Once we decide to share life with a dog, we accept with resignation that, unfortunately, its life will last much less than we would like. We cannot change that, but we can keep the dog’s well-being to the maximum.
If we manage to offer you a healthy and happy life, by rebounding we also manage to increase your life expectancy. Quality is going to be measured both physically and psychologically. Would you like to enjoy your dog as long as possible? Well put these simple tips into practice.
Index of contents
- 1 How long do dogs live?
- 2 Feeding
- 3 Deworming
- 4 Vaccination
- 5 Basic care
- 6 Canine happiness
- 7 Does spaying make a dog live longer?
How long do dogs live?
There is no exact figure that can answer this question. The life expectancy of dogs is highly variable. It is influenced by criteria such as race or size. Smaller size dogs will finish growing earlier, mature sexually at younger ages, and generally live longer.
It is not strange to meet small dogs up to 18 years old. Instead, with size dogs greater happens just the opposite. They take longer to complete their growth, are fertile with more months of age and live, on average, less years. These races were considered old before and many do not exceed 8-12 years of life.
We cannot change the genetics, but if we optimize the quality of life we offer the dog the possibility of reaching the maximum of its life expectancy. And, most importantly, they will be years enjoyed with a good quality of life. A year for dogs is much more than for us. They prefer quality over quantity.
Feeding
The diet that we offer our dog is a basic pillar for his health. Within our reach we will find dry, wet, dehydrated food or we can choose homemade food. Depending on the characteristics of the dog, its living conditions and ours, we can decide between all these diets or mix several of them.
But in any case, it is important to seek quality. There are good options for all budgets, we just have to inform ourselves well before deciding. In addition, the diet must be adapted to the life stage of the dog. A puppy cannot eat the same as an old man or a lactating female and a dog that hardly exercises.
- All about natural dog food (the healthiest).
Deworming
Both internal and external deworming is essential. Not only because of the local nuisances that parasites such as fleas or ticks can cause, but because of the diseases they can transmit. Some are life threatening like babesia or erliquia.
Furthermore, humans can also be affected by intestinal parasites or leishmaniasis, for example. For all this, from the first weeks of life We must worry about establishing, together with the veterinaryn, a correct schedule of internal and external deworming..
- How often should I deworm my dog?
Vaccination
And if deworming is important, vaccinating is basic, especially in the case of puppies. These, having an immature immune system, are going to be more vulnerable to any disease. They are very sensitive to viruses such as distemper or parvovirus.
Both are pathologies of viral origin that are easily contagious and have high mortality and sequelae percentages. The best prevention is to vaccinate and revaccinate the puppy, as the veterinaryn indicates, and not take it out without having the vaccination schedule complete.
- Vaccines necessary for a dog
Basic care
Following minimum hygiene standards, bathing and brushing the dog as much as it needs depending on its characteristics and circumstances, and, above all, going to the vet as soon as we perceive that something is happening are measures that allow us to maintain a good quality of life. .
Likewise, at least once a year you must go through a checkup at the vet. It is recommended, in addition to the complete general examination, to perform a blood test and a urine test. This guideline is especially important in older dogs. With aging it is easier for tumors and pain in bones and joints to appear.
Kidney, dental and eye diseases are also seen, in addition to cognitive dysfunction syndrome. Detecting these problems promptly, unfortunately, does not usually serve to cure them, but, trying from the initial stages we can slow down their progression and, consequently, make the dog live longer.
Canine happiness
So far we have seen the physical care that will help us keep the dog healthy as long as possible. But quality of life is also in the daily routine. Thus, health is also maintained by respecting the psychological needs of the dog.
You must have adequate accommodation and sufficient opportunities for exercise. Socialization is also another fundamental aspect. To avoid problems in this regard, it is recommended that puppies do not separate from their mother or siblings before at least eight weeks of age.
Getting the dog used to different stimuli and situations, offering games, company, affection, respect and activity, also mental, is a guarantee of good psychological health.. A stress-free dog will, in general, present better health and, consequently, a higher quality of life.
Does spaying make a dog live longer?
We understand by sterilization the removal of the testicles in dogs and the uterus and ovaries in dogs. It is an intervention that It is recommended to avoid the birth of unwanted litters and the symptoms of heat..
Further, reduces or prevents the appearance of diseases associated with sex hormones, such as tumors of the breast, testicles or pyometra or uterine infection. Studies indicate that sterilizing prolongs life expectancy. Operated dogs are less likely to die from certain infectious diseases or accidents.