We all can agree that our dogs do not live anywhere near as long as we want them to. We wrote this article to include some tips to help extend the time we have with our best pals.
1. Maintain your dog’s dental health: Tooth decay is common, but an extremely dangerous health problem for dogs. Tooth decay will eventually lead to infections that enter through the dog’s gums. Our dogs will not have picture perfect teeth, but they should be cleaned regularly to avoid serious problems.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has become a serious problem in pets. Dogs can become overweight if they eat a lot of fatty human foods, or if they are simply eating too much dog food without getting enough exercise. Stick to a consistent feeding and walking routine on a daily basis. It is also important to keep them at a consistent amount of daily food and treats.
3. Vet checkups and vaccination: Routine checkups with your vet can help detect diseases or any health related problems at an early stage, while things are still treatable and have not gotten too far out of hand. The same goes for vaccines, which can save your pups life. It is recommended by experts that your dog visits the veterinarian at least two times per year while they are puppies and at least annually once they are fully grown
4. Daily exercise: Dogs need to work themselves the same way that us people do. In a perfect world, your dog should get a chance to exercise every day to improve or maintain their health and maintain a safe body weight. The exercise your dog receives does not need to be structured into a routine or broken down into reps/sets, but they should be running around for a good amount of time. This would be in addition to the normal walks you take them on throughout the day.
5. Choosing the right food and treats: When choosing between popular brands of dry and wet food formula, it is best to choose a brand that starts the ingredient’s list with real meat and only contains the finest natural ingredients. And because your dog is different from my dog, companies often have formulas made to meet the specific needs of different dogs. Based on the age, breed, size and dietary needs, you are sure to find a wholesome formula by doing a bit of research.
I have read some horror stories regarding dog treats. In fact, I have decided to only provide my dogs with all natural treats moving forward. Some good ideas for a healthy dog treat are: Peanut Butter, Apples, Blueberries, Carrots, various types of Jerky, and by doing some research, or talking with your vet, you can learn about some other natural sources for treats.
The Run Down: The key to longevity in dogs starts with a healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, daily exercise, a healthy diet, and regular checkups. Huh…sounds familiar, right? Think of your pet’s well being in the same way that you would think of your own.
As much as we would like to deny it, our trusty best friend is getting older. With aging, you will notice your dog’s health deteriorating, but fortunately you can prolong the life of your dog and slow down the effects of aging by following the advice in this article!
