It is no secret that we sometimes take more of a liking to our furry loved ones than many people around us. We develop a loving companionship with our pets, a sense of trust and safety, and some of the truest of friendships. Dogs are easily one of the world's favorite pet choices, and for good reason: they bring us so many positive attributes that people yearn to make them part of their families. Unfortunately, we all know that pets don’t live forever, regardless of how badly we want them to. However, there are certain things that pet owners can do to extend the length and quality of their pets' lives!
Here are 10 Useful Tips on how to help your dog live longer... and happier!
1. MAKE SURE YOUR DOG HAS A PRETTY SMILE
You may or may not realize it, but not caring for your dog’s oral health can lead to bad conditions besides bad breath, bleeding gums, and teeth loss. Yes, just like you and I, dogs are subject to periodontal disease.
People typically forget about this issue or just completely ignore it... but this is way too important not to keep at the top of your list. Just like humans, your dog's oral hygiene is tremendously important, and just like in humans, poor oral hygiene can also affect other health issues in dogs, including broken jaws and even heart disease. To worsen the issue, due to the fact that dogs are so good at hiding pain, you may not even realize there’s a problem.
In a nutshell, bad oral health for a dog can cause serious diseases and even lead to death. Good oral health could indeed help your dog live longer!
SOLUTION: Keep your dog's oral health the best you possibly can. And yes you can (and should) brush your teeth.
2. STOP WITH THE JUNK FOOD... AND TABLE SCRAPS
Junk food is exactly that: junk. Most people are very aware that it is very bad for human health. So why do you think it would be good for your dog? It’s not! Consider the chemicals, preservatives, and filler in your “corporate restaurant fast food. Maybe you are aware of the health consequences, and maybe you’re not, but either way, it is horrible for you and your dog. We often think that it’s a treat to throw our dog some of our Quarter Pounder® or what’s left of our Burrito Supreme®. The fact is, it’s not. First off, it adds unnecessary calories to your dog’s diet, and the nutritional value is certainly less than perfect. Much of the “fast food that we consume is very high in fats, sodium, and sugars. If you expose that food to your pets, you’re inviting trouble.
However, for dogs, table food can often be just as bad. Some of these foods, including chocolate and garlic, can even be toxic for pets.
SOLUTION: Plan better and ensure that your pets are getting food that is healthy for them. Try to feed your dog (in another room) before you eat at your table, and refuse to feed them under the table. Also, familiarize yourself with the best foods for your pets… as well as the worst ones. These simple adjustments can help your dog live longer and feel better!
3. BECOME A WEIGHT WATCHER
Some professionals (including the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) say that over 50 percent of dogs are overweight. Most pet owners are unaware (they believe their pets are of normal weight). Some veterinarians believe that when a dog is overweight, it is worse on them than when a human is overweight. Dogs don’t process foods the same way humans do, and we must keep that in mind regarding their diet.
SOLUTION: Limit the amount of food you give your dog (especially pups). Keep them away from junk foods and people treats (and watch the dog treats as they sometimes get out of control). If you are not certain if your dog is overweight or if he/she is getting the proper amount of food, consult your vet.
Finally, remember to exercise your dogs. It’s healthy, and they will love it.
4. EXERCISE THEIR RIGHTS... TO BE HEALTHY
Exercise is just as important for your dog as it is for you (if not more).... and that doesn’t mean once a week. A dog needs good exercise virtually every day. Just because you take him for a brisk walk one day doesn’t mean that’s it for the month. Exercise keeps the weight off and is a great, natural mental stimulation for your canine. Good, regular exercise is a key ingredient in keeping your dog healthy so they can live longer… and be happier.
SOLUTION: Make exercise part of a daily routine. Walk (or jog) at a pace that seems comfortable to you. Your dog will adjust quickly to your pattern. There are substantial added benefits to doing this. Not only will your dog keep excess weight off and be healthier and happier… but you may very well experience the same benefits. Remember, always consult a physician before you start an exercise routine.
5. GIVE THEM A HUG, A SPAY AND A NEUTER!
Dogs are at risk for many types of cancers. Spaying and neutering is the best way to reduce the risk of several of those cancers. For each and every heat cycle that a female dog goes through, she becomes more prone to developing mammary cancer. Intact males are more likely to develop prostatic and testicular cancer than neutered dogs.
In addition to the serious health threats caused by not spaying or neutering, many intact dogs experience serious behavioral issues.
Good oral health could indeed help your dog live longer!
SOLUTION: Talk to your vet and get their recommendation. This is one area that could certainly help your dog live longer!
6. THE DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW
Yes, sometimes it’s time-consuming and sometimes a bit expensive to take your pet to the vet. However, just like you, they need regular checkups. In fact, many veterinarians suggest annual checkups (especially for dogs over the age of 6 or 7). That goes for seemingly healthy dogs. Often, a pet can seem healthy when it has a growing health condition that we can’t see or is not noticeable. Often, if a dog has health issues and it’s not detected, there isn’t much your vet can do to fix it.
SOLUTION: Schedule next year’s checkup with the vet during this year’s visit. Simple.
7. PREVENTION STARTS WITH ATTENTION
Dogs can often do unpredictable things, leading them to harm's way. Paying extra attention to your pet is crucial to keeping them safe, especially in certain scenarios! Dogs jump fences, run out into streets, eat anything they can get their paws on, and even try to brawl with the wrong animals.
Paying extra attention also means watching your animal daily to ensure you don't miss out on any signs of illness and injury. Catching on to life-threatening situations early can improve their chances of survival.
SOLUTION: Remind yourself that dogs are similar to young children in so many ways that when they end up in potentially dangerous situations, giving them your undivided attention is easier.
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