you and your vet make decisions about your dog’s care.
***There are affiliate links included in this article so you can buy the products I’ve mentioned. If you purchase any of the products through those links, I might get a small commission at no extra cost to you. ***
A well-balanced diet keeps your pupper with you longer
A healthy and well-balanced diet is essential for dogs. We all know that.
But what is a well-balanced diet?
Well, a well-balanced diet for dogs means that they are getting all the nutrients, minerals, and vitamins they need to stay healthy. Adequate food should provide your pup with enough energy for their daily activities such as walking, playing, and even napping.
The best way to ensure that your dogs are consuming a well-balanced diet is to feed them high-quality commercial food or make your own homemade dog food. If you prefer to make your own dog food, be sure to consult with your veterinarian first to get nutritional guidelines.
There are various types of high-quality diets, but not all of them are suitable for your dog. That’s why it is advisable that you pay attention to what type of diet suits best your furry friend.
If you notice that your dog has symptoms such as dull hair and stomach problems, this could mean that the food doesn’t agree with him.
So, whether you feed your pet with dry dog food, wet dog food, or raw food for dogs, keep your dog’s interests as a priority and switch his diet up if the current one is not agreeing with him.
Supplements can boost your dog’s health
In addition to dog food, there are also some supplements that you can give your dog to help them live a longer and healthier life.
Omega-three fatty acids are one example of a supplement that can be beneficial for dogs. These fatty acids help to keep their coat and skin healthy, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties.
PetHonesty’s Wild Alaskan Salmon Oil contains levels of EPA, DHA, and total Omega-3’s that will support your dog’s joints, heart, skin, coat, brain, and overall health. Customer reviews show an extremely high and satisfactory rate of this product.
Antioxidants are another type of supplement that can help your dog live a long life. Antioxidants help to protect their cells from damage, and they can also help to reduce the risk of some diseases.
Vitamins C and E are two examples of antioxidants that are good for dogs.
WOOF all-in-one multivitamin supercharges your dog’s nutrition to give them less pain, more energy, a softer coat, and smoother working systems. These premium natural ingredients create a creamy broth that sticks to food. It comes in liquid form which is great.
It is always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before giving your dog any supplements, as he will be able to advise you on what is best for your pet.
Preventive Care as a way to a long and healthy dog’s life
The best way to keep your dog healthy is to prevent illness before it happens. This can be done through routine check-ups with the vet and regular vaccinations.
Dogs should see the vet at least once a year for a check-up, but more often if they are puppies, senior dogs, or have health problems.
Our furry friends are susceptible to many of the same diseases that we are, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
Regular checkups with the vet can help to catch these diseases early before they progress thus leaving more chances for successful treatment.
During these checkups, the vet will also give your dog a physical examination and check their weight, which is important for maintaining their health.
Be prepared for an unexpected illness
While regular checkups with the vet are important, it is also important to be prepared for unexpected illnesses.
Unfortunately, treating some illnesses can cause some big expenses, while others may require long-term care and medication. That’s why I suggest that you prepare for these misfortunate times, just in case.
Investing in pet insurance could be a smart move for you so that you are not caught off guard if your dog becomes sick or injured. Pet insurance will help cover the cost of treatment, and it can give you peace of mind knowing that you are prepared for anything.
Buying a pet insurance policy or having a credit card reserved for your dog’s medical care are both options to think about when preparing for unexpected misfortunes.
Dental care and grooming can help your dog live longer
Another way to help your dogs live longer is to take care of their teeth and groom them.
Dental care
Just like humans, dogs need to have their teeth brushed regularly in order to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Tooth decay and gum disease can lead to other health problems, such as infections, especially in the heart and kidneys, so brushing your dog’s teeth several times a week is a smart and advisable move.
There are many different types of toothbrushes and toothpaste available for dogs, so be sure to find one that is suitable for your pet. The best toothbrush to use is double-headed with the brushes at a 45-degree angle which enables you to clean below the gumline of your pet.
Human toothpaste is not suitable for dogs and it can be harmful to them, so if you haven’t already, you should provide your dogs with a special kit to brush their teets which includes adequate toothpaste and a toothbrush.
