How To Walk dog – Walking With Your Dog
Tips to Successfully Training How to Walk Dog On a Leash The joy of coming home to your pet is highly comforting and exciting. While there are myriad reasons to own a dog, it is crucial to train your dog how to walk in different aspects to make life easy and enjoyable for you as a pet owner. Training your walking dogs on a leash is an important skill. To prepare your dog to walk calmly on a leash, here are some fundamental guidelines and dog walking tips to follow: Picking The Suitable Collar And Leash Picking the right collar and leash ensures your dog feels fine wearing it and has no discomfort. This is the first thing to consider, as your dog needs to feel good with the material right from the beginning. Look out for good brands, a well-fitting collar or harness, and a sturdy and comfortable leash. This will make a world of difference during the entire training process and after, both for you and your furry animal. Be Patient And Gentle – How To Walk A Dog That Pulls Training your dog will not happen overnight or in a few days. Consider training your dog like a parent who is raising a child. It takes a lot of time to get a baby into a routine and to teach them different life skills. Similarly, every dog is additional, and it could take longer for some of them than others to get comfortable walking with a leash. Don’t rush through the training process; don’t give up on your dog. Take it one day at a time, and you will be surprised how your dog adapts to new routines and habits. In the initial training days, your dog must feel easy and comfortable. So don’t yank or drag your dog on the leash. This will lead to discomfort, and you will eventually find that your dog dislikes going out on the leash. Start Indoors Begin training your dog indoors with fewer distractions and a space familiar to you and your dog. Start by attaching the leash to your dog’s collar several times during the day so that it gets used to how it feels. A great way to encourage your dog is to reward him with treats and cuddles so that they begin to like it. After feeling comfortable indoors, you can slowly move the training outdoors. Once again, start by taking your dog to a familiar and quieter space with fewer distractions. Be Consistent Training your dog can seem challenging over time, but it is essential to be regular with this. Your dog will need to be trained consistently and timely to learn fast. If your training is sporadic, your dog will be confused, and preparing them won’t be easy. You will need to start with short walks during the day and gradually increase the duration of the walks regularly. Teach Your Dog To Come To You One of the first things to teach your dog is to come to you when on a leash. If the they walk away up to the end of the leash or if it stays behind, use a cue to call it closer to you. When the dog comes closer, you can reward the dog with a treat to encourage this behaviour. Sometimes if your dog wants to sniff and go toward objects that attract them, allow it to sniff for a while before calling them back. Teach Your Dog To Heel This teaches your dog to walk next to you. This way, he will learn to walk at your pace. To prepare your dog to heel, as mentioned in the previous step, you must teach them to come to you. Walk your dog on a loose leash, stop and say ‘Heel,’ and direct him to go and stand next to you. Keep practicing until your dog gets this instruction, and reward him when he does it right. Stop And Go You must stop and be still when your dog pulls. Do every single time the dog pulls to make her/him understand that it is not ok to pull when he/she wants to go somewhere. Continue walking only when your dog does not pull the leash. Positive reinforcement is the key to successfully training your dog to leash walk. You can do this by giving treats, pats, and encouraging gestures due to positive behaviour. Following these guidelines will surprise you with how well your dog learns to walk comfortably on a leash.
5 best products on Amazon for first-time dog owners!
