7 tips to help your dog live longer, happier, and healthier
With a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, our dogs become valued members of the family. They’ll give you unconditional love and loyalty and teach you the meaning of friendship. But their time with us is too short for my liking. While there’s no magic formula to keep our best friends with us forever, there are simple changes we can make in their lifestyle and care to ensure they live as long as possible.
Preventive care for your dog, like regular visits to the vet and a balanced diet, can ensure better overall health. Other ways to keep your dog healthy include the following measures: A clean environment. no smoking around your dog, regular baths, being diligent about pet-safe flea and tick prevention, and proper dental care (brushing or regular professional cleanings at the vet)
1. Choosing the right dog food with the right portion sizes.
We all know what a little junkie food can do to us, especially if we give it to our pets. That’s why we believe in feeding a balanced and nutritional diet to our animals that are going to have long-term effects on their health and well-being.
Feed your dog Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food, which is formulated like your dog’s ancestral diet. A combination of meat and fish meals provides the protein they crave while sweet potatoes, peas, blueberries, and raspberries give them the carbohydrates.
So how do you choose high-quality dog food?
The AAFCO (American Association of Feed Control Officials) is an organization that sets the nutritional standards for pet food in Canada and the United States. Brands like Royal Canin are recognized by the AAFCO. Because of their knowledge and research into how pets digest and process nutrients. This helps ensure feeding a food that has recognition by this organization. It helps your pet to get the nutrition she needs without overfeeding or malnutrition.
To have dog food, the company makes a claim that its products will be “Complete and Balanced”. Also, it provides 100% of the essential nutrients a pet needs. They must utilize one of two nutrient profiles approved by AAFCO. If a diet had passed either the AAFCO or the AAFCO, it could have been written on their label.
Look at the ingredients. You want to see the quality, recognizable ingredients listed as the main items in your food. The first 3 ingredients should be what you want to feed your dog. Look for clean, recognizable single protein items like Beef. Watch for fillers such as gums and starches that are used to thicken foods but offer no value nutritionally. Avoid heavily processed foods such as meat by-products that don’t list specific proteins such as beef or chicken. Never pick a food just because it’s a low price point! Quality of ingredients is key for your pet’s health and happiness.
It’s important to know what labels actually mean when it comes to buying dog food. For example, meat ingredients are a great source of protein and other nutrients like vitamins B6 and B12. But there are some terms used by manufacturers that aren’t always true. For example, ‘chicken dinner for dogs’ or ‘dog beef stew,’ etc. Most of pet food labels claim of having high sources of meat. However, these meats are not always fresh as advertised and cannot support a healthy, sustained life.
If you have a puppy, you should think about his healthy diet early on. The sooner you are involved in the development process, the better! you get
Think of a grain-free diet for your pet. It’s important to know the difference between some grain-free diets and heart disease in dogs. Talk to your veterinarian, who can assess whether the diet you’re feeding or might feed is appropriate for the life stage and overall health of your pet.
Did you know that overfeeding is the number one cause of chronic illness and death for pets?
A study was done by the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health proves that too much weight can reduce a dog’s life expectancy. This means, that if your dog weighs 15 pounds, he will live 2 difficult years. Thin and sick. Your goal is to achieve a deal weight for your dog for the rest of his life, not just Christmas.
Most dogs will become obese if given the chance and the cause of obesity is overfeeding, often combined with under-exercising. Obesity puts unnecessary strain on your dog’s joints, heart, and muscles; it causes inflammation and higher levels of pain in their body; it makes them unhealthy and uncomfortable. An overweight pet doesn’t have to be a death sentence however, with the right simple adjustments they can lose that extra weight. That is to say, a dog lives longer means he has a good diet.
2. Dog dental care is important for your pet’s overall health.
Brushing your dog’s teeth is one of the most beneficial and powerful ways to prevent oral disease and keep your dog at its healthiest. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to start because it’s never too early, or too late, to get into good habits. Using our toothbrush and toothpaste is going to allow you to brush your pup’s teeth with ease and have them love every second of it!
Regular teeth brushing, paired with annual dental cleanings, are just the beginning. Keep in mind that the best way to ensure your pet has healthy teeth and gums is to adopt a proactive approach. And while twice-daily tooth brushing is ideal, once a day will help prevent disease.
Choose from a variety of dental care products for your dogs
Dental products with the VOHC seal of approval have been scientifically proven to reduce plaque and tartar. Note that not all dental products that provide dental benefits are tested at this time, but more are being added to the program!
It’s not unusual for owners to want to do everything they can for their pets. But a new study suggests that may be a bad idea when it comes to keeping your dog active.
Senior dogs can get stiff and sore, just like people, but it doesn’t mean they have to stop cold if you can help keep them supple and strong. Keeping your dog in shape will promote healthy well-being into their senior years.
3. it’s incredibly important to keep your dog active
A dog’s bones are like magnets that connect muscles to each other. When there are good muscles, the bones are properly solid, and your dog can move more easily and comfortably.
As a dog owner, your first priority is the happiness and well-being of your pup. Don’t wait until your pup becomes a senior and can’t get up on her own. Incorporate appropriate conditioning and stretching, as early in your dog’s life as possible. The most common cause of arthritis in dogs is hip dysplasia, so come up with an easy routine to help keep your pup in tip-top shape.
4. get mental stimulation to fight boredom and separation anxiety.
Cognitive function in dogs can decline as they age, just as in people. Daily mental stimulation is important to help reduce this effect.
Boredom can lead to all kinds of behaviors, including separation anxiety. Give your senior dog plenty of exercises, both physical and mental, and be creative with new activities. For example, try experimenting with a new toy or going to a new park or trail. These little adventures will keep their mind engaged while they’re home alone and give them plenty of reasons to bond with you.
5. Regular veterinary visits are essential to your loved one’s long-term health.
One of the most important things you can do as a dog owner is to establish a normal baseline for your pup. That means being able to note what is normal behavior and patterns and then knowing when they aren’t acting like their usual self. The best way to do this is by regular check-ups with your veterinarian.
6. Supplements
If you’re someone who likes to be prepared, then it’s likely that your dog is too. Although it’s common to only give your four-legged friend a supplement if they come down with an ailment, remember that prevention is often the best medicine. These supplements promote healthy skin and coat, joint function and mobility, digestive health, cardiovascular health, and much more.
7. It’s important to pay attention to your dog’s changes and behaviors as he gets old:
As your loved one’s eyesight changes, try keeping your furniture layout consistent and not move things around. You may also want to consider door handles with indicators that contrast with the wall or a well-lit interior.
If your pup loses their hearing, they may become startled if approached from behind or not see you approach them. Do not leave an older dog outside unattended who may not be able to see or hear as well as they once did, as these could lead to unfortunate accidents.
Your dog will inevitably experience some cognitive decline as they age. They may stare off into space, spend longer naps or have trouble recognizing family members. This can be frustrating for you, but training and exercise can help!
As your pup starts to age, you’ll definitely want to modify the flooring. Wood floors can be slippery for those older paws! Investing in ramps or stairs for them to help them get on and off the bed is also well worth the purchase. A dog lives longer with a happy life equals better conditions. Consider supplements if you haven’t already to promote optimal joint health.
