If you’re a dog owner, you likely want your best friend to live as long and healthy a life as possible. The average lifespan of a dog is 10 to 15 years, but some dogs live much longer than that. The oldest dog that ever lived was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey who died at the age of 29 in 1939, according to Guinness World Records.
But why is it that some dogs live longer than others? There are a number of factors that play a role in how long your dog will live, including breed, size, and overall health. And of course, there are some simple lifestyle changes that can be made by dog owners like you to increase longevity and improve overall health. In this article, we’ll explore some ways to help your dog live a longer, healthier life!
Feed your dog a healthy diet
The first step towards a healthy life is to feed your dog a healthy diet and ensure they are getting the best nutrition possible. A balanced diet should include important vitamins and minerals as well as protein, fat, carbs, and fiber.
According to recent research, a vegan diet may be the best choice for dogs, and could even help them live longer. A study by Dr. Andrew Knight showed that vegan dogs suffered fewer health issues than dogs kept on meat-based diets, and a study at the University of Guelph found that putting your dog on a plant-based diet could extend their expected lifespan by as much as 18 months!
Vegan diets have many advantages aside from being good for your dog’s health; they also help reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions by reducing animal agriculture pollution and save countless animals from suffering on meat production farms.
Exercise their body and mind
One of the best ways you can help your dog live a longer, healthier life is by keeping them active. Your dog’s activity level will depend on their age and health status. Younger dogs tend to be more active than older ones, but even older dogs can benefit from regular walks or playtime at home.
There are many ways to get in some quality time together while staying fit. A brisk walk around the block or through a nearby park is a great way for both of you to stay healthy, and a classic game of fetch can help strengthen muscles in both you and your pooch! If the weather doesn’t permit outdoor fun, you can still get up off those paws by playing indoors with toys such as balls or tug ropes that encourage movement.
Keep their joints healthy
Joint pain can make your dog more and more reluctant to move and stay active, which can eventually lead to depression and weight gain. The best way to reduce joint pain in your dog is by keeping them active and at a healthy weight. Swimming is an excellent activity for dogs with joint issues, as it provides a low-impact workout that doesn’t put pressure on the limbs or spine. If you don’t have access to a pool, walking is another great option!
Don’t neglect dental health
Dental health is just as important to dogs as it is to humans. In fact, dental disease has been linked with other diseases and conditions in dogs, like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, and more, according to the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAWA).
The best way you can help your dog maintain healthy teeth and gums is by brushing their teeth regularly with a canine toothbrush or finger brush. You could also give them chew toys made of hard rubber or nylon that will help clean their teeth while they’re chewing on them, and it’s a good idea to take them in for a professional cleaning regularly.
Get your pet to the vet on a regular basis
A visit to the vet once a year is an important part of maintaining your dog’s health. The vet will be able to do a physical exam and make sure that everything looks normal, including checking for fleas and ticks, listening to their heart and lungs, testing their blood pressure and temperature, examining their eyesight (and ears!), checking for any lumps or bumps on the skin or in between toes or toe pads.
If any problems show up during this process, they can send you right away for more tests, like x-rays or ultrasounds, depending on what needs to be looked into more. This could catch any problems early and keep you from having to deal with serious health problems in the future.
Enjoy every moment
As a dog owner and pet parent, it’s natural for you to worry about your fur baby’s health and to want to do anything in your power to keep them healthy and alive for as long as possible. Now that you’re armed with some new knowledge about how to keep your dog healthy and happy, there’s no reason to wait. Get out there and start making the most of every moment you have together!
If you want to take the first step towards a healthier life for your beloved companion, why not start with their diet? When you’re ready to switch them to a vegan diet, look no further than PawCo‘s revolutionary dog food based on GreenMeat™, the first plant-based meat formulated specifically for dogs! Our meals contain all the macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, and essential amino acids your dog needs to live many, many years by your side. Place your order here and read our detailed guide on how to transition your dog to a vegan diet!