It is a scary task to prepare for a new arrival at your house. Adopting a dog comes with its own set of responsibilities. Dogs are an amazing pet to have, they shower you with unconditional love, they have the most exuberant energy and they can brighten up any bad day. If you are deciding to be a new dog owner then there are some things you have to prepare for. For the impending arrival of your new fur buddy, you need to have at least 5 essential items on hand. These include safety measures, sleeping arrangements, and food necessities. If you want to find out what products are best, then keep on reading because we have some of the best and easily accessible models listed just for you! Joytale Reflective dog collar 1. Joytale Reflective dog collar One of the first things you will need to bring your dog home is a dog collar. With the details of your pooch on the inlet in the collar, this product will help your dog find its way back home. The Joytale Reflective Dog Collar is one of the most affordable options on Amazon. It has a reflective quality that ensures visibility in the dark, ensuring the safety of your pet. It is made of nylon and padded neoprene rubber material, and will not cause your dog any discomfort or irritation. It also comes in 12 different colors to fit every pooch’s personality! The added perk of style with safety makes it an instant bestseller. Equipped with quick-release buckles you can easily alter lengths and take it on/off. 2. MidWest Bolster Pet Bed A dog bed needs to be present before your puppy arrives at your home. It will immediately reassure your dog that your place is welcoming and warm. The MidWest Bolster Pet Bed is the number one bestseller on Amazon for dog beds. It fits an 18-inch-long dog crate and can be used separately as well. It can also be used to tempt your puppy into using a dog crate if your preferred breed of dog is a large one. Made of soft synthetic tip and padded comfortably with polyester cushions it gives the ultimate comfort. It also has an inbuilt dog pillow for your dog to lay its head-on. It also has inbuilt folds for storage and is ideal for travel needs. 3. The BAAPET dog leash Now that you have bought your dog you must be looking forward to those long dog walks. For those, you need a secure dog leash. The BAAPET dog leash is made exactly for that purpose. It is heavy-duty, made using a sturdy rock-climbing rope variable, and has an easily detachable clip hook. For your hands, it has padded handles to make it easy for you to hold on, and protect you from rope burns. Made with reflective quality threads it is also easily visible in the dark. It measures at least two feet and is made for close-distance walking. It also has a 100% money-back guarantee if you feel that it is not the right fit for you and your dog. 4. Outward Hound Fun Feeder Dog bowls are an essential first buy for any new dog owner. However, the science behind them is a little more complicated than you might think. But that is hardly a problem if you have the Outward Hound Feeder from Amazon. It slows down eating up to ten times the normal rate! Its unique design distracts your hound’s attention to slow down eating speed. This helps avoid digestive problems in your dog that arise due to fast eating habits. With this dog bowl, there will be no more bloating, regurgitation, and obesity. It has a non slip base that will save you a lot of cleaning time, and allow your dog to forage its food freely without spilling any of it. It comes in different patterns and colors, so you can have fun choosing what you want for your dog. 5. Regalo Easy Step Gate Your pet is going to be unfamiliar with your home, and there are some places you would rather that your dog does not have access to. The easy solution for that is for you to buy a baby gate. The Regalo Easy Step Gate measures up to 30 inches in height and can fit up to 38 inches in width. With an easy-to-set-up pressure mount design, it is perfect for first-time users. It is also adjustable and comes with an extension kit. Made of steel it is durable and sturdy. It also has multiple safety features that make sure that your dog is well protected and cannot jump through the gate. It is effective and affordable to boot. Now that you know all about what products you need to welcome your new dog home, all that is left is for you to enjoy your time with your furry friend. These five items will prepare you beforehand to avoid any problems, and leave you free to bond with your new companion!
Why Does My Dog Stink?
By: Nelson Ansah Dogs are great buddies. They’re adorable, cuddly, and spark us to life with gullible moments every now and then. We love to have them around and most often feel the urge to hug them tight. Fulfilling this urge can be problematic, especially if you can smell your dog from a mile away. You shouldn’t be able to tell your dog is home only because of the stinking trail they leave behind. Sadly, even the best dogs can stink. It’s not your dog’s fault, though. According to Ashley Bourgeois, DVM, DACVD, from Animal Dermatology Clinic Portland, “Dogs pick up scents from their environment. Dogs with yards often smell like grass, and dogs from rural homes sometimes smell like hay. With smaller dogs, their owners hold on to them a lot, so they smell like their detergents or perfumes.” It may take more than a simple bath to expunge odor from