Dogs can live up to 16 years, depending on the breed. Unfortunately, sometimes dog owners reduce a lifespan of their dogs. The lack of exercise, weight issues, poor diet, uncomfortable space, and other factors can significantly reduce your puppy’s life. Below are some helpful advice and awesome products to ensure your dog will live a happier and healthier life.
- Monitor your dog’s diet
The quality and quantity of the food your dog eats each day play a key role in how long your pup will live. Researchers have found that traditional kibble provides a negative side effect on a dog’s health. The results showed that dogs that consumed raw diets on a daily basis suffered from fewer health issues and aged much slower than dogs that ate traditional kibble.
Moreover, dogs that consumed homemade meals made of the top quality ingredients lived about three years longer than pups that ate traditional kibble. If you can’t afford to cook meals for your dog, try to read the labels of traditional kibble to find the best one you can afford. Remember, a dog’s diet should contain at least a certain amount of real meat rather than carbohydrates and byproducts.
- Keep your dog active
Just like people, dogs need to get enough exercise on a daily basis. Exercise isn’t only vital for your dog’s physical health, it’s crucial for mental health, too. Daily exercise aids in lowering the stress levels, preventing anxiety, and fighting boredom. Vets claim that dogs that suffer from anxiety, boredom, and stress on a weekly basis don’t feel happy, and thus, have some behavioral issues.
When ignored, your pup might develop chronic stress, which leads to numerous issues with the physical health of your dog. Chronic stress causes premature aging, reduces cognitive function, worsens the symptoms of anxiety and depression, negatively affects wound healing, and boost the risk factor for diseases triggered by viruses or bacteria. Pups suffering from chronic stress tend to have a poor immune system and deal with immune issues, such as gastrointestinal problems or allergies.
- Brush your dog’s teeth each day
One of the biggest mistakes dog owners make is skipping the teeth brushing process, which is so crucial for pup’s oral health. While there are some products that allow you to brush the pup’s teeth, it’s still better to invest in a high-quality, soft toothbrush and special toothpaste, like for instance this set. The statistics show that nearly 80% of pups develop the signs of dental issues and oral disease by age 3.
Not brushing your dog’s teeth can result in health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, chronic inflammation throughout the entire body, a broken jaw, an increased risk factor for diabetes, and chronic pain.
- Invest in a comfortable bed
Your dog should get enough quality sleep. That’s why make sure you pay great attention to the place your dog sleeps. There are tons of small and large dog beds that are designed specifically for dogs. When your dog sleeps on a comfortable bed instead of the floor, they feel much happier, as studies claim. Most importantly, sleeping on a comfortable bed can help to ease the symptoms of hip dysplasia and arthritis. As dog’s age, they experience painful joint problems, so providing them with a large and comfortable bed is essential.
- Neuter or spay
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) states that spaying or neutering aids in warding off breast tumors and uterine infections, which are cancerous or malignant in nearly 50 percent of adult dogs. Moreover, neutering a dog might help to decrease the likelihood of the development of testicular cancer and alleviate most prostate issues. Spaying or neutering will also improve your dog’s behavior and stop them from running away from home during the heat times. Not all dogs can be neutered or spayed, though. Be sure to consult a vet when making a decision.
- Keep your dog’s mind busy with puzzle toys
The puzzle toys are incredibly popular these days and each dog owner should definitely have at least one puzzle toy at home. It’s a proven fact that when dogs are bored, they don’t feel happy. Canine boredom can trigger anxiety, depression, and many diseases and conditions. Give your pup some puzzle toys, especially when you leave your house for work each day. Ensure you purchase high-quality toys made of safe materials.
Also, take your time to teach your pup new tricks or sign up for a local agility class. Keeping your dog’s mind busy will not only make your pup happy but will also help to lower the risk of cognitive decline.
- Take your grooming time to the next level
Grooming is vital for a dog’s health and happiness. However, it’s often a source of discomfort and stress. If your dog panics each time they see the nail clippers or hate being brushed, consider making your grooming time more pleasurable. Grooming should be done on a regular basis and it must be a bonding time, not a scheduled chore. You can improve this time by giving your pup some delicious treats, lots of hugs and love, and just soothing praise.
- Expand your dog’s social circle
You and your family members are the best friends to your dog, but they need to interact with other humans and dogs. This will enhance your dog’s well-being and happiness. Take your pup on weekly trips to the nearest dog park and let your dog interact with your friends or neighbors. They will like it. If your dog doesn’t like other canines or people, it may be a sign they’re introverted and doesn’t enjoy a large company.
You may not understand your dog’s needs, desires, and problems, but it’s important to do everything possible to keep your pup stay healthy and happy. Owning a dog isn’t just a responsibility, it’s your best and most loyal friend for many years to come.
