Anyone who has lived with a dog knows that it can feel like they don't get enough attention. Dogs live between ten and fourteen years on average. Some dogs may live longer than others, or they may be more susceptible to certain diseases.
Many people are unaware that dogs and humans share many genetic similarities, including the predisposition for age-related cancer. Dogs can benefit from many of the same things humans do to live longer and be healthier.
These are just a few of the ways you can help your dog live longer and healthier lives.
1. Pay attention to their waistlines
A healthy bodyweight is a key factor in ensuring longevity for a variety of species. This means that dogs should not be overweight and should manage their calorie intake.
A healthy, lean bodyweight will not only be better for your dog over the long-term, but it can also reduce the effects of certain conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Regular weighing and body condition scoring are important tools to monitor your dog's weight. This allows you to assess your dog's physical appearance and score them on a scale. Combining both these methods will help you identify changes in weight and adjust their diet accordingly.
As your dog ages, you may need to adjust the food you give them.
It is important to know how much your dog eats.
Good nutrition is linked to healthy aging. While "good" nutrition may vary from one dog to another, it is important to ensure that your dog receives safe, nutritious, and tasty food.
2. There are many walks to choose from
Both for dogs and humans, exercise has many psychological and physiological benefits. Exercise can help dogs manage their bodyweight and has anti-aging effects on other species genetically related to them.
Although exercise won't extend your dog's life expectancy, it can help you and your dog avoid excess weight. Research shows that happy dogs make for happier people and dogs.
3. Teach them new tricks
Aging is not just a physical process. It is important to keep your dog's mind stimulated. You can teach your dog new tricks, and it might even make them healthier.
You can still do some low-impact activities with your dog, even if you are not able to exercise. Dogs love to use their noses to find things. Training them to sniff out scents will help them to be mentally and physically fit.
Hydrotherapy, a type of swimming exercise, might also be an option for dogs with conditions that limit their ability to exercise.
4. Bonding
Dogs, like many companion animals develop an attachment to their caregivers. Dog lovers often refer to their companion dog as a family member.
Stable caregiver-dog bonds can be a great way to maintain a happy, mutually beneficial relationship between your dog and you. You can also use it to detect subtle changes in your dog’s behavior and movement that could indicate potential problems.
When caregivers and dogs are compatible, it leads to a stronger relationship. Owners also benefit from this, such as stress relief and exercise. Playing with your dog and sharing positive experiences are great ways to strengthen your relationship.
5. Don't skip vet visits
Modern veterinary medicine has made significant improvements in managing and preventing health problems in dogs. Effective vaccinations and parasite management programs have reduced the risk of diseases in dogs and humans. This includes toxocariasis which can be transmitted from dog urine to humans and rabies which can be transmitted between dog and dog.
A good relationship with your vet can help you tailor treatment and discuss your dog’s needs. Regular health checks are a great way to identify potential problems early on. This will help you avoid any future issues such as osteoarthritis or dental issues that can lead to pain.
It's the combination of their genetics and the environment that determines how long they live. While we cannot change their genes, there are things we can do that will help them live longer and healthier lives.
Jacqueline Boyd is a Senior Lecturer in Animal Science at Nottingham Trent University.
This article was republished by The Conversation under Creative Commons. You can read the original article.
