Why Dogs Are Living Longer

Anybody who’s been a pet parent knows how heartbreaking it is to lose a friend and say goodbye forever. If we could, we’d move mountains and cross oceans just to make sure our furbaby lives as long as we do. Fortunately, recent studies say that dogs are living longer and this means a lot of things to pet parents: more time for cuddles, more time for walks, more time for playing catch, and more years to be together!

Additionally, dogs who are living longer are probably healthier and stronger. Here are some things you can do so that the two of you can live longer and happier together as the years pass by.

Life Expectancy of Dogs

Generally speaking, small dog breeds live around orover 15–16 years, medium and large dog breeds usually make it ten to 13 years, and some giant dog breeds such as the Bullmastiffs often only live up to seven to eight years.

It is important to note that the life expectancy of dogs also varies greatly depending on their genes, lifestyle, and the care they are receiving. For example, smaller dogs may have longer life expectancies compared to larger dogs but which dog has a healthier lifestyle, more proper nutrition, etc., will also matter.

Why Dogs are Living Longer Now

The increase in the life expectancy of dogs over the years may have something to do with the shift in how people treat and think of them. Before, dogs were considered to be just guards & protectors of the house and were just mere pets. Now, most people consider dogs to be their best friends, their furbabies, and even equally important parts of the family.

The deeply-rooted personal attachment people have developed with their dogs leads them to treat their dogs better and providing them all they are able to for a better quality of life. Other reasons, too, on why dogs nowadays are living longer is because of veterinary medicine advances, better healthcare, improved dietary options, and a lot more.

It showed that dogs fed a homemade diet, consisting of high-quality foods (not fatty table scraps) had a life expectancy of three years longer compared to dogs fed with commercial diets.

This is because when it comes to your dog's diet, the nature of the basic ingredients used and how these are treated & processed makes a huge difference. Commercial pet foods involve extreme heat cooking, flaking, chemical treatments, adding of artificial flavorings, and a lot more. These processes damage the integrity of the ingredients, giving your furbaby the least amount of nutrients.

That’s why it’s always a priority to provide your dog with a healthy dog diet. To know more about healthy dog diet tips and how they’ll benefit your dog’s nutrition, read more here.

Exercise

Another way to keep your dog’s longer life well-lived is through exercise. Your furbaby should be able to spend at least 30 minutes of exercise every day. It will help keep your dog lean, their muscles toned, and their mind & body stimulated. Exercises can also help your dog steer clear of behavior problems like over-excitement and aggressiveness.

Also, before beginning your dog’s exercise routine, it is best to know first the type and strength of exercise should fit your dog’s needs, age, overall health, and intensity level that is natural for their breed.

Dental Care

Dog dental care plays a very vital role, particularly when helping your pup live a longer life. Your pup’s dental health affects their overall health as well, as dental problems can cause other health problems like kidney & liver diseases, heart failure, and a lot more.

Nutrient supplementation

Sometimes your dog's diet can be enough, but supplements can affect your furbaby’s nutrition in big ways for a happier, healthier, and longer life. Dog supplements can come in as capsules, tablets, liquid, and even chews (where supplements may feel more like a treat).

No matter what breed or size of dog you have, the life expectancy of your dog will still rely on how well you take care of them. All things mentioned above, including your constant love, care, and support are important measures you can take to help your pup live a happier, longer life.