If you search for dog health advice on Google, you’ll see that one of the most prevalent queries is “How to make my dog live a long life.” This demonstrates that every pet parent fantasizes that their cherished pet will never leave them. You may help your dog live longer without finding the fountain of doggy youth. Of course, certain breeds live longer than others, but these guidelines can be applied to any dog.
Encourage a nutritious diet.
Dogs that eat less live longer lives. A study found that dogs raised on a restricted-calorie diet around 25% less than “normal” suggested amounts of food survived an average of two years longer than dogs given more. Of course, you should not substantially cut your dog’s caloric intake without first visiting a veterinary internal medicine specialist. Still, this research backs up the common-sense notion that a dog with a healthy weight lives a longer life because obese dogs are also more prone to heart disease and painful joint problems.
The quality of the food you feed your dog is also important. Examine the labels. Avoid “meat byproducts,” sweets, high salt levels, and extra fillers. To assist your dog’s health, look for whole ingredients and responsible sourcing techniques in your dog food.
Exercise and outdoor fun.
Diet isn’t the only method to keep your dog fit. Exercise is essential for extending your dog’s life; as an added benefit, it will help you live longer. Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, enhance endorphins, and regulate mood and emotions in humans and dogs because regular exercise helps your dog maintain a healthy weight, muscle mass, and cardiovascular system.
If you want to extend her life, consider taking long evening walks and jogging. Allow your dog to play off-leash with a canine companion or two: socializing with other dogs is another approach to minimize stress and increase her general quality of life.
Maintaining mental fitness is also important.
Dogs, like people, require mental stimulation to stay happy. A bored dog might develop depression, anxiety, and even illness. You may make your dog live longer by keeping her engaged. Keep her mind engaged with training, socialization, games, one-on-one attention, and other enrichment activities as she ages.
It’s never too late to teach an aging dog new tricks: enroll in advanced obedience classes or participate in a canine sport such as agility or lure coursing. Your dog will benefit from the increased stimulation, and your friendship will develop as you master new abilities together.
Don’t forget to clean their teeth.
Dental hygiene is an important element of pet care that is frequently disregarded. Many of us, like me, simply fail to brush your dogs’ teeth regularly. Poor oral hygiene can develop plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease, leading to heart and organ damage in dogs.
The good news is that maintaining your dog’s chompers is simple. Simply wash her teeth regularly, provide safe chew toys and dental treats, and have her teeth checked by the vet during her annual veterinary dentistry appointments.
Follow your doctor’s advice.
Wellness checkups are intended to “maintain optimal health,” They serve as a tangible record of your dog’s health history as she ages. They also allow your veterinarian to detect any problems early on, and a problem detected early on is more likely to be successfully treated and resolved. Your dog will live longer and healthier with regular preventative care with more detail, and even if your dog is healthy, she should see the vet once a year and twice a year as she ages.
Conclusion
People outlive pets, which is a sad reality of dog parenting, and there are no miracle products that will extend your dog’s life well beyond her breed’s natural lifespan. However, with careful care, enrichment, and regular veterinarian attention, you may be able to extend her life. Your time together is valuable, so practice good behaviors, keep your dog physically and mentally engaged, and appreciate every moment.
