According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), dogs are among the most loyal and affectionate pets. Their loyalty toward their owners is what makes them special.
Dogs are also one of the most common pets in most homes. It’s no secret that dogs love attention, treats, and being petted, but you can do some simple things daily to help your dog live a happier, healthier life.
Most dogs have a natural life expectancy of 10-12 years, though some lucky pups can reach the ripe old age of 20.
Helping your dog live longer is more than just giving your pup a treat here and there—it’s about providing them with the best environment possible so they have as few stressors as possible. The following tips will make it easier for you to help your dogs live longer while making their final years pain-free.
1. Provide a healthy diet
Providing a healthy diet can dramatically increase your dog’s lifespan. If you have young dogs, this is especially important as it can help their system get used to digesting their food properly and avoid gastrointestinal issues later on in life.
Feeding your dog a healthy diet also means you won’t have to worry as much about them gaining weight and developing the same health issues that can come with obesity. You can find various dog food options at your local pet store, online, or at the vet’s office. It’s best to avoid table scraps, as these may not be healthy for your dog and can lead to obesity.
You may also consider adding CBD in your dog’s food. CBD for dogs has various benefits, including improving your dogs’ appetite. CBD for dogs also has numerous health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, easing joint pains, and reducing stress and anxiety.
2. Walk your dog daily
Daily walks are a great way to keep your dog fit, active, and healthy for their entire lifetime. When dogs aren’t walking regularly, they tend to gain weight more quickly. This can lead to various health issues, including joint pain and arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, and more.
Walking your dog daily can help prevent these health issues while also providing your dog an opportunity to relieve boredom and get some much-needed socialization. This can also be an opportunity to help your dog get more exercise if they have joint pain or other mobility issues that prevent them from running around and playing.
3. Don’t forget the vet visit
Regular vet visits are part of being a responsible dog owner. They’re also one of the most important things you can do for your dog. Regular check-ups allow your vet to look for any health issues you might be missing.
Even if your dog seems healthy, it’s important to visit the vet at least once a year. This is especially true for senior dogs, who may not show symptoms of illness but could still be dealing with health issues.
Bringing your dog to the vet yearly for a full physical examination can help you catch any potential health issues early on. This can help you avoid costly treatment if your dog gets sick because you caught it early enough.
4. Avoid tight harnesses and leash
While leashes and harnesses are great for walks and training, they can cause harm if they’re too tight. Harnesses should be loose enough not to cause discomfort, and leashes should be long enough to allow your dog to explore without getting tangled up.
Leash and harness sizes are usually listed on the packaging, so make sure you pick the right size for your dog. Tight leashes and harnesses can cause pain and discomfort, making them harder to walk your dog and increasing the risk of joint pain.
5. Provide mental stimulation
Just like you, dogs need to stay mentally stimulated. It’s essential to provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation. Even though they don’t have bills to pay or social life to worry about, there are still several ways to help your dog stay mentally stimulated.
Feeding your dog a wide variety of treats and toys is a great way to keep them engaged and ensure they get plenty of mental stimulation. There are also a wide variety of dog puzzles available, which provide mental stimulation when you can’t be around to keep your dog busy.
If you notice your dog getting bored and anxious, try taking them on more walks, playing with toys, or getting them involved in dog sports like agility, flyball, or disc dog.
6. Give your dog regular massages
Regular massages are a great way to help your dog live longer. In addition to providing your dog with some much-needed affection, massage is a great way to help relieve joint pain and reduce stress.
You can learn how to do regular massages at home or bring your dog to a professional masseuse. A few minutes of massage a week can go a long way to help your dog stay relaxed and healthy. It can be especially helpful for senior dogs since muscle tension and stress can build up over time due to joint pain and discomfort.
7. Provide a stress-free environment
By providing a stress-free environment, you can make it easier for your dog to live longer. One of the best ways to provide a stress-free environment for your dog is to ensure they get lots of exercise.
It can also help your dog sleep better and improve its mood. You can also ensure your dog has plenty of toys to play with, plenty of dog friends to play with, and a safe place to sleep. By keeping your dog happy, you can help them live longer.
Conclusion
Dogs are special creatures and make great companions. They have shown us unconditional love and are eager to please us. This makes them easy to train and makes them great as pets. Your dog’s health and happiness should be a top priority in your daily life. While dogs are resilient and can last longer than you might think, the above-mentioned tips are simple ways to help your dog live longer.
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