We all want what’s best for our dogs. We want them with us here on this earth for as long as possible. So we need to be sure to take great care of our four-legged friends. Typically, dogs can live up to ten to fifteen years (depending on factors, such as size) if we take good care of them. Here are some tips for extending your dog’s life span and the overall quality of your pup’s life!  

1. Spay or neuter your dogs

Studies have shown that spayed and neutered dogs actually live longer! Scientists have discovered that the average age of death for dogs that were spayed or neutered was 9.4 years versus 7.9 years for dogs that were not spayed or neutered. The reason for this, according to research, is because dogs that had been sterilized were less likely to die from infectious diseases and trauma than dogs that had not been sterilized.

2. Take care of your dog’s teeth

Tooth problems and or tooth decay is a pretty common and dangerous health issue for canines. Tooth decay can lead to bacterial infections in the mouth, which can lead to heart disease and damage to dogs’ organs. So, make sure to brush your dog’s teeth if you’re able, take your dog to the vet to have their teeth checked, and even give your dog dental treats to help keep their teeth clean!

3. Make sure your dog gets exercise

Dogs need exercise just like humans do! Try to make sure your dog gets at least an hour of exercise a day to keep their health in check and maintain their weight. Exercise can not only improve your dog’s physical health, but it can also have benefits on your dog’s overall mental health. Of course, it’s important to note that each dog is different and so it may be wise to adjust the exercise plan according to the age of your dog and other factors.

4. Give your pup a healthy diet

It’s important to ensure that your dog maintains a healthy diet. In fact, according to a study, dogs who eat less tend to live longer. Dogs raised on a lower caloric diet lived typically two years longer than dogs who were fed a higher and more “normal” amount. It should be noted that before you make any drastic changes to your dog’s diet, you should consult with your pet’s vet. However, it is important to keep in mind that dogs with healthier diets, which includes limiting the fatty types of people foods and even feeding them less of their pet food, tend to live two years longer on average.

5. Play games with them

It’s imperative that you keep your dog mentally active in addition to keeping them physically active. Dogs that get bored can become depressed and even anxious and this can take a toll on their health. So, it’s a good idea to play games with your dog to keep their minds sharpened! There are may games you can try playing with your dog that will keep your pup physically active and mentally stimulated and will further aid in helping your dog have a longer life span. There’s indoor games, outdoor games, and games besides fetch you can try playing with your pup.

6. Let your dog relax

Like people, dogs need time to wind down and relax. Dogs can become anxious and stressful if they’re not given time to relax. So, if they give off hints that they want to be left alone to lie down or chew their bones, treats or toys, then listen to them and give them their space.

7. Love them

Many people claim that showering their canines with love, attention and affection have led to longer life spans for their four-legged babies. Dogs are pack animals so they need companionship to keep them content and happy in life. And it works both ways. Dogs and humans that bond and love each other will provide health benefits to each other.

Written By: Cooper