8 tips to help your dog live longer

Dogs are man’s best friend and have been by their side for generations. They’re innocent and adorable, but don’t be fooled: one dog year is the equivalent of seven human years. Dogs don’t usually live as long as we want them to. They usually live between 10-13 years, though some dogs have stayed alive much longer.

We can’t promise that your dog will become a world record holder, but these tips will help you ensure a long and happy life for your best friend. Some breeds live much longer than others, of course, but these tips can be applied to any dog.

An annual visit to the vet

You’ve probably heard the saying that ‘prevention is better than cure’. This adage also applies to our dogs. To put this into practice, you should visit your vet at least once a year, even if there is no “visible” illness in your dog. This visit will allow you to check your dog’s good health and to see, at an early stage, if your dog is not suffering from a possible disease. Most diseases respond better to treatment if detected early.
This annual visit to the vet will also be an opportunity to update your dog’s vaccinations. Remember that some diseases such as hepatitis are still incurable. Only vaccination can therefore protect your dog effectively. Most dog vaccines are only effective for one year and require a booster shot every year to remain effective.
Keep in mind that your vet is your first point of contact for all matters concerning your dog’s health. Take advantage of this visit to ask your vet any questions you may have about your dog. You’re sure to leave with valuable advice.

The right worming treatment

The primary purpose of deworming is to protect your dog from internal parasites such as worms. The action of deworming is to kill these parasites and therefore protect your dog from any diseases that may be carried by these internal parasites. It is therefore important to regularly worm your four-legged friend at least every 6 months, or even every 2-3 months if your dog eats everything in its mouth or goes hunting with you. Bear in mind that deworming products are not residual, i.e. they do not protect your pet from external parasite infestation between administrations of dewormer. They only act as a “flush” that would eliminate all parasites after the dewormer is taken. Only by regularly worming your dog, based on his exposure to parasites, will he be protected effectively.

Take advantage of your annual visit to your vet to check that the deworming product you are using and the frequency of administration are appropriate.

Treatment for external parasites

Although deworming protects your pet from internal parasites, it does not protect him from external parasites such as fleas, ticks or even small mosquitoes. These parasites are not harmless to your dog’s health. They can cause allergies that can affect your dog’s well-being or, even worse, serious diseases such as piroplasmosis or leishmaniasis. It is therefore essential to protect your dog by treating it against external parasites. These treatments can be in the form of collars, pipettes or anti-parasite tablets. All of these treatments have a limited duration of action and care should be taken to renew them to maintain effective protection for your dog.

Keep an eye on your dog’s weight

Overweight and obesity, in our four-legged friends as in humans, is an additional risk factor for developing many diseases. Being overweight can affect your dog’s quality of life and shorten its life expectancy by up to 2 years. Difficulty moving, shortness of breath, joint pain, diabetes, respiratory and heart disease, digestive problems, a weakened immune system and an increased risk of developing tumours are all negative consequences of being overweight in dogs.
It is therefore important to monitor your dog’s weight, either by thinking about it regularly or by observing its figure. This monitoring should be increased after sterilisation.
To prevent your dog from gaining too much weight, it is important to offer him a balanced diet, in quantities adapted to his needs, and regular physical exercise.
If your dog is already overweight or obese, it will be necessary, with the support of your vet, to identify the cause of his weight gain and to implement a suitable weight loss plan.

A quality diet

Isn’t it said that you dig your grave with your fork? This is also true for dogs. Food plays an important role in keeping your dog healthy. Your dog’s diet should provide him, without excess, with all the nutrients he needs and should be adapted, in quantity and quality, to his physical activity and physiological state.

Sport to keep your dog fit

Diet is not the only way to help your dog stay in shape. Exercise is a key element in prolonging your dog’s life and, as a bonus, it will also help you live longer!

Exercise is proven to reduce stress, increase endorphins and balance mood and emotions in people and dogs. In addition to helping your dog maintain a healthy weight and muscle mass and keep his cardiovascular system in shape, regular physical activity will help keep him happy.

If you want to extend his life, consider extending his evening walks, and perhaps even jogging. Better yet, let your dog let off steam with a canine friend or two: socialising with other dogs is another way to reduce his stress and improve his overall quality of life.

Good training

Training your dog well, preferably with the support of professional dog trainers, will help you control your dog. If your dog obeys you, you can avoid accidents, such as car accidents, by preventing unwanted behaviour.
Similarly, clear rules at home and positive and consistent training provide a reassuring framework for your dog. In this sense, positive training can also reduce the risk of developing anxiety problems. A dog that is not anxious is a dog that is “right in the head” and is less likely to develop behavioural problems or physical illnesses related to anxiety.

Don’t forget to brush your dog’s teeth

Dental hygiene is an often overlooked aspect of pet care. Many of us simply forget to brush our teeth regularly. Unfortunately, poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque, gingivitis and eventually periodontal disease, a bacterial infection of the mouth that has been linked to heart disease and organ damage in dogs.

The good news is that it’s not difficult to take care of your dog’s oral hygiene. Just brush his teeth regularly, provide safe chew toys and dental treats, and have the vet check his teeth at annual visits.

Remember to enjoy every moment

The sad fact is that we live far longer than our canine friends and there are no miracle products that will extend your dog’s life far beyond the natural lifespan of his breed. But with conscientious care, enrichment and regular veterinary attention, you may be able to give your dog a few extra years.

Your time together is precious, so maintain healthy habits, keep your dog physically and mentally active, and enjoy every minute.