4 Ways to Lengthen Your Dog's Life

No one wants to say goodbye to a beloved pet, but few people are willing to take the time to extend their life with proper pet ownership. If you're one of the exceptions, here are just four ways to make sure that your canine companion stays with you for a long time!

1. Buy the Right Food

There's a reason why all-natural dog food is such a hot commodity among pet owners. Not only will it brighten your dog's coat and make their eyes shine with good health, but it will also strengthen their muscles, boost their immune system and help them regulate their bowel movements. In short, you should feed your dog high-quality food for the same reasons that you would serve your child a high-quality meal. It's good for them in both body and spirit.


2. Mind Their Medications

There are a number of medications that your dog should be taking on a regular basis. Flea and tick pills are the big ones, but you should also buy dog worming tablets from a trusted retailer as often as your vet recommends. Your puppy might also benefit from special food or medicine to help him grow up healthy or overcome a genetic disorder. If you have any doubts about your pet's future health and happiness, make sure to talk to your vet.


3. Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Speaking of vets, it's critically important that you take your furry friend for regular check-ups. They'll need to be kept up-to-date on their vaccinations, and they should be evaluated for common diseases, injuries and ailments by a trained eye. The sooner that you diagnose something like canine diabetes, the more options that you'll have to treat it, and this can make all of the difference in your dog's life expectancy. It's worth the trouble of taking him into the vet 1-2 times a year.


4. Keep Them Active

Dogs need exercise, especially when they're young, excited and full of energy. You don't want to keep a puppy locked indoors for too long: They'll start dashing through the halls and chewing on table legs to get the stimulation that they're lacking from you. Make sure that you're getting your canine on regular walks and runs. Take them to the dog park if you can, or just let them go crazy in the backyard if you're pressed for time.


These are just a few tips for ensuring that your dog lives a long, full life. There are many more, of course, but these should be enough to get you thinking about the right things. If you want Fido to be around for awhile yet, follow these guidelines to keep him happy and healthy!