Your dog is your best friend, but they seem to be aging before your eyes. While there isn’t anything you can do to stop the aging process altogether, there are some things you can do to help extend your dog’s life. Simple lifestyle changes can ensure they live a long and comfortable life. In general, a proactive approach to care is better than a reactive one and even becomes more cost-effective.
Feeding Quality Nutrition
Dog food options can be overwhelming, whether you are walking down the aisle at the pet store or shopping online. As recognized by the American Association of Feed Control Officials, picking food is the key to quality nutrients. This ensures the ingredients meet a high standard and follow the dietary guidelines provided by AAFCO.
While all dogs are omnivores, some breeds have specific nutrition needs. For example, larger breeds can benefit from foods higher in Omega 3 & 6 to help support joint health. Smaller breeds are more prone to dental issues and can benefit from foods designed for dental health.
When evaluating the ingredient list, check the first three ingredients. These are the main ingredients and are included at the highest ratio in the food. Make sure they are single proteins or vegetables. If you cannot pronounce the ingredient, you should avoid that food. Beware of grain-free diets for dogs. Recent studies have shown links between grain-free diets and heart disease.
Once you have selected a food, make sure to feed your dog the correct amount. Remember, the label is just a guideline. Growing dogs and dogs with higher metabolisms may need more than the bag recommended. Neutered and spayed dogs often need less. Check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is at a healthy weight and being fed the right amount. Obesity is known to shorten dogs' lifespans.
Don’t Neglect Dental Health
Dental care can be one of the most costly but beneficial things you can do for your dog. Teeth and gums are directly responsible for transporting bacteria and disease into the body, bloodstream, and heart. In addition to regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian, several things can help keep your dog’s teeth in great shape.
You can brush your dog’s teeth with a special canine toothpaste (DO NOT USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE!). This can be done twice per day. Dental chews, water, and food toppers are other great ways to help reduce plaque build-up between dental cleanings.
Maintain Joint Health
A body in motion stays in motion, or so the saying goes. This applies to you and your dog! Muscle tone is key to mobility for any animal. Incorporate exercise and stretching into your dog’s daily life. Remember, some senior dogs may not tolerate a lot of activity.
Swimming or a water treadmill can be good, low-impact options for senior dogs, especially if they have arthritis. Joint supplements and fish oil can be great supportive options for joint health. Look for glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM in commercial joint supplements. Larger breeds tend to suffer from arthritis earlier than smaller breeds because of the weight load on their joints.
Regular Vet Exams
Make sure to schedule annual check-ups with your veterinarian. As your dog ages, you should go every six months. Identifying issues early can help slow progression and keep your dog comfortable. These exams also give the vet a baseline of what to expect from your dog so they can identify and address issues faster.
