Dogs are beloved members of the family, and it's natural to want them to live as long as possible. Luckily, there are many ways you can increase your dog's life expectancy. From diet and exercise to preventive care and early diagnosis of health problems, following these tips can help your furry friend stay healthy and happy for years to come. 1. Feed them a Species Appropriate DietThe number one way to help your dog live a long and healthy life is to feed them a species-appropriate diet. Dogs are carnivores and their ideal diet consists of fresh, unprocessed meat. Feeding your dog a diet of processed foods, grains and vegetables can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes and heart disease. By feeding your dog a species-appropriate diet, you are providing them with the nutrients they need to stay healthy and live a long life. 2. Get Them VaccinatedOne of the easiest and most important things you can do for your dog's health is to make sure they're up-to-date on their vaccinations. The rabies vaccine is required by law in most states, but there are other vaccinations that are also important, like the distemper vaccine. Puppies should start getting their shots at 6-8 weeks old and should continue to receive booster shots throughout their lives. 3. Keep Them at a Healthy WeightOne of the most important things you can do for your dog is to make sure they stay at a healthy weight. Obesity is a common problem in dogs and can cause a variety of health problems. It's important to keep an eye on your dog's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine as needed. You don't want them to be too thin or too heavy, so find the healthy balance that's best for them. 4. Avoid Toxic household items and chemicalsThere are plenty of household items and chemicals that are toxic to dogs. Sometimes it's as simple as keeping your trash can lid closed so your dog can't get into the garbage, or making sure all household cleaners and chemicals are stored in a secure place where your dog can't get to them. Other dangerous items include automotive products (like antifreeze), rat poison, insecticides and fertilizers. Keep in mind that some items that are safe for humans or other animals may not be safe for dogs, so always check the label before using anything around your pet. 5. Keep their mental stimulation levels highOne of the best ways to keep your dog healthy is to keep their mind active. Dogs need mental stimulation in order to stay happy and healthy. There are plenty of ways you can do this—some simple and some that require a bit more effort. One way is to make sure they always have new toys to play with. You can also create a scavenger hunt for them, hide treats around the house or take them on walks that include different types of terrain. Just as we want to enjoy a long and healthy life, our dogs do too. By providing them with the best care possible and following some simple tips, we can ensure that our furry friends live a long and happy life by our side.
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Siberian Huskies and Chihuahuas - what do they have in common? Well, aside from the winter weather, both breeds are at risk of hypothermia. And that's not all! If your pet goes for a walk in the snow or is left out for too long, then it could be stricken with frostbite or worse. To keep your pet safe during these winter months and protect their health, read on! The colder months can be dangerous for our feline and canine friends as well. As the mercury drops, our pets will be out and about more often, walking more, and even playing in the snow. The problem is that they are not capable of handling the weather as well as we are. To help keep your pet safe during the winter months, read on! Protecting Your Dog During Winter: Short Term and Long TermProtect your dog or cat from the cold, both in the short term and long term. Don't leave your pet outdoors for too long or exposed to winter conditions for too long. Keep him in the house where the temperature is more stable; you can nip outside briefly, but only briefly! During the daylight hours and shorter periods of time, keep your pet indoors where it is warm, dry and safe. Longer term, consider the following winter safety tips:
Hypothermia on DogsHypothermia is a condition in which body temperature drops to a dangerously low level. This can occur due to exposure to low temperatures for an extended period of time or after immersion in cold water for an extended period of time. Symptoms of hypothermia include:
If your pet becomes chilled to the point of losing consciousness due to hypothermia, immediately contact your veterinarian for advice on the best course of action for treatment. If the pet is severely injured due to cold weather exposure, call your veterinarian immediately.
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AuthorA pet lover and a blogger for a hobby. Archives
November 2022
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