Longevity for dogs – How you can extend your pet’s life

Many pet owners will be pleased to learn that there is a wealth of research aimed at helping our pets live healthier and longer lives. Ever-improving diagnostics, therapies and surgical options are helping our pets to stay healthy – or get healthy again. On the other hand, there are countless food options that are in turn very bad for our dogs: too much sugar, harmful substances and unidentifiable ingredients are detrimental to their health. They cause obesity, silent inflammation, kidney problems, etc. So the question arises: what can we do ourselves to give our animals the best, longest life possible? Longevity for dogs – find out more here:

How to keep your dog fit into old age

For many of us, dogs are more than just pets – they are loyal companions, best friends and family members. This makes it all the more important that we do everything we can to promote their health and give them a long, happy life. But what can you really do to extend your four-legged friend’s lifespan and prevent age-related diseases? Here you will find all the tips and facts – from nutrition and exercise to special care instructions.

The right nutrition for dogs – a foundation for a healthy life

Your dog’s diet is a crucial foundation for his health and well-being. High-quality food is the most important building block. It should be rich in animal protein to provide your dog with the essential amino acids it needs for muscle and tissue development. At the same time, you should avoid cereals and added sugar, as these can often trigger allergies or promote digestive problems. Transparent content information is essential – terms such as “animal by-products” indicate inferior ingredients that are not good for your dog.

Fresh water is a must. Your dog should have access to clean drinking water at all times. Especially after physical activity or on hot days, the need for fluids increases and regular drinking is important to keep his metabolism going and avoid overheating.

The same applies to feeding times: routine gives your dog security. Fixed meals not only aid digestion, but also help to avoid overfeeding. Puppies need three to four meals a day, while adult dogs usually manage with one to two meals. Seniors often benefit from two smaller portions as these are easier to digest.

Prepare your own dog food

If you are thinking about cooking for your dog yourself, this is definitely an option – but also a challenge. A balanced diet with sufficient protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats and vitamins is essential. Supplements such as calcium or omega-3 fatty acids should be added specifically to avoid deficiencies. Home-cooked food can be good for your dog, but requires intensive planning and possibly support from a vet or nutritionist.

Be careful with these foods

There are some foods that are taboo for dogs as they can have a toxic effect. These include chocolate, grapes, raisins, avocado and onions. Xylitol, a sweetener found in sugar-free products, is also highly dangerous for dogs. Make sure to keep such foods out of reach to avoid accidents.

A sugar-free diet is another important point. Sugar not only leads to obesity in dogs, but also promotes dental problems and inflammation in the body. Many industrially produced treats contain added sugar that is not recognizable at first glance. Instead, opt for healthy snacks such as carrots, cucumbers or special low-calorie treats that contain no harmful additives.

Special diet

For dogs that have special needs, it may make sense to adapt their diet accordingly. Seniors, for example, need more easily digestible food with fewer calories but more fiber. Puppies, on the other hand, need protein- and energy-rich food that supports their growth. Overweight dogs benefit from calorie-reduced food that still contains all the important nutrients.

Supplementing the diet with food supplements can be useful in some cases. Omega-3 fatty acids promote healthy skin and joints, while probiotics strengthen the intestinal flora and aid digestion. Dogs with joint problems can benefit from glucosamine and chondroitin, which reduce inflammation and promote mobility.

Bones – always a good idea?

Bones offer a certain amount of protection against tartar, but not against periodontal disease. There is also a risk of tooth fractures. In addition, chewing bones repeatedly lead to narrowing or obstruction of the esophagus and damage to the esophagus. Excessive consumption of bones also leads to constipation.

Overfeeding – too much of a good thing?

Don’t feed your dog too much, no matter how longingly he looks at you. Overfeeding does our pets more harm than good. Many owners confuse food with love. Fat is pro-inflammatory. An overweight dog with a higher body fat percentage is not only more susceptible to diseases such as diabetes and pancreatitis, but its overall life expectancy is shortened by 25 to 30 %.

