7 Tips That Could Help Your Dog Live Longer
As loving dog owners, our priority is to provide our furry friends with the best opportunity for a long, joyful, and healthy life. While life offers no certainties, numerous studies have highlighted practical measures that can enhance our furry friends’ chances of enjoying an extended lifespan.
1. Regular vet check-ups and preventative care.
Regular vet check-ups and preventative care are one of your greatest allies. These routine visits not only allow for early detection of any potential issues but also help in maintaining your pup’s ideal weight. Moreover, essential preventative measures like vaccinations, heartworm prevention, and parasite control are vital for the long-term well-being of your furry friend. Your veterinarian can guide you towards the best practices for your pup’s overall health, and advise you on any measures you can take from home to look after your dog.
2. Feed a high-quality diet.
Ensuring your dog’s long-term well-being relies heavily on providing them with a high-quality, fresh, and nourishing diet, just as with humans. Diet plays a pivotal role in your dog’s health journey. Opting for a fresh, human-grade diet for your furry companion delivers substantial health benefits.
In Australia, dog food standards remain low, lacking formal regulation for ingredients used in dog food. At Perfect Bowl, we prioritise complete transparency, enabling you to confidently identify every ingredient in your dog’s bowl. Our meals are free from preservatives and artificial additives, ensuring your pup has the best chance at achieving optimal health.
3. Ensure you are looking after your dog’s dental hygiene.
Never underestimate the importance of oral hygiene for your pup. Proper dental care can be a game-changer, as it not only wards off dental and gum diseases but also contributes to your dog’s overall well-being. A study by Purdue University established a concerning link between gum disease and heart disease. See our blog on Maintaining Your Dog’s Dental Health here.
4. Keep your dog at a healthy body weight.
Maintaining your dog in a healthy weight range is crucial to their longterm health. Sadly, in Australia, a staggering 41% of dogs are classified as overweight or obese. Achieving a healthy weight involves a combination of regular exercise and providing a complete, balanced diet. The consequences of overlooking your pup’s weight can be striking; studies have shown that overweight dogs have a lifespan roughly 2 and a half years shorter than dogs that are a healthy weight.
5. Invest time in training your dog.
Training your dog is a crucial investment in both their quality of life and safety. An obedient dog that listens to commands can help prevent accidents. A well-trained dog is less likely to engage in risky behaviours like running into traffic or eating something harmful. This not only safeguards their physical health but also enhances their mental stimulation and overall happiness.
6. Provide mental stimulation and enrichment.
A dog’s mental well-being is an often overlooked but essential aspect of their overall health. Just as physical exercise is crucial, mental stimulation and enrichment play an equally vital role in keeping your furry friend healthy and happy. Engaging activities like puzzle toys, interactive games, and obedience training not only ward off boredom but also help keep their brains active and healthy. Check out our blog on enriching your dog’s life here.
7. Protect your dog from toxic household items, foods and plants.
Safeguarding your pup from toxic household items, harmful foods, and poisonous plants is a vital step in keeping them healthy. Dogs are naturally curious and may inadvertently ingest or interact with substances that can be life-threatening. By maintaining a pet-safe environment and being vigilant about what they come into contact with, you’re effectively preventing potential emergencies and health hazards.