your dog. In this article, we treat you to some likely causes of your dog’s odor and provide practical solutions so you can keep your dog and home smelling nice and fresh. Dog Farts If you’ve been around your dog when it lets loose some gas, you can testify it’s no joke at all. Some dog farts are powerful enough to clear an entire room. Luckily, there are easy remedies you can turn to. First off, remember that the most likely cause of flatulence in dogs is intolerance of certain ingredients in their diet. Try changing your dog’s diet to one of higher quality. Higher quality foods are those filled with meat-based proteins. If you already feed your dog high-quality food, the problem may be indigestion. You can solve this by adding some probiotics to his food. Some findings in an Irish study show that “supplementation with a specific strain of probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhea from seven to four days. It also eliminated the need for antibiotic treatment by about 10 percent over placebo.” Additionally, dog farts can be a sign of an underlying medical issue. So, it’s good to see your vet when the farting continues. Allergies Allergies in dogs mainly come from two sources; their food and the environment. These allergies manifest by excreting foul-smelling oil from certain glands in your dog’s skin. Moreover, this oil itches your pup’s skin, which leads to scratching and then infection. Imagine pungent oil mixed with an infection. That’s not something a simple bath can put in order. Allergies can be tricky to treat, so it’s best to visit your vet for the right prescriptions. If you don’t have all the time to see your vet, there are allergy pills for dogs you can use. Anal Sac Infections All dogs have to mark glands on their bottoms. If you see a dog smelling another’s bottom, they’re probably looking for these marking glands. These scent sacs are very important to your dog and can cause extreme pain when disrupted. Not to mention the stinking excreta that are left on your dog’s skin. Fortunately, you can tell if your dog’s anal sac is disrupted or not. One sign of a ruptured anal sac is scooting (your dog dragging his bottom on the ground). If you see this behavior, contact your vet immediately for an inspection. Ear Infections Another reason your dog may be stinking is an ear infection. Your dog can develop an ear infection in many ways. These ways include: The residue that develops in your dog’s ear should give off so much odor, so if you notice your dog’s ear is stinking, you have a problem. For example, dogs have certain tissues in their ears to combat bacteria. If the bacteria and yeast can break down those defenses, there’s a much deeper problem than the stench. You’ll have to send your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Dental Infections Would it surprise you to know that close to 85% of pets under 3 years of age have dental infections? They’ve gone 3 whole years without brushing their teeth! This statistic is more dangerous than it sounds. According to Registered Veterinary Nurse Korina Stephens, “Poor dental care doesn’t just affect your pet’s mouth. The bacteria generated by gum disease could eventually enter their bloodstream and potentially damage their heart, liver, or kidneys.” This implies that your dog’s malodorous mouth may be a symptom of an underlying dental infection. You need to visit your vet when this happens. If that’s not up to your lane, you can turn to dental products. Ensure the products you purchase have the Veterinary Oral Health Council’s seal of acceptance on them. This council evaluates dental products, so you can be sure you’re getting quality products. Takeaways There are several reasons for your dog’s gutting smell. It may be a lack of baths, frequent swimming without correct drying procedures, or even playing in the yard. But more often than not, your dog’s odor may be connected to a medical issue. If your dog has allergies, anal sac, dental or ear infections, or even passes off-gas strong enough to clear your room, you should be worried. It’s time to see a vet. Read more: Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer
Tips for Teaching Your Dog to Wear Clothes
By: Nelson Ansah Dressing up your dog is as fashionable as it is functional. Doggy dress-ups are especially important if you live in an environment with a shifty climate and love going out with your dog. As much as you’d love to go on a walk, you’d have to consider how the weather affects your dog. Maybe it’s too cold out, or it’s raining. These conditions are not ideal for your dog, but luckily, there are lots of dog clothes out there you can turn to. The only problem is that your dog may not like wearing clothing very much. In fact, most dogs don’t like it. They’d rather run and hide than be forced into extra sets of covers. Fortunately, you can teach your dog to like wearing clothes. In this article, we’ll reveal practical techniques to help accustom your dog to wearing clothes and provide tips on choosing the right outfit for your dog. Let’s get to it. Start Early It’s always easier to get your dog to do something they’ve done before. This means that you’ll have to teach your dog to wear clothes at an early age. The ideal time to introduce your dog to dog clothing is during the socialization period. This is usually between 7 to 14 weeks of its birth. At this point, your