The average lifespan of a dog in the United States is twelve years but they can live more than that and be healthy at the same time. Smaller breeds normally have a longer life compared to shorter breeds. Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey is the longest lived dog according to the Guinness Book of Records. The dog lived for 29 years and was still healthy and working cattle at the age of 20.
How can you provide your loved pet the best opportunity of living a long and healthy life? Some suggestions that help are as follows. All of them depend on you being a well-informed owner of a dog and catching problems before they get worst.
1. Neuter the dog: There is a less chance of uterine infections and breast cancer in female dogs if they are neutered. Male dogs are less interested in running away from their yard to meet a female dog in season, and get hit by some vehicle or in a fight with another dog.
2. Prevention is definitely better than cure when it comes to diseases. Remember to vaccinate your dog against serious diseases, and be up to date with the prevention of heartworm and treatments for intestinal worming. It is much affordable to avoid these diseases in your dog than treating it. Your vet can help you in choosing a routine that is best for the circumstances of your dog.
3. Nutrition is very essential: A top quality well balanced diet will give your dog with all the essential nutrients that your dog needs in order to say well and fit. This is especially the situation if your dog has some medical condition. For example, a prescription diet like renal diet for kidney disease can help in slowing or reduction the signs and provide him a good quality of life.
4. Your dog’s lifespan can be reduced by 2 years because of obesity. Make sure you keep him lean, he will not only life longer but the signs of age related conditions like arthritis will stay away from him. When you run your hands on his body, you should be able to feel his ribs.
5. A dog that runs here and there is always at a risk of injury. A strong and good fence will restrict your dog into the backyard. This will lower the chances of him getting injured in an accident or while fighting with another dog. While walking your dog, always keep him on a leash so that he doesn’t run away and get injured.