How to make my dog live longer?

The responsible possession of companion animals It is not a simple task, because as sentient beings, domestic animals need to receive care throughout their lives, especially those that have an impact on their health and well-being.It is obvious that we do not want them to suffer or be unhappy, however, sometimes we are not aware of the real needs of each species.

In Animals and Pets Online we want to explain how to make a dog live longer and better , offering you 10 essential tips that every owner should know.Keep reading to discover them all and put them into practice as soon as possible so that the animals in your care are always well cared for and happy.

1.Betting on a balanced quality diet

The feeding is a fundamental aspect of the care of a dog, because it has a direct impact on their health and well-being.Offering a balanced and adequate diet helps us to prevent obesity in the dog, but also many other serious health problems associated with nutritional imbalances.

It is important to adapt the feeding to the characteristics of each animal, taking into account the breed, age , sex, lifestyle or medical history, to provide the recommended daily calories.We can opt for a diet based on the balanced feed , but we can also consult with our veterinarian the possibility of developing recipes Homemade or follow the BARF diet.Extra foods, such as dog rewards, should never exceed 10% of caloric needs [1] and the dog must always have fresh, clean water.

It is important to highlight that there are m many foods, such as fruits and plants, which are not harmful to humans but to dogs, even if they are toxic or lethal , such as chocolate, onions or grapes.therefore, you should avoid any of the prohibited foods for dogs based on scientific studies, in order to prevent poisoning.

2.Follow a dental hygiene routine

The care of dogs' teeth is not very different from ours, as far as hygiene is concerned. tartar formation and gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) they are very common health problems in domestic dogs and, if left untreated or prevented, can cause very serious dental diseases, causing premature tooth decay, abscesses and even infections.

The best way to preventing it is through a dental hygiene routine .Brushing the teeth of the animal with a brush and even with a piece of gauze can be very effective, thus helping to prevent various pathologies.In addition, there are up to 10 different ways to clean the teeth of a dog, some of them designed for those dogs that do not allow themselves to manipulate the mouth.

3.Pay attention to the care of the mantle

Brushing is probably the most important routine when caring for a dog's coat and is especially necessary in long-haired dogs After choosing the right brush for your dog we advise you to perform a weekly brushing routine (between one and three times a week, depending on the needs of the individual and the length of the coat) to remove dirt, dust and tangles.

In addition, this routine allows us to promptly identify any parasite and helps us improve our bond with the dog, as most love to be brushed .When the hair is full of entanglements and cause serious discomfort in the dog, then we must assess the option of visiting a dog groomer.

regular baths are essential to keep the dog's skin clean and healthy, without However, it is very important that we do not abuse this routine, therefore, we recommend performing a cad bath within 1 or 3 months at the most.Don't forget to use specific products for dogs and follow our tips on how to bathe a dog at home properly and positively.

4.Encourage him to exercise

Exercise is an essential routine that helps dogs channel energy, release stress and tone muscles.In fact, it is key to making a dog live longer and better.Still, you should take into account the limitations of each animal, since intense uncontrolled exercise can be as prejudicial as its absence.

You should pay attention if your dog It belongs to one of the breeds of brachycephalus dogs, but in general we can estimate that every dog should enjoy between two and three walks a day of quality, as well as an hour of daily physical exercise, either intense, moderate or mild.

5.Don't forget the games and mental stimulation

Mental stimulation is one of the most important dog care, however, it is often forgotten.We must know that is as important as physical exercise , since it affects the same mode to the well-being of the dog.Providing this type of mental activities, whether through intelligence toys, canine skills or smell games is essential to maintain a good state of health and active cognitive abilities.

In addition, Mental stimulation improves the bond with the owner, useful in dogs that experience the syndrome of cognitive dysfunction and prevents many of the usual behavioral problems, such as destructiveness.

Environmental enrichment You can also help us in this regard, as offering a space with varied stimuli helps to improve the day-to-day life of our dogs.Tunnels, leaving varied toys at your fingertips, natural bones to gnaw or a bed of type or are some ideas.

6.Provide a clean and positive environment

Although it seems obvious, keeping the house clean with enzymatic products , thus avoiding the use of chemicals, improves the well-being of our dog and does not disturb his privileged and sensitive smell.In addition, promoting tranquility , calm and comfort will also make him behave in this way and be in line with us, ensuring an ideal environment.

7.Follow a regular deworming routine

The deworming of the dog, both internally and externally, must be an important part of their care, since most parasites can act as vectors of serious diseases that can only be prevent by this regular deworming routine.Check with your trusted veterinarian what are the best products to deworm your dog and follow the established schedule.

8.Make regular visits to your veterinarian

Following the dog's vaccination schedule will help us avoid many diseases that have no treatment once contracted.Also, making regular visits every 6 or 12 months will help us prevent and detect any change in our dog, thus offering a better prognosis.

