We all slow down as we age, and that includes our beloved pets. The most difficult part of having pets is that they don’t live nearly long enough. So of course, we want to do everything we can to improve and extend their quality of life, and hopefully we can squeeze in one or two more happy years with them. If your dog is already slowing down, it’s not too late to start implementing things that can help improve their quality of life. Here are 5 things that might add 1-2 quality years to your dog’s life.
#1 – Feed them a high-quality diet
How healthy and happy do you think you would be if you ate nothing but McDonald’s every day? (If you aren’t sure, check out Super Size Me.) The same thing goes for our dogs. The better food we feed them, the healthier and happier they’ll be. Unsure about the quality of your dog’s food? Check out Dog Food Advisor for ratings and reviews. Luckily, there are plenty of healthy foods you can add to any dog’s diet.
#2 – Keep them active
Keeping your senior dog active helps maintain their weight and helps keep their joints healthy. Ever heard the term “use it or lose it”? The same can be said for your dog’s muscles and joints. Maintaining an active life can help ward off joint discomfort.
#3 – Take care of their teeth
Did you know a dog’s dental health can impact the rest of their health? Too much plaque on a dog’s teeth can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss, and bacteria from rotten teeth can even make its way into your dog’s blood stream and affect other organs, including their kidneys, liver, and heart. If your dog won’t tolerate having his teeth brushed, check out 7 Ways To Clean Your Dog’s Teeth That They Won’t Hate.
#4 – Take them to the vet
Preventative trips to the vet at least once a year can help identify health problems in your dog before they become too serious. Many diseases and even types of cancer are highly treatable if caught early enough, but late detection can be deadly.
#5 – Maintain healthy joints
Nobody wants to see their beloved pet in crippling pain. Most people and dogs will experience joint pain as they age. Luckily, there are several things you can do to help prevent and minimize joint pain. Maintaining a healthy weight is critical. Unnecessary weight will only add strain to already sore joints. Adding anti-inflammatory foods and joint supplements to your dog’s diet may make a big difference in your dog’s pain levels.
(H/T: iHeartDogs)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.
via Whisker Therapy