dog knows next to nothing and is simply learning how to live. If you get it right, your dog may grow to love dog clothing. This doesn’t mean you can’t train your adult dog to wear clothes. There are techniques to get your adult dog to love wearing clothes, which you’ll learn next. Use a Milestone Strategy Your dog may not like wearing clothing all at once, especially if it’s an adult dog. It just isn’t used to wearing clothes. However, there’s a workaround to change this. Remember that your dog won’t like wearing clothes the first time. It’s a whole process, and you’ll have to be patient if you want to take that walk with your dog. Also, don’t jump in all at once. Put the clothing around your dog for short intervals at first. It’s advisable to give them 10 to 15 seconds in the clothing over different training sessions. You’ll have to treat your dog after each session as a reward. Choosing the Right Outfit for Your Dog Don’t expect your dog to like every outfit you pick out for it. For instance, your dog may not like antlers, even if you’re aiming for a Christmas look. It’s important to note that choosing the right clothing for your dog goes beyond mere fashion statements. Here’s how to pick the right clothes for your dog: Easy On, Easy Off Ensure that the clothing you pick out is easy to put on and even easier to take off. One way to get this right is to have your dog’s measurements. You don’t want your dog to feel constrained because of its clothes. It’s a good idea to avoid clothing that covers your dog’s legs and face. Having to pull the clothing over your dog’s head should be a deal-breaker too. Ultimately, you should be looking at clothing that fastens at the belly and leaves space for the face and feet. Consider the Materials Picking the right clothing material is pivotal to your dog’s learning to wear clothes. Fabrics that are too heavy tend to be too warm for dogs, while lightweight fabrics tend to give more freedom and leave room for air. However, lightweight fabric like cotton may easily get wet in the cold and that’s just bad for your dog. Choose the clothing with the temperature in mind, so your dog doesn’t have a hard time outside. Check Reviews By reading some online reviews, you can find the best clothing options for your dog. These reviews usually reveal what clothing works for what dog breed, so you know what to go with. If you happen to go to a brick and mortar pet store, you can always ask the person in charge for some clothing recommendations too. When to Give Up Your dog’s comfort should be a priority here. You know your dog best, so you’ll have to be subjective about this one. If you think your dog doesn’t like the clothes, take them off. The aim is to get your dog comfortable with wearing dog clothing, but if it’s not working, then it’s not working. However, there are several clothing ideas you can try out without completely dressing your dog up. You can try a scarf on its collar, a bandana, or even a bow. It’s all up to you.
Can Dogs Learn From Games?
BEST DOG GAMES By: Nelson Ansah Have you ever wondered how your dog can identify you? If you’re thinking by your scent, you’re not wrong. But it goes beyond that. Dogs are constantly on alert about their environment. They want to know everything about it and, of course, about the people around them. Who is a friend? Who is a threat? You can say it’s their survival instincts. For dogs, all time is learning time. Whether you’re walking them to the park or watching a movie indoors, they’re looking for visuals and cues that tell them how to behave in that setting. You can take advantage of this trait to train your dog the way you want. One of the best ways to do that is through games. Games are an excellent way for you to train your dog while having some fun. So, we’ve gone ahead and found four amazing games that can teach your dog a lesson or two. The Name Game Dogs are adventurous. They love to go out and explore their environment, seeing, smelling, and hearing some unusual things. You probably have no problem with that, but you’ll want your dog to return at your beck. That’s where the name game comes in. The name game involves getting your dog’s attention by mentioning its name and giving it a treat for every response. Essentially, a response to a call = treat. Once your dog gets the routine, you can change it. For instance, you can add a distraction. Let someone else walk by as you call your dog’s name. If your dog responds, you can then reward it. It’s vital to not set your dog up to fail. It’s training, and your dog isn’t going to get it all on the first try. Begin with little distractions and routines, then work your way up. You can find more step-by-step instructions on the name game here. The Hot and Cold Game This next game is excellent for clicker training your dog. First, figure out what you want to teach your dog. It can be anything at all-maybe picking keys up from the floor. What you do then is to sit back with your bag of treats and wait for your dog to try its luck. If your dog moves towards the keys, shout a hearty “hot” and throw some treats near the keys. If it moves away from the keys, shout a less excited “cold” to acknowledge that as the wrong direction. Finally, if your dog edges back to the keys, shout a more excited “hot” again. Don’t forget to toss a treat in there as a reward. This game helps you teach your dog