A Detailed Guide on How to Make Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life

Do you want to know how to make your dog live longer?  Pets improve their households in a lot of different ways. They make the house livelier, are good with the kids, and can also improve your health and mood by being around you. These qualities make dogs an important part of any household.  Since they do a great job taking care of you, it’s only fair that you take care of them, too. Dogs often live up to 10 or 13 years old. There are some cases where they can live up to 20, though. If you want to keep your best friend around for as long as you can, then read what we have below. Here are some tips for you to give your dog a long and happy life with you.

1. Stick to a Strict Diet

Being overweight or obese is among the main reasons dogs have shorter lifespans on average nowadays. It’s tempting to give them as many treats as they want because of how adorable they look when they beg you for some. You must restrain yourself and stick to a strict diet instead.  Studies show that, like humans, dogs get all the nutrition they need from 3 full meals per day. How much you give them per serving will depend on their size and weight. If your dog is bordering the line between overweight and obese, though, then you want to alter the servings to fit the weight you want them to land on.  Do this in increments. Feeding them too little can cause malnutrition and depression. They should get used to the portions you will feed them if you plan on feeding them less to keep them healthy.  What you feed them also matters. The ideal meal for them is a high-quality brand of dog food. This makes them have a shinier coat, improved immune system, and better intestinal health.

2. Keep Them in Shape

Your dogs being obese can subject them to serious health issues. They can become victims of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer if they go over their recommended weight. Keep them in shape by exercising them to prevent this from happening.  Starting with slow walks around your property is a great way to introduce exercise to an obese dog. You can also try the water treadmill therapy with them to keep them active. Keeping them in water helps them carry the weight they have, allowing for longer and easier workouts for your dog.  Your dog can also have exercise on their own. You can leave them off the leash and allow them to roam around. This is only dangerous if you think the neighborhood isn’t trustworthy.  You can have them explore to their heart’s content, otherwise. Going out by themselves means they get to know the path back home.  The only way this becomes dangerous for your dog is if he gets in fights with other dogs. This often happens when it’s the mating season and they become aggressive. Desexing your pet can prevent them from coming to harm.

3. Stay on Top of Their Dental Hygiene

An often-undetected threat to your dog’s health lies in their teeth. Dogs love putting things in their mouths when they are curious. They also enjoy chewing on anything they can find.  This puts them in a delicate situation where they can chew on something sharp by accident. Wounds in the mouth often go unnoticed until there’s an infection. It’s also guaranteed they get an infection because of their diets and behaviors.  This can make them victims of kidney and liver problems if you don’t check upon them. This is a good reason to stay on top of their dental hygiene and check them on the regular. You must also brush their teeth as often as you can to keep their teeth in top condition.  You can also get them special chew toys and toothpaste to assist you with this. These can reduce the amount of plaque in their teeth. Doing this helps prevent the aforementioned organ damage that having poor dental hygiene entails.

4. Keep Away from Artificial Chemicals

There are a lot of anti-flea powders and topical creams available for dogs in the market today. They’re useful in getting rid of pesky parasites, but they can leave your dog with a lot of conditions.  The chemicals that kill off the fleas and ticks can damage your dog’s skin and hair. They can trigger allergies and skin issues after long-term use. They can even prove to be lethal when they get into your dog’s system.  It can cause liver failure by forcing the liver to work beyond its normal capacity. It can also cause human livers to end up the same way if you get these chemicals inside you.  Explore natural alternatives to keeping your dog pest-free, instead. These require some preparation and maintenance, but they’re much safer than any quick fix you can buy in the market.

5. Keep Them Happy as Much as You Can

Dogs are creatures of mental stimulation. This makes them happier and helps them live a longer life. Knowing how to make your dog live longer isn’t enough if they’re unhappy.  Depression can hit hard for animals. They stop eating anything and they often lose any interest in any activity. This can make them malnourished and also make their muscles atrophy.  This leaves them open to more diseases that can spell the end for them. Keep them happy by doing what makes them happy. Small activities are often enough to keep them entertained.  You must also remember to show them you love them. They’re pack-animals by nature. Feeling included is an important part of their mental health.  Leaving them for extended periods will make them feel left out. Include them on any trip you take to prevent isolation.

Learn How to Make Your Dog Live Longer Today

Dogs live their entire lives with you. Return the favor and learn how to make your dog live longer today! They give us their best, so they deserve the best we can give them.  If you’re looking for more tips to take care of your dog or other lifestyle guides, we’ve got you covered. Feel free to read more of our posts today and discover amazing tips and tricks!