14 Tips To Make Your Dog Live Longer

For many of us, our beloved dogs are more than just pets.

They become family members, and learning how to keep them healthy and happy for as long as possible is a natural concern.

Fortunately, there are simple things that dog owners can do to ensure their dog lives a full and vibrant life.

In this article, we share 14 helpful tips to make your dog live longer (for example with diet choices, exercise regimens, and safety tips).

With that, you can enjoy your furry companion as they age gracefully and make your dog live longer. 

Get To Know The Emergency Cues

white brown dog running besides a woman

Learning the emergency cues that can help a dog live longer is key to understanding our furry friends better.

Many of these cues involve being aware of the dog’s behavior and how it changes in different circumstances.

If your dog paces uncomfortably, it may be because they’re trapped outside in harsh temps.

Trembling, cowering, or whimpering may signify anxiety or distress in your pet.

Panting, immobility, and bewilderment may indicate physical problems.

By learning about your dog’s health and recognizing warning signals, you’ll be better prepared for an emergency.

Make Sure Your Dog Has A Low-Stress Environment

Ensuring your dog has a low-stress environment is important for their day-to-day quality of life and can add years to their lifespan. 

Helping them to avoid stressful situations or at least manage them better is key.

You want to be sure that noise, unfamiliar people, overly crowded and chaotic places, and/or feeling confined are all avoided as much as possible.

Brief exposure with extra attention, treats, and breaks in between and after is required.

Providing a safe space where they can relax and feel comfortable should always be an option.

Especially when they need time away from any troubling anxieties they may have.

The better their environment, the longer and healthier your pup’s life will be!

Brush Their Teeth Regularly To Prevent Gum Disease And Bad Breath

woman hands open dogs mouth

Harnessing the longevity of your pup’s life depends on this small habit, which should be done at least twice weekly for maximum effectiveness. 

Besides keeping your pup’s breath fresh, regular brushing will help to keep their teeth and gums in optimal health for years to come.

Dogs need expert dental cleanings every two or three months in addition to brushing.

Taking these procedures can guarantee your pooch has fresh breath and a long, kiss-filled life.

Keep Them Away From Dangerous Objects And Areas, Like Poisonous Plants Or Busy Streets

Every dog owner must ensure the safety of their pet by guaranteeing that they stay away from dangerous objects and areas. 

High-traffic streets, open water, and poisonous plants like nightshade and geraniums are hazardous zones.

By keeping dogs away from these hazardous locations, they may be able to enjoy a longer life.

Of course, owners should also check that their yard is secure so that other animals or people can’t enter if they have an outdoor pet.

Exercise Your Dog Regularly

Regular exercise helps keep the dog physically and mentally healthy, as it can help reduce stress and general anxiety levels.

Exercise has been linked to a longer lifetime in dogs due to its health benefits.

When exercising your dog, remember that different breeds and ages can withstand greater activity.

Taking these things into mind can assist your pup’s fitness program be as effective and successful as possible.

Feed Them A Healthy Diet That Is Appropriate For Their Breed And Age

Healthy foods such as lean meats and vegetables are great sources of vitamins and minerals that help ward off diseases and keep them active.

Keep in mind that senior dogs may have different nutritional requirements.

It is important to consult with a veterinarian to ensure that your pet’s nutritional needs are met.

Feeding them right is your best option for a long, happy life together.

little white brown dog at the vet

Take Them To The Vet For Regular Checkups And Vaccinations

Taking your pet to the vet once a year ensures they are protected from rabies and distemper.

The vet will perform a physical checkup, examine your dog’s vital signs, look for illness or injury, and update vaccines.

Regular exams allow you to monitor your dog’s weight, which can shorten its life.

Investing in regular vet visits will go a long way toward providing your canine pal with happy, healthy years.

Train Them Basic Obedience Commands To Help Keep Them Safe And Under Control

Dogs tend to respond positively to positive reinforcement, such as verbal praise or treats.

It’s important to remember that a dog needs consistency in order to learn effectively.

Remembering to reward good behavior while redirecting bad behavior.

Over time, the obedience training will help keep your pet safe, including keeping them away from danger and reinforcing acceptable ways to behave in public settings.

Avoid Obesity, Don’t Overfeed

light brown and white dog eating from a food bowl

Taking steps to avoid Obesity can have an influence on your dog’s quality and longevity.

That’s why it’s important you don’t overfeed them, as it will put their overall health at risk.

When deciding how much food to give your pup, consider adding a few extra minutes of exercise daily to help offset additional calories.

This can be fetching, running, or even walking around the neighborhood – anything that will promote movement and burn off the extra energy.

Heartworm And Flea And Tick Prevention

Prevention is better than cure.

Heartworm, flea, and tick preventatives are important to any dog’s health program.

They help protect dogs from parasites which can impair their quality of life or even cause death in severe cases.

Preventative meds are far more effective than treating a pet should it become affected by a parasite. 

brown little dog laying on the ground under a table

Don’t Push Certain Breeds Too Hard

It’s important to reconsider how a certain breed of dog is being pushed when it comes to health and well-being.

Pushing a smaller, more fragile breed too hard can have an adverse effect on its longevity.

Many dogs today live longer than their corollaries from the past, but only if we are mindful of the pain and strain that pushing them beyond their limits can bring.

Exercise is important for any breed of dog, but striking a balance between exertion and rest could greatly aid in the overall upkeep of a dog’s life span.

Simply put: don’t push certain breeds too hard; that can make them live longer.

Spaying Or Neutering To Reduce Cancer

Spaying or neutering your dog has numerous benefits that go beyond preventing puppies or preventing male dogs from roaming due to hormones.

The Wisconsin Humane Society has noted spaying or neutering a dog can extend its life by up to three years.

On top of this, the organization has also uncovered that spayed and neutered dogs have a lower risk for some cancers.

Make Your Home Dog-Safe

Making your home dog-safe is one of the most important steps in helping ensure your pet lives a long and healthy life.

Pet owners can keep their houses safe for their pets.

Things they can do is to install secure fencing, limiting access to potentially dangerous things, providing sufficient indoor and outdoor lighting, and monitoring temperature levels.

Flea sprays and pet shampoo can help keep pets healthy.

Even minor improvements can help give your dog an extra decade of life.

white brown dog sitting on a welcome home mat

Keep Toxic Substances Away

Protecting toxic substances from your dog is critical to ensuring their safety and well-being.

That means anything that may be poisonous if ingested.

This includes seemingly harmless human foods, household cleansers, plant food, and insecticides.

Knowing what your dog is exposed to and avoiding potentially dangerous substances will keep them healthy and extend their life.

Taking proper care of your canine companion will not only make sure that they have a longer life but also a much happier one!

Before You Go…

You now know the tips to make your dog live longer

If you want to learn more, read the following article too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.