Adult dogs can go to the vet once a year, but young dogs should visit every 4 months and old dogs every two years.In addition, when abnormal symptoms arise, these periods should be adjusted for greater safety.[2]

9.Values castration

There are many advantages of castration, including a greater longevity and the prevention of various pathologies, which vary depending on the sex of the animal and the time of castration., usually favors a better behavior related to exploratory behavior, sexual behavior and aggressiveness, being more noticeable in male dogs than in females.[4]

10.How to know if a dog is happy and healthy?

Finally we want to show you some symptoms of a sick or compromised dog .Do not miss any detail, if your dog shows any of them go to a veterinarian specialized in ethology to rule out any anomaly:

Lack of energy
Depression
Loss of appetite
Anorexia
Obesity
Fur in poor condition
Nasal or ocular secretion
Pale mucous membranes
Respiratory problems
Skin changes
Foreign lumps
Behavior changes

Finally, it should be noted that if you are thinking about adopting a dog for the first time, we advise you to further investigate the needs of the individual and remember: a committed tutor has an impact on a healthy and happy dog .

If you want to read more articles similar to How to make my dog live longer? , we recommend that you enter our Basic Care section.

References

John A.Bukowski, Susan Aiello, Providing a Home for a Dog, Merck Manual VeterinaryJohn A.Bukowski, Susan Aiello, Routine Health Care of Dogs, Merck Manual VeterinaryLyn ette A.Hart, PhD, Professor, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Animal Welfare, Merck Manual VeterinaryLe Boeuf, Burney J."Copulatory and aggressive behavior in the prepuberally castrated dog." Hormones and Behavior 1.2 (1970): 127-136.

Bibliography

Howell, TJ, Bennett, PC (2016) Pet dog management practices among a representative of owner samples in Victoria, Australia.Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, Volume 12, p 4-12
(In the event of a traffic accident).Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research, Volume 10, Issue 4, p 295-301
(2017) Emotional affection and the case of health problems related to health problems in domestic dog.Applied Animal Behavior Science, Volume 196, p 76-83

Comments

How to know what size a mongrel dog will be?

When we talk about a mixed breed dog or mixed breed dog , generally we refer to a dog whose ancestry is unknown and that has typical characteristics of two or more breeds.This is usually the result of a non-selective breeding, but generally fortunate, since a mongrel dog can be exactly as good companion as a dog of a certain breed. Due to numerous factors, although here it is worth highlighting the great genetic variability, there are many advantages of having a mongrel dog and it is important to emphasize this point since unfortunately it is usually grant a lower value to a dog of these characteristics.If you are thinking of adopting a mixed breed dog, you are surely gathering all the necessary information, if you are wondering how to know what size a mongrel dog will be I didn't leave It is to read this article of Animals and Pets Online. Is it possible to know the size of a mongrel dog? Of course, estimating the exact size of a mongrel dog is not an easy task, although ...

Commensalism - Definition, types and examples

In nature there are symbiotic relationships between the different organisms to achieve an end.There are relationships where one of the parties obtains very negative results, as in cases of predation or parasitism.In other relationships, sometimes, not even everyone involved knows that they are part of a relationship.This is the case of commensalism. In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will discover the definition of commensalism, we will see what types exist and some examples of commensalism.Keep reading! What is commensalism? Biological commensalism is defined as the relationship between two organisms of different species, where one of them benefits and the other does not get anything , neither positive nor negative.of the relationship for one of them is neutral. Commensalism is a type of symbiosis that, unlike others, such as parasitism or predation, does not result in a negative ending for any of the parties involved On the other hand, the difference between mut...

The most curious courtship rituals in animals

According to natural law, both animals and humans are in constant search for a couple with which to mate in order to reproduce.For this there is a whole process, first, there is the selection of the subject, then the courtship and finally the crossing of the goal. Love is everywhere, even in the animal kingdom. Animals kiss , hug, pamper, feel jealous and even quarrel.In the wild world there are all kinds of couples, depending on the species, there are stable unions, one-time meetings, seasonal or even links for a lifetime. One of the most key part in this process is sexual or bridal courtship.As nothing is free, Male animals should also strive to achieve the attention of their possible female, and for this, they perform multiple and curious rituals where they exhibit in all its galas, abilities and aptitudes.In Animals and Pets Online, as we love animals, we want to show you 5 of the most curious courtship rituals in animals . What is sexual or bridal courtship? Sexual cou...

My dog is obsessed with food

Understanding the origin of dogs can be useful to understand a little better the obsession some have with food.How can we see in "Does the dog descend from the wolf?" From Animals and Pets Online, dogs come from domestication, by humans, of common ancestors with wolves. Most canids, such as wolves and dogs, live in organized societies with a very defined hierarchy, which does not always have to be static.Wolves hunt in groups and higher-ranking individuals eat first, leaving the worst parts of the prey for lesser wolves. This is a Competitive feeding , that is, they eat ravenously when there are other individuals present.This could help clarify the cause of our pet not allowing any opportunity to obtain food, and trying to eat as quickly as possible possible, to prevent someone from taking away the food. Some diseases can explain this obsession with food in dogs. Some examples s tend to eat more for poor production of substances necessary for the digestion of fo...

