How to Help Your Dog Live Longer
Although certain breeds typically live longer than others, there are ways that you can help your dog to live a long and healthy life no matter their genetic make-up.
From ensuring they eat a healthy diet, giving them the best supplements, keeping them physically and mentally fit, keep reading to find out how you can help your dog live longer and better.
Encourage a good diet
As a general rule, dogs that eat less live longer. This is because being overweight puts your dogs at risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Of course, you shouldn’t dramatically cut your dog’s daily intake, but you should make sure that the food they are eating gives them all the nutrients they need.
Look for whole ingredients and avoid generic dog food brands whose products are usually high in sugar, sodium, and other unnecessary nasties. When I doubt, it’s always best to use fresh meat and poultry, such as chicken, beef, and lamb.
Give them supplements
Around one-third of dogs in the UK take some form of supplement to improve their health. With many different supplements available, from gut supplements for dogs to supplements designed to help arthritis, to everyday vitamins that promise good overall health, Buddy & Lola are a great online retailer for preventative healthcare for your dog.
Other popular supplements for dogs include glucosamine, fish oil, and probiotics.
Ensure regular exercise
If you want your dog to lead a long and healthy life, you need to make sure that they are getting enough exercise. As well as having the ability to keep your dog at a healthy weight, physical activity can also lower their stress levels, help to balance their mood and keep their cardiovascular system in optimum condition.
Ideally, you should be walking your dog at least once a day and should try and incorporate jogging into their routine. It can also be a good idea to let them off their lead to run about and socialise with other dogs.
Focus on mental wellbeing
Making sure that your dog is mentally as well as physically fit is crucial if you want to prolong their life as dogs thrive on mental stimulation. There are several ways that you can keep your dog mentally fit, including teaching them new tricks, allowing them to socialise with other dogs, and providing one-on-one attention.
If you are out of the house for a long time, you may want to think about placing them in a doggy daycare centre so that they can interact with both people and other dogs daily.
Look after their teeth
Often overlooked by dog owners, poor dental hygiene can lead to a whole host of issues, including a build-up of plaque, gingivitis, and periodontal disease which has been linked to organ damage in dogs.
Fortunately, it is very easy to care for your dog’s teeth. All you need to do is brush them regularly, provide dental treats and take them to the vet for annual check-ups.
