Many pet parents would say that their dog’s biggest flaw is the fact that he won’t live forever. It can be difficult to calculate the lifespan of any dog since there are so many factors to consider, but no dog lives any longer than 15 or 20 years.
No matter how long your dog lives, you want to make sure your furry friend is happy and he lives as long as is body will allow. Here are a few tips for helping you do just that.
Stay Safe at the Dog Park
The dog park can be wonderful for your pet! It allows him to spend time outside, he can run around without a leash, and he has the opportunity to interact with other dogs at the park. However, that doesn’t mean it’s automatically safe for your pet.
There are plenty of things you should do to keep your pooch safe while he’s at the dog park. If you have a small dog, it’s a good idea to make sure he stays in the small dog area to prevent injuries. Double check that the gate latches properly, so your dog can’t escape, and avoid bringing food or treats that may encourage bad behavior from other dogs.
Make Time for Your Pet
Dogs can make our lives better, but it isn’t always the case that we make our dogs’ lives better. Life can get busy, which means you may find that you have little time to spend with your pet, even if you do enjoy the few minutes you spend petting him each day.
Dogs should only spend between six and eight hours alone every day. If you will be away from home longer than that, you should arrange for a dog walker to come, you should drop your pooch off at a doggy daycare, or you should ask a neighbor to come and spend time with your pet in the backyard.
If you want to have a good relationship with your pooch, you have to make sure you carve out at least an hour or two every single day that is dedicated entirely to your dog.
Make Sure Your Dog Gets Enough Exercise
Exercise is important to your health, and it’s important to your dog’s health. Without physical activity, your dog will engage in destructive behaviors, he’ll lose muscle mass, and he can gain weight, which can all have serious medical consequences.
It doesn’t matter what breed you have, how old he is, or what medical conditions he has. Every dog needs to exercise!
Don’t think you have to start jogging with your dog to make sure he gets enough exercise. There are plenty of ways to fit in a little physical activity with Fido that include:
- Going for a walk in the neighborhood
- Playing fetch in the backyard
- Playing tug-of-war in the living room
- Taking your dog to the beach or the park
Feed Your Pooch the Right Food
Finding the right diet is extremely important to your dog’s health, but it can be surprisingly difficult. Not every bag of food at the pet store is created equal.
Different dogs require different kinds of food. For example, the best dog food for golden retrievers is different than the best dog food for Chihuahuas. Large dogs have different nutritional requirements than small dogs.
What your dog eats may change as he gets older too. Puppies require more protein, while senior dog food will focus on maintaining a healthy weight.
Although it may take some research, feeding your dog the right food is one of the best ways to ensure he lives a long and healthy life.
Plan Regular Visits to Your Veterinarian
Many pet parents save a trip to the vet clinic until their dog is experiencing a problem. Although you should definitely schedule an appointment if your pet is sick or injured, you should be scheduling more regular appointments too.
It is generally recommended that you schedule at least one yearly exam with your veterinarian, although both younger and older dogs should visit the clinic more often. A professional vet can cue into problems before you would, keeping your dog healthier for longer.
Don’t leave your dog’s health and happiness to chance! Every pooch needs a little help from their owner to live a full and fulfilled life. Whether it’s changing your dog’s diet, going out for a walk, or keeping your furry friend safe at the dog park, these tips will ensure you get to spend as much time together as possible.
