He's your companion, your friend, someone who loves you unconditionally -- your dog -- and you want him around for as long as possible. Ensure that he'll stay healthy and happy until a ripe old age by following these suggestions.
It seems like just yesterday that my black Labrador, Andy, was a tiny and adorable ball of fur that could be cuddled on my lap or in my arms. In reality, it was over six years ago. Now he weighs nearly a hundred pounds and isn’t so easy to cuddle (although he still tries to climb on my lap from time to time). The other day I noticed a few stray, bright-white hairs in his glistening black fur, and I nearly lost it. White hairs mean he’s getting older, and getting older means less time together … fewer years to enjoy the loyal company of a dog that’s been like a child to me. If there were a magic potion that could prolong dogs’ lives, it would sell out before it even hit pet store shelves. But until someone invents such a potion, we have to rely on other methods of keeping our favorite companions healthy and lively for a long time.
Feed appropriately.
Almost all dog food companies have various formulas of food designed specifically for different stages of your dog’s life, and they seem to come up with more categories every day. Choose puppy food for dogs under a year old (under two if you have a large breed). If your dog is old, choose a food formulated for his or her age – there are even “subcategories” such as weight control, joint health, etc. Whatever variety you choose, make sure it’s a reputable, nutritionally complete brand (ask your vet for recommendations). Preferably, you should feed your dog one brand of food for his or her entire life – switching foods too often can be hard on a canine’s sensitive stomach. And don’t be cheap … your dog is your best friend and well worth buying premium food for. Instead of feeding one large portion per day, break it up into two meals to help stimulate metabolism and keep your dog satisfied for longer.
Vaccinate.
In his lifetime, your dog will need quite a few vaccinations: rabies, parvo, distemper, and bordetella, to name a few. Those are shots that all dogs will require. There are more, though, to prevent illnesses like Lyme disease, and Coronavirus, that your dog may or may not need depending on several lifestyle factors (such as whether you plan to travel, or if your dog will be exposed to many other dogs). Assess the need for these “extra” vaccines with your vet. He or she can also suggest any preventative medications, such as heartworm pills or vitamin supplements – these are also important factors in keeping your dog in optimum health!