In the United States, the average dog lifespan is 12 years but they can live longer than that and be healthier too. Smaller breeds tend to have a longer lifespan than shorter breeds. The longest lived dog in the Guinness Book of Records is an Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey. He lived until he was 29 years old and was still working cattle at the ripe old age of 20.
How can you give your much loved canine family member the best chance of living a long life? Here are some suggestions that will help. All of them rely on you being an informed dog owner and catching problems before they become severe.
1. Neuter your dog. Female dogs won't get breast cancer and uterine infections if they are spayed. Male dogs are less enthusiastic about escaping their yard to meet a bitch in season, and get hit by a car or in a tussle with another dog.
2. When it comes to diseases, prevention is certainly better than cure. Vaccinate your dog against dangerous diseases, and keep up to date with his heartworm prevention and intestinal worming treatments. It's much cheaper to prevent these diseases in your dog than it is to treat them. Your veterinarian will be able to help you choose a regime that is best suited to your dog's circumstances.
3. Nutrition is very important. A good quality balanced diet will provide your dog with all the nutrients he needs to stay fit and well. This is particularly the case if your dog has a medical condition; a prescription diet, such as a renal diet for kidney disease, can help to reduce or slow the onset of symptoms and give him a better quality of life for longer.
4. Obesity can reduce your dog's lifespan by up to 2 years. Keep him lean and not only will he live longer, but the onset of age related diseases such as arthritis will be delayed. You should be able to feel his ribs when you run your hands over his body. Also, look for a tucked up tummy when you view him from the side.
5. A dog that runs free is a dog that is at risk of injury. A good fence will confine your dog to his own backyard. This will reduce the chances of him being hit by a car or fighting with a neighboring dog. When you are walking your dog, keep him on a leash so he doesn't run off and get injured.
6. Annual health checks, even if your dog isn't due for vaccination, can help keep him healthy for longer. A quick blood test will pick up any hint of illness that may not be obvious from the outside, so you can take steps to treat it straight away. Early treatment of illnesses often has a better outcome.
These suggestions aren't difficult, labor intensive or expensive. By spending a little time following these guidelines, you may be able to spend a lot more time sharing your life with your much loved dog.
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