If your pet has plaque or tartar build-up on their teeth, you may need to take them to the vet for a professional cleaning.
Groom your dog
You can help your dogs live a long life is by grooming them regularly.
Grooming helps to remove dead skin cells, dirt, and other debris from your dog’s fur. It also helps to stimulate the skin and improve circulation.
Brushing your dog’s fur regularly is the best way to keep their coat healthy and free of tangles. It is also a good bonding activity for you and your pet.
Be sure to use a brush that is suitable for your dog’s fur type. For example, if your dog has short hair, you should use a bristle brush, while if your dog has long hair, you should use a comb.
In addition to brushing, you should also bathe your dog on a regular basis. This will help to keep their skin and fur clean and healthy.
Be sure to use a shampoo that is suitable for your dog’s skin type. For example, if your dog has sensitive skin, you should use hypoallergenic shampoo.
Another benefit of dog grooming is that it can help you to detect any suspicious changes and irritations on your dog’s skin, such as lumps, bumps, or rashes.
If you notice anything unusual, be sure to take your dog to the vet for a check-up.
How can mental enrichment help your dog live longer?
Mental enrichment is important for dogs to live happy and long lives because it provides them with stimulation and keeps their minds active.
A bored dog is more likely to become anxious or depressed, which can lead to health problems.
There are many ways to provide mental enrichment for your dog:
One way is to give them toys that they have to figure out how to use, such as Kongs or puzzle toys. You can also give them food-stuffed toys that they have to work on to get the food out of.
Another way to provide mental enrichment is to make sure dogs have plenty of opportunities to exercise. This can include walks, runs, hikes, and playing fetch.
Exercise not only helps to keep their bodies healthy, but it also helps to keep their minds active and engaged.
You can also provide mental enrichment by teaching them new tricks or commands. This helps to keep their minds challenged.
Finally, one of the best ways to provide mental enrichment for your dogs is simply to spend time with them. This includes petting them, playing with them, and just spending time in their company.
Dogs are social animals and they thrive on human companionship. By spending time with your dog, you are providing them with the mental enrichment they need to be happy and healthy.
Pamper your senior dog in his golden days
By following all the tips listed above, you can without no doubt provide a happy, healthy, and fulfilled life to your dog. But — unfortunately, we cannot stop the time from passing.
Eventually, our dogs get older.
Older dogs are usually more calm, kind, and noble, but they can also be crabby, anxious, and depressed. They sometimes have a hard time moving around and they may suffer from arthritis or other age-related conditions.
There are useful products that can be used for arthritis and age-related conditions.
For example, glucosamine supplements can be used to relieve joint pain and stiffness. Omega-three fatty acids are also great for older dogs because they help reduce inflammation.
CBD oil is another popular supplement that is often used to relieve pain, anxiety, and inflammation in older dogs.
Orthopedic dog beds are also a great way to provide comfort and support for older dogs. These beds are made with memory foam, which helps to reduce pressure on the joints and muscles.
It is important to remember that older dogs still need exercise, even if it is just a short walk around the block. They also need mental stimulation, such as learning new tricks or playing with interactive toys.
Older dogs may need to eat a special diet to maintain their health, and they may need more frequent trips to the vet.
But most importantly, older dogs need love and attention. They need to feel wanted and needed. So, if you have an older dog, be sure to give him plenty of love and affection.
Pamper your senior dog and make sure he knows that you will always be there for him.
Conclusion
Dogs are amazing creatures that bring joy into our lives. They are loyal, loving, and kind. Dogs make us laugh, they comfort us when we’re sad, and they are always happy to see us. So, it is natural that we want them to stick around for as long as possible.
In this post, we have discussed some tips on how to make your dog live a long and healthy life. We have talked about the importance of exercise, a healthy diet, regular checkups with the vet, and knowing your dog’s background.
We have also talked about how to pamper your senior dog and make him comfortable and happy in his golden years.
By following these tips, you can give your dog the best possible chance at a long and happy life!
For related posts, check out my blog De Canibus Selfade. **lead to my page**
Thanks for reading!