Lifelong Friends: Ways to Help Your Dog Live Longer
Our pets are loyal companions, and they hold a special place in our hearts. These furry friends aren’t just pets—they’re family members who love us unconditionally. We can’t picture life without them, and while nothing can last forever, there are a few ways to help your dog live longer. Give your pooch the best care so that you can make more great memories together.
Feed Them the Right Foods
Many owners give their dogs kibble, and that’s fine so long as you talk with your vet about finding a quality brand. This type of dog food doesn’t always contain all the nutrients your pooch needs to flourish, and sometimes dehydrated or raw options are healthier.
Like people, dogs need to eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein and the appropriate fruits, veggies, and whole grains. However, you may want to avoid feeding your dog too much dairy since they’re lactose intolerant. Before giving your pup any human food, consult with your vet to ensure it’s safe.
Pet Owner Tip
Puppies, adult dogs, and seniors shouldn’t all eat the same type of kibble or other canine food. Each age group has different dietary requirements that suit their activity levels. Most dogs should eat specialized puppy food for their first 9 to 14 months of life because it has the necessary nutrients and calories to help them grow.
Attend Regular Vet Visits
Just like people, your four-legged friend needs to go to the vet at least once a year. This allows an expert to evaluate your pet and search for possible health conditions that may need treatment. Vets can also offer advice on the best foods for your dog, explain certain behaviors, and more.
*An Example
Dogs diagnosed with canine diabetes have various care requirements your vet can explain. These pups benefit from at-home testing since it allows you to closely monitor their blood sugar levels. But, without the close eye of a vet, your dog won’t receive a diagnosis. Without treatment and care, they may not live as long as they could have otherwise.
Enrichment and Exercise
Our final tip to help your pup live longer is to give them plenty of exercises. Nearly every dog loves going on a walk, even if it’s short.
Sometimes it seems like dogs must sniff every blade of grass, even if they don’t mark their territory after! Why do they do this? Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, and sniffing around provides mental enrichment. They can even detect what other animals were in the area before you both arrived.
Have Fun
Going on the same walk around the block can get boring for both of you, but there are countless amazing places to walk your dog in Detroit! Try to change your path to provide your pup with a more enriching outdoor experience. Walking is your bonding time, and by taking great care of your fur baby, you can go on a lifetime of walks and form wonderful memories.
