How to Increase Your Dog's Life Expectancy

Unfortunately, dogs' lifespans are much shorter than ours. We know that, depending on their traits, they'll only be with us for around ten, fifteen, or, if we're lucky, eighteen years.

But besides genetics, the care we provide them throughout their lives can make a considerable difference and help increase both their life expectancy and, especially, its quality.

Diet, key to their health

Although they've adapted to an omnivorous diet, dogs are carnivores, and their ideal diet should be based on animal protein. A significant number of kibbles, perhaps the most widespread food today, aren't formulated with the best composition for this species.

This is especially true of lower-end brands, but also some highly regarded ones, which base their composition on grains rather than animal protein. That's why it's essential to always check the label on whatever food you choose. There are other options besides kibble or canned food, such as dehydrated food, the BARF diet, or homemade food.

In these cases, it's essential that the menu be put together by a canine nutrition expert. Besides animal protein, the food needs to be suited to the dog's age and traits. A puppy doesn't need the same as a senior dog, nor does a dog who spends the day running the same as one who barely moves.

Special diets for dogs

We are what we eat, which is why diet matters so much for improving a dog's quality of life and keeping their immune system strong, so they can fight off any illness.

On the other hand, if a dog is diagnosed with a condition that requires a specific diet, it's essential that we follow it. In those cases it's part of the treatment and helps preserve the dog's health.

The exercise a dog needs

Exercise doesn't just help a dog stay at a healthy weight — it's also essential for their body. Obesity isn't just a cosmetic issue; it increases the risk of illness, worsens other conditions, and lowers tolerance to anesthesia or heat.

Even if our dog isn't the most active in the world, every dog needs to go for a walk about 2-3 times a day. On these walks they don't just get their body moving — they also sniff their surroundings, get the chance to interact with other dogs, are exposed to different stimuli, and so on. The right amount of exercise for each case keeps a dog calm and receptive.

Because of all this, it lowers their stress and minimizes the risk of behavioral problems arising. Stress affects health, but unfortunately, behavioral disorders are also a common cause of abandonment and euthanasia. Of course, a dog should never be tied up, locked away, or left alone all day.

A dog's mental wellbeing

This is just as important as physical wellbeing. A dog's wellbeing helps maintain their health. It's known that stress affects the immune system. If this system is weakened, it becomes easier for illness to take hold.

Exercise, but also socialization and training, are the foundation for a stimulated, happy dog. Exposing dogs to all kinds of stimuli and teaching them fundamental commands prevents them from getting stressed in different situations.

It's not about turning them into circus performers, but every dog should come when called, sit, stay still, and so on. With this training and the establishment of a routine, we offer them predictability, which is fundamental for them. If we also give them our company, we're fostering their happiness and, as a result, better health.

Basic canine hygiene

There's no need to obsess over this aspect. Dogs need to smell like dogs, and we should let them roll around in the grass or play in the mud with other dogs. Bathing can be saved for when they're really dirty. But hygiene is much more than water and soap.

Brushing them from time to time can be linked to life expectancy through the bond it builds between dog and caregiver, which boosts their wellbeing. But above all, because by feeling the dog's body, we can catch the early growth of lumps, wounds, parasites, sore spots, and so on.

A dog that's comfortable with their family and receives proper veterinary care improves and preserves their health. These are some other hygiene aspects that, if neglected, can lead to problems:

• Poor dental hygiene causes pain and difficulty eating, and can even end up affecting other organs like the heart.
• Blocked anal glands can end up becoming infected.
• Nails that don't wear down naturally, such as dewclaws, could grow into the flesh.
• The eyes and ears can trap foreign objects, get injured, or become infected.

Benefits of preventive veterinary care

Prevention is key to keeping our dog healthy and, as a result, extending their life. That's why it's essential that, as soon as they arrive home, we take them to the vet so they can prescribe, first of all, the most appropriate internal and external deworming for their situation. Vaccination is essential too.

This is especially important for puppies. They're prone to highly contagious and potentially fatal infectious diseases that vaccines prevent. On the other hand, going to the vet as soon as we spot a symptom of illness helps start treatment early, which increases the chances of recovery.

For early detection, it's recommended that dogs from 7-8 years of age onward have annual vet checkups that include a general exam and blood and urine tests. The earlier conditions like kidney disease or cancer are diagnosed, the more likely we are to cure them or at least maintain a good quality of life.

Benefits of spaying and neutering dogs

Spaying/neutering is a procedure that prevents serious problems such as mammary tumors or uterine infections. Studies show that neutered animals live longer than intact ones. It also helps prevent all kinds of accidents that can happen if they escape while chasing a female in heat.

Bibliography Colegio Oficial de Veterinarios de Málaga. 2017. Esterilización: del mito a la realidad. Málaga. Vetsummit.