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!
Be familiar with your vet – for more than just shots.
As a puppy, proper and timely immunizations are crucial to prevent deadly diseases, so you’re a pretty regular customer at the vet’s office. But as your dog gets older, you may tend not to visit the vet as often because immunizations are needed less frequently. Regular checkups and physicals are vital to your dog’s health: they’ll help you recognize recurring problems that may not be readily visible, and increase the chances that any sort of serious disease will be found in its early stages. Plus, the more your vet sees your dog, the more he or she will know the animal – and the more likely he or she will be to recognize something out of the ordinary.
Do your own checks.
Between “professional” physicals, examine your own dog once a month or so, feeling for unusual lumps or anything else that’s not quite right. Your dog is more comfortable with you than with anyone else, and more likely to let you check for these things without raising a fuss. If your dog will allow it, you can also look inside his ears for redness or buildup, since ear infections can be common – especially in larger breeds.
Exercise regularly.
Just as we humans get sluggish and fat without proper exercise, so will our dogs. Obesity isn’t good for us, and it isn’t good for them either. Daily fifteen to twenty-minute walks can go a long way in maintaining your dog’s overall health; walking briskly will maintain good muscle tone and cardiovascular wellbeing, promote proper digestion, and enhance circulation (and it’s good for you as well!). In addition to walks, it’s important to include lots of play in your dog’s daily routine. Even older dogs will enjoy chasing a ball or Frisbee, or playing tug-of-war with a rope or old towel.
Keep your dog comfy.
If your dog sleeps outside, ensure that she has adequate shelter and a comfortable place to sleep. Sleeping on cold concrete, for example, can lead to joint stiffness. And if your dog sleeps inside, a nice dog bed or pillow, although not necessary, is always much appreciated.
Pay attention to teeth.
Good dental hygiene for dogs is important for more reasons than alleviating bad breath (but that’s definitely a plus). Tartar can build up to a point where it will actually make the dog sick. Your vet will be able to provide a thorough teeth cleaning. In the meantime, you can keep your dog’s teeth clean with special toys and treats. Read labels carefully; they’ll tell you which products are especially conducive to cleaning teeth. There are even doggie toothpastes available on the market so that you can do routine cleanings, if you think that’s something you’d like to undertake. Beef flavored toothpaste … mmm.
Spay or neuter.
Spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the incidence of uterine infections, breast tumors, prostate and testicular disease, and undesirable behaviors (such as when a male dog gets “territorial”). For females, having litter upon litter of puppies is stressful to the body. And speaking of stress …
Keep stress to a minimum.
Canines get stressed out too! There will inevitably be times in your life when a big change is necessary – a move, for example, or bringing home a new baby. In times like these, try to prepare your dog as best as you possibly can (when our family moved overseas, I explained the process to Andy just in case). Keep familiar items, such as favorite toys or a blanket that smells like home, close at hand. And lavish the dog with attention to let them know they’re still okay, still loved, and still wanted.
Challenge your dog.
Mental fitness is a big factor in your dog’s wellbeing. Teach him basic obedience skills – and special tricks – early on, and challenge regularly with commands right up through old age. This is crucial for more than just keeping your dog’s mind active: when he’s taught to be obedient as a puppy, you’re less likely to have to deal with any behavioral problems later on. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that “ounce” is good for both you and your dog.
Feel the love.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many people get a dog only to keep it chained up, with very little interaction other than during the daily feedings. Your dog will be happier and healthier – two key components of a long life – if you regularly take time to shower her with attention and affection. A scratch behind the ears or a belly rub can go a long way!
Consider expanding your family.
Depending on your lifestyle, you may want to consider having two dogs. (It’s definitely not something you want to undertake if you’re not sure you could handle it, though. Two pets mean double the attentions, precautions, and financial commitments.) Dogs can be the best of friends and can help keep each other active and involved. Their playtimes can be not only very entertaining for you, but valuable exercise for them.
It’s a big investment to have a dog – financially, emotionally, physically, just about every way possible. But the rewards are endless. It pays to take care of such an investment, and with the help of your veterinarian and a few simple preventative measures, you can enjoy its returns for many, many years.