If you own a dog or are thinking about getting a dog, you may be wondering how long you can expect the dog to be a part of your family. The real answer is that there is no exact length of time that a dog can or will live. There are too many varying factors including illnesses, size of the dog, and other things that affect the dog’s longevity. With this being said, there are some unexpected ways to increase your pet's longevity.
Low Levels of Stress
The average canine lifespan is 10 to 13 years, and small breeds like the Shih Tzu has a lifespan of about 13 to 15 years. however, you can help them live a lot longer by keeping their stress levels low.
One of the biggest ways to maximize your dog’s longevity is by making sure they have low levels of stress. You need to be able to tell if your dog is stressed out. Stress can really take a number on a pet dog. For instance, if a dog is constantly being yelled at, held up in a cage, or not getting the attention they need and deserve, this can cause their stress levels to skyrocket. The stress can cause many illnesses some of which can make them pass away sooner than they would otherwise.
Getting Enough Exercise
Another way that you can maximize your dog’s longevity is by making sure they get enough dog exercise.
This includes more than just walking your dog or cat every once in a while. You need to make sure their heart rate is increased during their exercise. You can go on a run with them. Sprinting, going swimming, and playing tug of war are all great options for exercising with your dog.
Weight Management
Dogs that are overweight can pass away much earlier than those that have their weight under control. You should know how heavy your dog should be.
If your dog is overweight or obese, this could cause too many problems with their health. This is why your your pet needs better food for a longer life. Yes, your dog might love to eat, but this doesn’t mean they should be able to eat whatever and whenever they want.
You need to keep your pet's weight under control and prevent obesity in dogs if you want to expand their life expectancy.
Minimize Toxin Exposure
Unfortunately, there are many dogs who are exposed to toxins and chemicals. These can be in their food, in the water they drink, or in the bowls they eat and drink out of. If you want to maximize a dog’s lifespan, make sure you are properly and regularly cleaning out their water and food bowls and serve them food with little to no chemicals in it.
Active Lifestyle
Dogs are more likely to pass away earlier than expected if they live a sedentary lifestyle. If your dog is just lying around most of the time, without much movement, they are likely to get depressed and even experience more health issues because of this. It is important that you get your dog to be more active during the day. Toss a ball around for them to chase, play lasers with them, take them for a walk, and play new games with them. These are some of the best tips for maximizing your dog’s longevity. No matter what breed of dog you have, these tips can help you to increase your dog’s life expectancy.
Increasing your dog’s life expectancy falls under generally the same standards as you might use for yourself. For instance, having your dog participate in regular physical activity is a great start. Next, you'll want to combine that with a healthy diet, and adequate mental stimulation. Dogs may not walk on two legs and speak to us in plain English, but they too require good care to help keep here and healthy for years to come.
Good Exercise
This one almost goes without saying. Dogs are rambunctious, playful creatures by nature so encouraging them to exercise may not be too difficult. Sometimes it's a matter of providing them with an environment that they can let loose and just run free for a while. Alternatively, you can also get some of the best high-tech pet toys in the market to keep your pets entertained.
This not only promotes good physical health but also good mental health for your pup. Being cooped up inside for days on end without a big outdoor area to run around in can be depressing for our canine friends.
Provide a Balanced Diet
Too much or too little food can lead to health issues that may decrease your beloved dog’s life expectancy. Knowing how to provide them with a balanced, nutritious diet is a step that can be taken to potentially add years to their life.
Keep Them Mentally Stimulated
Yes, your dog is smart. Our dogs are often much smarter than they are given credit for and they know it. Dogs thrive on consistent mental stimulation. Things like playing games, working on new tricks, and even just someone on one time together really gets their neurons firing. This not only will increase their longevity, but also promote a happy, stress-free life for them.
Conclusion
We don’t like to imagine living in a world without our beloved canine companion. Unfortunately, no matter how much exercise they get or how well they eat, there will come a day when they leave us. Though, in some cases, that day can be significantly prolonged if the right steps are taken to preserve the dog's physical and mental health.
What's the average lifespan of a dog?
What is the average lifespan of a chihuahua dog?
How to increase your dog's life expectancy?
Check out our blog and follow me on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date!
Related Posts
Dogs in the Great War (1914-1918)
Sanitary Dogs on the Battlefield. And what battlefields... In 2017 we commemorated the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of the Chemin des Dames. A rather pretty name for an initiative of the French army's chief commander, General Nive...
How to Teach a Dog to Heel With This New and Easy Method
Teaching our dog new tricks can be fun, and good manners when other people are present. If your dog is an eager eater, you can even teach him how to wait for food! Are you wondering what the heel command is? This article will tell you mo...
