Nowadays, many people choose to raise dogs at home, but raising dogs is not a simple matter. They need to be taken good care of, and the life span of dogs is still relatively short compared to human lifespan. Therefore, before raising a dog, you need to understand how long the life span of a dog is generally and how the life span of a dog is calculated.
Anyone who has lived with dogs will feel that we don’t spend enough time with our furry companions. The average lifespan of most dogs is only about 10 to 14 years—although some may be born to live longer, while others may be prone to certain diseases that prevent them from living that long.
But what many people don’t know is that humans and dogs share many genetic similarities—including susceptibility to age-related cancers. This means there are many things we can do to help our dogs be healthier and live longer.
Here are some ways to help your dog live a longer, healthier life.
1. Pay attention to waist circumference
One factor associated with lifespan across a range of species is maintaining a healthy weight. This means making sure your dog isn't overweight. Not only is a healthy weight good for your dog's health in the long run, but it can also help prevent the effects of certain diseases, such as osteoarthritis.
Monitor and manage your dog's weight through regular weighing or body condition scoring, pay attention to your dog's weight changes frequently and change their diet as needed. Sometimes it may be necessary to change the type or amount of food being fed, and as your dog gets older, their activity level may also need to be adjusted to maintain a healthy weight. Knowing exactly how much you're feeding your dog is also an important weight management tip - so weigh out their food rather than scooping it in.
2. Take more walks
Exercise has many physical and psychological benefits for our dogs (and us). Outdoor activities can help control your dog's weight. While exercise alone won't extend your dog's life, it may help protect both of you from carrying too much weight. In fact, research shows that a "happy" dog walk makes both the dog and the person happy. 3. Teach them new tricks
Aging is not just physical, keeping your dog’s mind active is also a beneficial way. Dogs can learn new skills as they get older, which will keep their brains and bodies younger. Even though physical activity may be limited, there are other simple training options that can be explored, such as training your dog to do scent work. Using their nose is an inherently rewarding and fun thing for dogs, so training your dog to find items by scent will exercise their mind and body. Other exercises such as swimming are also a good option, especially for dogs with medical conditions that affect their normal ability to exercise.
4. Companionship for each other
Like many companion pets, dogs develop a definite attachment to their caregivers, and dog lovers often describe dogs as family members. A stable caregiver-dog relationship helps maintain a happy and mutually beneficial partnership between caregiver and dog.
If there is a mutual dependence between the caregiver and the dog, there are also benefits to the owner, including stress relief and more physical exercise. Sharing positive, fun experiences with your dog, including playing with them, is great for strengthening your bond.
5. Regular dog health management
Regular vaccinations and internal and external deworming can effectively reduce the incidence of diseases in dogs and humans - including Toxoplasma gondii, which can be transmitted from dog feces to humans, and rabies, which can be transmitted between dogs or between dogs and humans. .
Regular health exams can also help identify any potential problems in their treatable stages, such as dental problems or osteoarthritis, that can cause pain and negatively impact your dog's health.
In the final analysis, it is the combination of our dogs' genes and the environment in which they live that affects their lifespan. So while we can't change their genes, we can do a lot to improve their health, helping them live longer, healthier lives.
Okay, after reading this, you should know how to extend the life of your dog.