Did you know that the average lifespan of a medium domestic dog is between 10-13 years?
Of course, this is dependent on the breed of dog that you have and their specific living conditions, with the oldest dog ever recorded, Bluey, living a whopping 29 years and 160 days.
Yet, it still doesn’t seem long enough, does it?
Although no-one can stop the inevitable from happening, there are ways in which you can help your four-legged member of the family live a happier, healthier, and longer life.
From ensuring they have a healthy diet, keeping them physically active, and spending quality time with your pet, keep reading to discover the top five ways to help your dog live longer.
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Do not overfeed your dog
If you are prone to rewarding your dog or showing them love with the use of fattening or rich treats, then you could be inadvertently lowering their lifespan. Overweight or obese dogs are more prone to heart disease and problems with their joints, so you should always try and keep your dog within their healthy weight range.
In fact, studies have even shown that dogs who eat slightly less than their daily recommended calorie intake can live longer than those who eat their full quota. Of course, it is not a good idea to suddenly start drastically cutting down on your dog’s portion sizes, but you should pay close attention to their weight and try and ensure that they are being fed high-quality dog food every day.
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Monitor your dog’s mood
If your dog is often stressed, anxious, or suffers from separation anxiety when you leave them, this could be putting unnecessary strain on their health. A bored or depressed dog is much more likely to fall ill than a happy and healthy one.
One way to help calm an anxious dog is by introducing hemp oil into their diet. CeeBeeDoo offers 100% organic hemp treats for dogs that are known for their calming and relaxing properties. Plus, they are super tasty, so your dog is guaranteed to love them, and they are rich omega fatty acids that can help support their heart health, lower their cholesterol and ease any pain that they may be experiencing.
You should also focus on keeping your dog’s mind active with lots of games, activities, and one-on-one attention when you can to help stave off boredom.
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Keep your dog active
The importance of regular exercise for your dog should never be overlooked. As well as keeping your dog physically fit, exercise can help to lower their stress levels, balance their mood, and keep their spirits up, resulting in increased longevity and an overall happier dog.
You should always aim to take your dog out at least once a day, although 2-3 times is preferable. Depending on their breed, try jogging with them occasionally rather than just walking and let them off the lead in a safe environment so that they can enjoy the freedom of running about in an open space.
It can also be beneficial to let your dog socialize with other dogs when you are out, as this can also help reduce their stress levels and improve their quality of life.
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Routinely visit the vet
Many pet owners only take their animals to the vet if they feel that something is wrong with them. However, by this time, it could be too late for your beloved pet. You should instead aim to take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an overall check-up and more frequently as they get older.
Preventative care is always better and, more often than not, will result in your dog leading a longer and higher quality life.
You should also make sure that your dog is having all of the appropriate vaccinations at the right stages of their lives. If you are unsure about what jabs they need, simply ask your vet for clarification. They will need the most vaccinations when they are a puppy. These shouldn’t cause any pain if done correctly, but just note that there is a pain killer for puppies available if you ever need one.
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Show your dog love
Arguably the easiest step of the five, showing your dog how much you care and love them, is so simple and can help to keep them happier and healthier for longer. If you live a busy life, make sure you take the time in the evenings and weekends to spend quality time with your dog. You could take them for a particular walk somewhere new, treat them to a doggy toy or just let them sit on your lap and be cuddled for as possible.
Try and remember that each moment you have with your dog is precious and that you will never regret spending too much time with them, but you will mourn not doing enough.
Other quick top tips include:
- Make sure they have a comfy bed
- Brush their teeth regularly
- Keep them clean
- Look into doggy training
- Do not smoke around them
- Keep on top of tick and flea control
- Consider spaying or neutering your dog
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