Each of us wants the best for our pets, and we’d all give anything to have them live forever. Not possible, but you can make sure they have the best chance of living a long and happy life with you.
The health and happiness of our pets count on us to take care of them right. It’s our job as pet parents to make sure our pets have everything they need.
About 10 to 13 years is how long most dogs live, but some breeds live longer than others. I know that chihuahuas can live up to 20 years because I have one.
Larger breeds, on the other hand, tend to live shorter lives. But sometimes things don’t work out that way. Here are seven things you can do to make sure your dog lives as long as possible:.
1. Watch their weight.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that our dog’s weight depends on what it eats and how much it exercises.
Making sure they stay at a healthy weight is good for their bones and joints and makes their life better in general. If you give them too many snacks or a bowl that is too full, their weight could become an issue.
2. Make sure their gums, teeth, and mouth stay healthy.
Check your dog’s mouth often and tell them lots of “good boy” or “good girl” words to reassure them. The AKC says that puppies should have 23 teeth and adults should have about 42.
Make sure they don’t have too much plaque on their teeth, gums, and breath. You can get rid of plaque on their teeth by brushing them or by taking them to the vet to have their teeth cleaned.
3. Make sure they do enough physical activities.
Dogs need a lot of exercise, just like people do. You can also get exercise for both of you by walking your dog.
For old dogs or dogs with low energy, 30 minutes should be enough. For high-energy breeds, two hours is needed. It helps to let them play outside in a fenced-in yard or with a friend.
But they need to exercise because it keeps their metabolism healthy, keeps their minds sharp, and lowers their risk of fat and heart disease.
4. Keep their mind busy.
Dogs don’t just get older physically; their minds also get worse. Help them keep their minds sharp by playing with them, showing them new things, and the like.
I like to give them treats and see if they can “sniff” them out. I give them the treat and a hug when they do.
5. Check their ears.
Ear diseases and ear mites can happen to dogs, so check their ears often. Ears that are healthy should be clean and pink.
A little yellow or brown wax is fine, but a lot of wax is not. If you see any groups of dark brown or black wax or matter, they might have mites or a major infection.
6. Know when to call the vet.
As per the AKC, the following symptoms and signs should lead to a trip to the vet: If you see any of these symptoms or signs, you should call your dog’s vet right away.
7. Make sure the food you give your dog is healthy and well-balanced.
Dogs need a healthy diet too, just like people do. Look into the company that made the food you give them to make sure it’s honest and has all the nutrients they need. You could also make dog food.
Make sure your pet doesn’t eat chocolate or other things that are bad for them. Also, keep in mind that as your dog ages, their food needs will change, so make sure you keep up with those changes.