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Tail-wagging To A Ripe Old Age

As dog owners, we are lucky to know first-hand just how special the bond with a canine companion can be. Dogs aren’t just pets, they are part of the family. That’s what makes it so unbelievably hard when we have to say goodbye. 


Genetics can play a role in dog health and lifespan, with the expected years varying between breeds. But as owners, we also have a role to play. There are a few ways we can help our dogs to live to a ripe old age, which means we get more time for walks, furry affection, and playtime! Who knows - maybe they might make your dog live to 20!


Here are 5 ways to keep that tail wagging for longer and help your dog live a long happy life.

1. Eat Less, Eat Better

We all know carrying a little extra around the middle isn’t good for us, but this is also true for our furry friends too. A healthy diet for our dogs is just as important as it is for us. While it can be tempting to shower our dogs with affection through treating - did you know those extra treats could be doing more harm than good? 


A 14-year study of canine diet found that dogs on a lower calorie diet lived around 1.8 years longer than dogs allowed to eat more.


So keep in mind that your dog should be a lean, mean walking machine - ideally with visible ribs and an obvious waistline. Avoid too many high-calorie treats and consider a brand of balanced dog food that helps keep them fuller for longer.


If you are worried about your pup’s weight, always consult a veterinarian who can offer tailored advice on a balanced diet for dogs.


2. Moving On Up

Whilst your dog’s diet can be a big factor, exercise also plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health. As well as helping to keep the pounds off, daily exercise has a number of other benefits:


  • Reduces common behavior issues like barking, licking, chewing, digging, or anxiety
  • Creates a strong bond with you, the owner
  • Builds your dog’s confidence 
  • Offers stimulation to burn off excess mental energy
  • Aids digestion
  • Keeps joints strong and limber
  • It has even been shown to increase brain plasticity!


But it doesn’t have to be the same walk every day that keeps you both fit year after year. Find different forms of exercise that suit your dog’s interests and abilities, as well as yours.


Here are some great ways to spice up a canine workout:


  • Fetch - if you have a ball-oriented dog, fetch can provide hours of focused fun. A simple way to burn heaps of energy if you have limited space or time.
  • Swimming - a low impact way to build strength, some dogs may hate it - others won’t want to get out!
  • Dog sports - look in your local area for groups that run activities such as agility or frisbee work. Doing something new is a sure-fire recipe for staying younger for longer.

2. Moving On Up

Whilst your dog’s diet can be a big factor, exercise also plays a huge role in your dog’s overall health. As well as helping to keep the pounds off, daily exercise has a number of other benefits:


  • Reduces common behavior issues like barking, licking, chewing, digging, or anxiety
  • Creates a strong bond with you, the owner
  • Builds your dog’s confidence 
  • Offers stimulation to burn off excess mental energy
  • Aids digestion
  • Keeps joints strong and limber
  • It has even been shown to increase brain plasticity!


But it doesn’t have to be the same walk every day that keeps you both fit year after year. Find different forms of exercise that suit your dog’s interests and abilities, as well as yours.


Here are some great ways to spice up a canine workout:


  • Fetch - if you have a ball-oriented dog, fetch can provide hours of focused fun. A simple way to burn heaps of energy if you have limited space or time.
  • Swimming - a low impact way to build strength, some dogs may hate it - others won’t want to get out!
  • Dog sports - look in your local area for groups that run activities such as agility or frisbee work. Doing something new is a sure-fire recipe for staying younger for longer.

3. Workout Their Brain

As well as physical exercise, we all know how important it is to use our brains too. Here are a few ways to keep your dog’s mind razor-sharp: 


  • Training  - get their mind working. Work on a new trick you found on Youtube, or perfect the basics. Either way, training will help to keep their minds engaged, sharp, and active!
  • Socializing - dogs that are solitary are typically more inactive. Finding a local dog park or a walking buddy could be the trick. Socialization requires a combination of learning, competition, and cooperation, which is bound to wear them out.
  • Puzzles - hiding treats around the house encourages your dog to investigate and use their biggest asset, their nose. You can also purchase puzzles to hide treats which can provide hours of distraction. 
  • Toys - Even a simple cardboard box can result in a mental boost for your pup.  Try to rotate toys to keep things fresh.

4. Brush Those Teeth

Studies have found that tooth brushing can have a positive effect on dog health care and lifespan. This is because it can reduce the risk of nasty issues like gingivitis. Here are some top brushing tips:


  • Most dogs can be trained to accept the toothbrushing procedure, through repeated exposure to the brush followed by a reward. 
  • Try and brush around 3 times per week, with daily brushing being your ultimate goal
  • A soft bristle brush and a toothpaste made specifically for dogs is your best bet, as human toothpaste can be toxic to dogs.
  • Aim for a dental examination and professional clean yearly once they reach 2 or 3, as this is when they are most likely to develop oral issues. 
  • Unusually smelly breath is the first sign that something could be up, so don’t ignore it if your dog’s breath smells really foul.

5. Stay Aware

As our pooches get older, there are a few changes that are perfectly normal. They may be a little slower, less excitable, and less inclined to move. But it’s important to be aware of when things might require further attention, so they can be treated quickly.


Some signs to look out for:


  • Reluctant to move - dogs have a tendency to hide the pain, but if they seem to be bunny hopping, or extremely reluctant to move, you may want to ask your vet to inspect your dog. It could indicate an underlying issue. 
  • Vomiting or diarrhea - whilst not pleasant for anyone, these things happen when your dog has gotten into somewhere they aren’t supposed to. But if you are sure that isn’t the case, get them checked out.
  • Trouble urinating - if they are struggling, or the urine appears cloudy, has an unusual odor, or contains blood, it’s best to get an expert in. 
  • Losing or gaining weight - if there are unexplained and fast changes in your dog’s weight, this will need further attention.

5. Stay Aware

As our pooches get older, there are a few changes that are perfectly normal. They may be a little slower, less excitable, and less inclined to move. But it’s important to be aware of when things might require further attention, so they can be treated quickly.


Some signs to look out for:


  • Reluctant to move - dogs have a tendency to hide the pain, but if they seem to be bunny hopping, or extremely reluctant to move, you may want to ask your vet to inspect your dog. It could indicate an underlying issue. 
  • Vomiting or diarrhea - whilst not pleasant for anyone, these things happen when your dog has gotten into somewhere they aren’t supposed to. But if you are sure that isn’t the case, get them checked out.
  • Trouble urinating - if they are struggling, or the urine appears cloudy, has an unusual odor, or contains blood, it’s best to get an expert in. 
  • Losing or gaining weight - if there are unexplained and fast changes in your dog’s weight, this will need further attention.

With these 5 tips, you now know how to keep your dog healthy and help them live longer. It’s the least we can do for the furry friends who help us live long happy lives too. So let’s use every opportunity to show just how much we love them. Just maybe not with treats this time!