How camels survive in the desert

Who has not seen a movie in which camels came across a long and endless desert? What you have never wondered is how camels survive in the desert considering they have to endure very extreme temperatures. These animals have adapted their morphology to be able to live in the habitats of which they are native.If you are curious about how it is possible for a camel to resist these journeys through the desert, do not forget to read this article of Animals and Pets Online. Types of Camels Before commenting on how camels survive in the desert, we should start by differentiating the two types of camels that exist: the camel of Arabia or dromedary and the Bactrian camel or originating in Asia. The main difference between these two animals is that the camel has two humps while the dromedary has only one. However, this is not the only inequality.I recommend you read this article where we explain all the differences between a camel and a dromedary. Dromedary or camel according to ...

My hedgehog does not eat - Causes and solutions

If you have a hedgehog as a pet you will know that Obesity is a problem that occurs frequently in these animals.A healthy and balanced diet will help prevent this problem.However, sometimes you may notice that your hedgehog stops eating or dramatically reduces its feeding.This may be caused for several diseases or for a bad diet. If you want to know the causes that cause your hedgehog to not eat , keep reading this article from Animals and Pets Online and discover it to solve the problem as soon as possible possible and offer you a full and happy life. Hedgehog feeding Hedgehogs are omnivorous animals in captivity, they feed on fruits, vegetables, but mainly insects and small animals.They are classified as insectivorous because their diet in the wild is based on insects and small vertebrates and invertebrates.However, as we have just said, in captivity your diet also includes fruits and vegetables that provide vitamins. In captivity you can feed with high quality cat feed ...

10 reasons to walk your dog

The dog is an animal that needs to walk 2 to 3 times a day, But do you know why that is so? In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will explain why it is so important to walk with your dog, why the garden does not replace the walk and many other things that, perhaps you do not know. Do not forget This is a very important habit that you must carry out on a daily basis.Not doing so can be very harmful for your pet, do not forget it.Keep reading and discover 10 reasons to walk with your dog . 1.They must make their needs The first reason, and the most important , to take a dog for a walk, is to allow him to do his needs until he is satisfied. Apart from puppies that are not yet able to go outside or who are learning to urinate, it is very negative to allow our dog to urinate and defecate at home.In addition to causing a bad smell, we will be creating an unhealthy environment important that can lead to serious health problems in dogs and humans. 2.It allows them to ...

Flying mammals - Examples, characteristics and images

Usually, when we think of flying animals the first thing that comes to us head are images of birds.But in the animal kingdom there are many other flying animals, from insects to mammals.It is true that some of these animals do not fly, only plan or have body structures that allow them to jump from great heights without damaging when they arrive to the ground. Even so, there are flying mammals that really have the ability to fly, not just plan, like bats.In this article of Animals and Pets Online we will show you the curious characteristics of flying mammals.list with photos of the most representative species. Characteristics of flying mammals At a glance, the wings of a bird and a bat can look very different.The birds have wings covered with feathers and bats with hair but, nevertheless, observing their structure we will see that they have the same bones : humero, radio, cubito, carpales, metacarpal and phalanges. In birds, some of the bones corresponding to the wrist and hand...

Why is my cat very aggressive with other cats?

Did you know that aggressiveness Is it one of the most frequent problems in cats? Although obviously not for that reason we must fall into the error of associating cats with aggressiveness, since they are really domestic animals whose behavior is usually very calm.However, a cat is not a dog and therefore does not present the same level of sociability.A cat does not have to accept another cat, on many occasions, it does not even accept the presence of members of the human family in the corners that he considers to be his exclusive domain. These characteristics make up the genuine character of felines, which can sometimes become problematic.In this article of Animals and Pets Online we explain why your cat is very aggressive with other cats and how to act. Why aggression among cats? Have you decided to host more than one cat at home? This can be a good option, since each one will benefit from the presence of the other but, it also increases the risk that cats can develop aggr...

Mediterranean rock fish

In the Mediterranean sea coast there is a very rich fauna and diverse.There are surface, medium and deep water fishes.And among the fish that live in the depths of the coast, the Mediterranean rock fish stand out. Many of these fish are masters of camouflage and can adopt an indistinguishable aspect, identical to that of the rock where they are seated.Others live hidden among the cracks and fissures of the underwater rockery. If you continue reading the Animals and Pets Online we will show you the most characteristic rock fish of the Mediterranean . Small size rock fish In the riverside rocks, part of which emerge out of the water, there are several species of small-sized rock fish .Next we will relate the most common ones. Maiden- Coris julis -, beautiful fish of vivid colors. Vaqueta -Serranus scriba -, very common serranido of the shallow waters. Castanuela- Chromis chromis -, a very small fish that lives in small shoals among the rocky shoals. Barriguda- Par...

Animals and Pets Online

Search This Blog