Dogs grow fast. You bring home a tiny puppy that will fit in the palm of your hands, and in a couple of months, you have a 40-pound animal tromping through your home. As a dog lover, you want your puppy to live forever. Unfortunately, dogs’ lifespans are a lot shorter than humans. However, you can do a lot to see to it that your dog lives a long, happy, comfortable life. Here are some ways to help your dog live life to the fullest.
Feed Your Dog a Balanced Diet
Your pup is what it eats. What your dog puts into his body is what it will get out of it. You have complete control over your dog’s diet as a dog owner. You want to ensure that they have a well-balanced diet that adds to optimal health and longevity.
Many people think that dogs are carnivores. They are omnivores, just like humans. They eat a combination of plants and meats the same as humans do. You don’t want to restrict your dog’s diet to just meat or limit it to just vegetables. They receive nutrients from both sources.
Dogs need different nutrients at different stages in their life. When you purchase dog food, you want to ensure that it is the right formula for your dog’s age. Also, pay close attention to the ingredients. Some manufacturers try to trick you into thinking that you are giving your dog something made from real meat by including terms like “chicken flavor” or “beef flavor.” The reality is that the percentage of meat contained in this food is a lot lower than what you might think.
Look for “with pork, with chicken, or with tilapia.” If you see these terms, know that dog food only requires 3% of that ingredient. Look for foods high in omega-3s and joint support, especially for your older dog. And avoid fads, like grain-free diets.
Take Care of Their Teeth
Your dog uses their teeth in ways that you don’t. For example, your dog uses its mouth to carry things around. It uses its teeth to scratch itself when it has an itch or to groom its fur. And it also uses its teeth to eat.
Poor dental care can introduce a host of bacteria and diseases into your dog’s body. These will do more than just give your dog bad breath. They can lead to inflammation of the heart muscle. Research shows that dogs with severe periodontal disease have minor damage to many of their vital organs, including the heart, kidneys, and liver. Much of this damage is irreversible.
Help your dog out by brushing its teeth every day. Get professional dental cleanings twice a year and have your veterinarian regularly check their teeth for dental disease.
An Active Dog Is a Happy Dog
Muscle keeps joints in place. If your dog lacks good muscle tone, its mobility drastically decreases. If your dog is in motion, its joints stay limber. If it’s sedentary, its joints will become stiff.
Help your dog by incorporating exercises, stretching, and conditioning into your dog’s life. Don’t wait until your puppy becomes an old dog and can’t even stand up on its own.
If age-related issues are affecting your dog’s mobility, consider a back brace for dogs. Back braces stabilize your dog’s spine but are flexible enough to allow your dog to play. They’re made of mesh to keep your dog cool even during hot summer months.
Keep Your Dog Mentally Stimulated
A bored dog is a destructive dog. As your dog gets older, its cognitive skills will start to decline. It would be best if you kept their minds sharp. There are a lot of toys that you can use to keep your dog’s mind stimulated. Even a short training session where you have your dog sit, lay down, and perform other tricks can help keep your dog’s brain sharp and provide the mental stimulation needed to prevent them from feeling bored.
Care for Your Pup and It Will Care for You
Your dog is always attentive to you. They deserve for you to pay them extra attention, especially as they age. If you monitor their diet, give them proper exercise, and keep them mentally stimulated, you will help your dog live its life to the fullest.
