{"id":538,"date":"2011-09-17T18:22:00","date_gmt":"2011-09-17T18:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/herculesthefrenchbulldog.com\/?p=538"},"modified":"2011-10-05T16:23:16","modified_gmt":"2011-10-05T16:23:16","slug":"5-tips-dog-live-longer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/herculesthefrenchbulldog.com\/2011\/09\/5-tips-dog-live-longer\/","title":{"rendered":"5 TIPS TO HELP YOUR DOG LIVE LONGER"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 TIPS TO HELP YOUR DOG LIVE LONGER<\/p>\n

Healthy Dog Food <\/p>\n

With vets and websites promoting everything from homemade dog food to the latest puppy supplements how can you weed out the valid advice? Nothing is worse than the feeling of losing a loved one, and for many people their dog is right up there. If you could easily extend a loved one\u2019s life by five or ten years would it even be a question? Well your dog should be no exception. It\u2019s a tragic misconception that dogs can\u2019t live past 20 years old. Don\u2019t forget, for millions of years our own lifespan was less than 35-years. Aren\u2019t you glad someone came along and cleared that one up? It\u2019s no different with dogs, it just takes some knowledge and a small change in the way we\u2019re used to doing things. By following these five simple tips you can help your dog live a longer, healthier, and happier life.<\/p>\n

Nutrition<\/p>\n

This is the main culprit shortening your dog\u2019s life. Raising a puppy on homemade natural dog food from birth is the best health advantage you can give it. What your dog eats may be the difference between 5 to 10 years based on a report published by the American Journal of Veterinary Research.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, commercial dog foods are generally low in nutrients and lacking many of the vitamins your dog needs to stay healthy. If cooking homemade dog food isn\u2019t an option you\u2019ll need to add a vitamin supplement to it\u2019s diet (buy one that\u2019s specific to your breed). Avoid giving your dog any fatty foods. Always cut the excess fat off meat or poultry.<\/p>\n

A dog has no concept of becoming unhealthy. Monitoring their diet and general well-being is your responsibility.<\/p>\n

Annual Vaccination Boosters<\/p>\n

Horribly misguided. Research has shown vaccination boosters for pets to be unnecessary, harmful, and potentially fatal. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association\u2019s (WSAVA) Guidelines for the Vaccination of Dogs and Cats note that \u201c\u2026duration of immunity is many years and may be up to the lifetime of the pet.\u201d<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re concerned your pet\u2019s vaccinations may be out of date you should have your vet run a \u201cTitre\u201d test to check their current immunization status before you consider opting for any boosters.<\/p>\n

Proper Grooming<\/p>\n

Proper grooming is essential. Keeping your dog well groomed isn\u2019t just about appearance. Dog\u2019s forced to go long periods without grooming are at a high risk for infection and disease, taking years off their life and adding unnecessary vet bills.<\/p>\n

Always brush your dog well before bathing. Keep an eye out for any debris stuck in the coat that could rub against your dog\u2019s skin and cause abrasions. Bathing your dog regularly will cut the risk of illness significantly, as well as give you the perfect opportunity to check for fleas and ticks.<\/p>\n

Check your dog\u2019s eyes and ears regularly for dirt and signs of infection. If you notice a bad smell coming from inside the ear, or any redness and swelling in the ears or eyes, you should make an appointment with your vet right away to start your pet on the proper antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Dental Care<\/p>\n

Regular dental care is vital to your pet\u2019s health. Try to brush your dog\u2019s teeth and gums every other day, before plaque gets a chance to build up and harden, but at least once a week. If you don\u2019t keep up on this you will eventually be forced to have your dog\u2019s teeth \u201cscaled\u201d by a vet. This is the same costly procedure people go through requiring them to be anesthetized, and your dog won\u2019t enjoy it any more than you would.<\/p>\n

You can use a rubber finger brush, a small handheld brush similar to a humans toothbrush, or a tiny brush that fits over the end of a \u201cring\u201d (great for brushing smaller dog\u2019s teeth). You\u2019ll also need to pick up some doggy toothpaste at the pet store, just dab some of this on the end of your finger when you begin and your pet will lick it right off!<\/p>\n

Neutering\/Spaying<\/p>\n

Neutering\/Spaying is a widely misunderstood practice that few people realize the consequences of. A study by David J. Waters, DVM, PhD, shows dogs that are never neutered or spayed live 2 years longer on average. Research proves the health benefits of sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen, and progesterone) throughout a dog\u2019s life. If you must neuter\/spay your pet there are some basics you should follow to minimize the risks.<\/p>\n

Females have shown decreased brain function an increase in cognitive disorders when spayed before sexual maturity. Also, never neuter a male less than a year old (two years for large breeds). They require the extra testosterone production that shuts down after neutering for proper muscle development. Male dogs grow up to 20% larger than females and they need the extra muscle mass later to support their heavier frames.<\/p>\n

Neutering and Spaying your pet can cause a range of unintended consequences that most pet owners are simply unaware of. Always do your research prior to making a final decision.
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