There are many things that pet parents can do to help their companion live a longer life, no matter what size or breed they have. The following can keep your pet happy and healthy:
Provide routine wellness veterinary care: This includes regular physical examinations, appropriate vaccinations and other preventative health care measures, including heartworm and flea/tick preventatives, routine dental cleanings and blood work monitoring, as directed by a veterinarian. This routine care can help any dog live a longer life.
Spay and neuter: Dogs of any size or breed can benefit from spaying or neutering in order to live longer. It reduces the risk of certain reproductive cancers, prostate or uterine infections (which can be life-threatening) and potential traumas/injuries.
Maintain a healthy weight: Provide your furry friend with tons of daily exercise and feed them the appropriate amount of food. A recent study published in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine showed that the lifespan of overweight dogs was shortened by up to 2.5 years compared to dogs at an appropriate weight. Maintaining an appropriate body weight places less stress on the joints and organ systems of the body.
Different breeds have certain health concerns that pet parents, along with their vet, should monitor. It's recommended that the pet parent learn about the characteristics and common health concerns of a particular breed or mixed-breed dog prior to adoption. This helps them to identify health concerns early on so that they can be addressed with the family's vet in a timely manner.