How to keep your dog healthier for longer

Every dog owner wants their pet to stay as healthy for as long as possible. The good news is keeping your dog healthier for longer is something you can help them to achieve. Taking care to ensure your dog has the healthiest lifestyle possible plays a significant role in their longevity, so there are quite a few ways you can help them to feel their best for many years. A dog’s lifespan varies by breed, with some breeds often living close to twenty years. But, regardless of the expected lifespan, you can help your four-legged friend enjoy a happy and healthy life. Here are some tips to help you keep your dog healthier for longer:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

When you find those puppy dog eyes staring at you when you are tucking into your dinner, it can be hard to resist feeding your dog scraps from the table, especially when they are persistent in getting your attention. But, regularly feeding your dog ‘human food’ can make it challenging to get them to eat their dog food. This can lead to dogs becoming overweight, putting extra pressure on their joints and making them susceptible to health problems.

Taking care to feed your dog a balanced diet that provides them with all the nutrients they need to thrive is essential to maintaining their health. So, shopping around for a complete dog food that meets your pet’s nutritional needs is a must. Reading Walmart fresh dog food reviews can be informative and help you see what other pet parents choose for their dogs. Discussing your pet’s individual needs with your vet is also crucial. Your vet can provide you with nutritional advice based on your dog’s current weight and condition.

Help Them to Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is crucial to keep your pet healthy and happy. Some toys breeds may not require more than a short walk each day, whereas others may require a few long walks throughout the day to keep them happy and burn off excess energy. Giving your dog the correct amount of exercise for their breed and size is essential. Not getting enough exercise can lead to the dog gaining weight, which can impact their health, but giving your dog too much exercise can put excessive strain on their joints, especially when they are still developing. Ensuring your dog gets out for some exercise each day is vital, and you should be able to judge how much they need based on advice from your vet.

Adapt to Their Life Stage

The things your dog needs to be healthy are dependent on their age and life stage. A pregnant dog will have different dietary requirements compared to a senior dog, so keeping in mind that your dog’s lifestyle needs will change as they grow will help you adapt their routine to suit them. Being mindful of your dog’s age will ensure that you help to keep them healthy for longer and provide them with the best quality of life.

Photo by Helena Lopes