Overweight pets with osteoarthritis also struggle with joint pain. The first piece of advice to all owners whose dog suffers from osteoarthritis is therefore: lose weight! Be careful not to feed too many treats, and if your pet is already a little too well-padded, choose a low-calorie dog biscuit or carrot or give up treats altogether. Avoid leftovers at all costs, as these not only lead to irregular eating, but are also overly flavored and usually not intended for a healthy dog diet.

Ultimately, proper nutrition is more than just filling the food bowl. It’s about understanding your dog’s needs and providing them with high-quality, balanced food that will help them live a long and happy life.

Probiotics – for a healthy microbiome

Probiotics are live microorganisms that are administered as a dietary supplement and can have a positive effect on the intestinal health and general well-being of dogs. They help to restore the natural balance of the intestinal flora by providing “good” bacteria that promote digestion and strengthen the immune system. This effect is particularly important for dogs with digestive problems, sensitive stomachs or a weakened immune system.

As with humans, probiotics are extremely useful in supporting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Gut health also has a major impact on a dog’s health and general well-being. Probiotics strengthen the immune system and lead to a healthier and therefore happier pet. A large part of veterinary work involves treating dogs with gastrointestinal problems. Probiotics are an ideal preventative measure and prevent such problems. Some pets that suffer from stress, e.g. due to travel, a move, a change in diet or an operation, develop so-called stress colitis. Probiotics can also be useful in these cases.

Dental care – for more than just fresh breath

When was the last time your pet had a dental cleaning at the vet? Although it is recommended to clean your pet’s teeth at home, veterinarians have the necessary tools and skills to perform a more thorough cleaning. Regular dental cleanings are an important part of preventative care and not only protect the teeth, but also reduce the risk of serious health complications.

Bacteria in the mouth that cause tooth decay, for example, can enter the bloodstream and damage important organs such as the heart, kidneys or liver. Pets also have the same pain receptors in their mouths as humans – so they feel toothache in the same way, but cannot communicate it.

What your dog’s breath reveals

Did you know that you can tell a lot about your pet’s general well-being from their breath? Sweet breath could indicate diabetes, while persistent bad odor can indicate problems in the gastrointestinal tract or with the organs.

What you can do:

• Regular dental cleaning at the vet: At least once a year.
• Brushing teeth at home: with special dog toothbrushes and toothpastes.
• Dental care snacks: These can provide support, but are no substitute for professional cleaning.

Exercise and mental stimulation – fit from head to toe

Regular exercise not only keeps your dog’s body fit, but also his mind. This applies equally to young and older dogs:

• Daily walks: At least 30 minutes per day.
• Search games: Search games where the dog has to use its nose are ideal opportunities to keep your dog mentally challenged.
• Gentle sports: Swimming is easy on the joints and ideal for older dogs.
• Mental challenges: Search games or learning new tricks promote cognitive health and prevent boredom.

Your dog’s special needs – Every dog is unique

Not every dog is the same. Breed, age and state of health influence what your four-legged friend needs to stay happy and healthy. Some dogs have special requirements that you should be aware of:

An example are French Bulldogs or other brachycephalic breeds with short muzzles. They tend to overheat quickly – especially on hot summer days – as they are less efficient at panting to cool themselves down. Therefore, plan play and romp sessions in the summer only in the early morning or evening when temperatures are comfortable.

Cooling down made easy:

• Provide a shallow pool of water for your dog to splash around in.
• Play lovingly with the garden hose – many dogs love to chase the spraying water jets!
• Gently dry your dog after a shower to prevent colds.
• Make sure that fresh drinking water is always within reach.

Dogs with thick coats, such as huskies, are also prone to overheating, while small breeds can get cold more quickly. Watch your dog closely, as he will show you what he needs – you just have to be attentive. 🐾

Conclusion: Your commitment counts!

The secrets to a long and healthy dog’s life are care, love and knowledge. By paying attention to nutrition, exercise, dental care and mental stimulation, you will give your faithful companion many happy years by your side.