Being a pet parent is a huge responsibility. Our furry friends depend on us for basically everything, so it’s really on us to make sure we’re providing our pets with the proper care they need (pretty much daily).
One fun veterinarian recently hopped on TikTok to give us all a playful reminder of three simple things pet parents can do to help dogs live longer. Yet, as simple as they are, some of us might neglect one or two more often than we’d like to admit. Take a look!
@dr.hunterfinn#drfinn #petmethod #petmethodveterinary
Brushing your dog’s teeth every day is just something that I feel like gets neglected the most. And hey, I completely understand. It’s a hassle and some pups are certainly going to be more difficult than others, but it’s so beneficial and can truly make such a significant difference in the long run.
Related: Veterinarian Explains 7 Cancer Warning Signs in Dogs for Earlier Diagnosis
Things like physical and mental exercise are a little easier to achieve and are much more natural. Those are typically part of every pet parent’s routine, (partially because we benefit from it just as much). And of course, once yearly exams are a little easier to handle as well—just don’t forget!
Other ways to help extend a dog’s life
It seems like the time it takes for our dogs to grow from bouncing puppies to mellow seniors happens in the blink of an eye.
And as all pet parents know, the only downside to spending our lives with our furry friends is that they just don’t last long enough. We want them to live forever. Simple as that.
While our dogs’ lifespans are naturally much shorter than our own, we can still make simple changes in their lifestyle to ensure that they live as long and as comfortably as possible. Because at the end of the day, that’s all we really want, right?
These things are all about prevention—being proactive versus reactive. They’ll help with both quality of life and longevity for your dog. And for the most part, being preventive is also cost-effective in the long run.
It’s a win-win for all, and the least we can do for our dogs that bring us so much love and joy.
Diet is a big one. We hear all the time that our bodies are a temple, and what we put into it is what we are going to get out of it. Well, the same is true of our dogs and their food. That’s why it’s so important that we feed them a well-balanced diet to ensure optimal health and longevity for our canine pals.
As mentioned, dental care is extremely important as well. If you haven’t taken good care of your pup’s teeth yet, now is the time. Just like the eyes are the window to the soul, teeth are the window to the rest of the body. At the very least, you should be brushing your pup’s teeth daily.
We all know exercise is a biggie, too, but you don’t want to overdo it. Make sure you’re incorporating appropriate exercise, conditioning, and stretching as part of their routine, but know your dog’s limits.
Older dogs won’t be as athletic as they once were but may still want to keep running. It’s up to you, as their caregiver, to know when to tell them to slow down.
Supplements can actually be quite beneficial as well. Prevention is often better than the cure, right? And supplements aren’t just for humans! There are amazing supplements available for our canine pals to help combat conditions such as arthritis and vision issues, as well as help keep their coats and nails healthy and strong.
If anything, the most important thing to do is pay attention. Things are going to change, it’s only natural. So, it’s important to pay attention to these changes and modify your behavior to accommodate your aging pup.
Again, it’s on us to keep our fur babies happy and healthy as long as we possibly can. And let’s be honest… a longer, happier life for them means a happier life for us all the same.