some tricks and whatnot. Pretty easy, right? The Shadow Game It’s a joy to have your dog walk by you without the need for a leash. That’s not an easy place to get to, but luckily, the shadow game can help. Begin by walking with your dog on a leash in a quiet environment. You’ll need to have some treats handy here. Start walking in any direction, and if your dog catches up with you, reward it with a cookie. Now, your dog can get ahead of you during the walk. When this happens, turn a slight 180 degrees and drop some treats near you. You then call or pull your dog back into munch on your goodies. While your dog is busy with its treat, take a few paces away and wait for it to catch up. Give your dog a goody every time it catches up with you. You’ll have to repeat this game for your dog to begin following you willingly. The goal here isn’t to drag your dog by the neck. Then, you’re simply teaching nothing. The You’ve Got a Friend in Me Game As the name suggests, this game is more of a trust-building technique. It helps you connect with your dog and build a lasting bond. Plus, it’s quite easy to pull off, so many dog owners like this technique. Here’s what to do. First off, you have to get your dog to lie on the floor. If your dog is able to do this, you need to heap some praise on it. Next, walk around your dog to its rear and gently outstretch your legs so you have one on either side of it. This move can freak your dog out, so be gentle and don’t stay in that posture for long. You can now return to facing your dog and give it a treat for good behavior. Repeat this for a while until getting behind your dog doesn’t alarm it. Now, instead of going head to tail, go side to side. Make sure your dog is still quite comfortable while you do this. Keep this routine up until you can move all around your dog without it fidgeting. Also read: best-ways-to-have-you-dog-make-you-breakfast-this-is-a-test/
Maxium’s Pet Gallery
Puppy Eyes
Puppy Eyes If ever you thought you have strong willpower, look into your dog’s eyes. They have the ability to break your resolve in less time than it takes them to blink. Either they have done something to make you proud, followed a command, or fetched you the morning paper. Or maybe they’ve done the complete opposite and know they’re about to get a telling off because they’ve maybe eaten your homework, walked inside the house with muddy paws, or in the case of this photo, managed to steal someone’s footwear and is about to settle down for a snack. Whatever the reason, there is little to no chance that you will be able to chide or scold them because one look into those baleful eyes will melt your heart and soul. Your scream of anger will immediately change to a squeal of delight and your raised arm will proceed to give them the biggest hug.
The Skipper Dog
Skipping stones is therapeutic. Getting that perfect angle of release, and the precise amount of spin on the rock, to see it whiz across the water just to ever so slightly kiss its surface before bouncing back up for more air time. It was while tossing rocks, once upon a time, that my furry four-legged friend, bounded up to me, clearly assuming I was throwing something for him to fetch. Unfortunately, for him, he continued racing past me. Straight into the lake. He soon realized he was no longer on firm ground and frantically tried to run back to me, still failing to realize he was partially submerged. Thankfully the lake was quite shallow and a minute or two later he was looking at me, dripping wet and grinning ear to ear.
Everything You Should Know About Bathing Your Dog
By: Nelson Ansah Dogs are great companions; they’re cute, hang around you a lot, always seek your attention, and are mischievous every now and then. They’re essentially the perfect friend to have. That’s before they come running back all muddy and stinky from playing in the dirt. You either have to get them clean or live with the stench. But that’s just dogs. Plus, regularly bathing your dog is part of being a dog owner. Sadly, bathing your dog is no easy task. Why? Dogs don’t care about the dirt. It’s almost as if they enjoy it, so they give you a hard time when you want to get them clean. Luckily for you and your dog, there’s a workaround. In this article, we’ll answer some dire questions about bathing your dog and provide tips on the best way to give your dog a bath. Let’s get to it, shall we? Should I Bath My Dog? The answer here is a big yes. Bathing your dog regularly helps keep its fur clean and free of odor. But there’s more. Bathing your dog helps maintain its lustrous coat and oust loose hair from its fur. It’s also an excellent opportunity to check for parasites, lumps, and irritation on their skins. Your vet may even recommend a bath for your dog if they have certain skin ailments. It’s usually a part of dog treatment plans. Can I Give My Dog a Bath Anywhere? There’s no fast rule on where to bathe your dog. It all depends on your home and your dog’s size. If you own a large dog, or even a medium-sized one, your best bet is to have the bath outdoors. This option also applies to dogs who hardly stay in the tub. Most dog owners who wash their dogs outside use a garden hose for the job. If you’re going with the hose too, it’s advisable to keep the pressure low. Also, check the water temperature from the hose before using it. You don’t want the water too hot or too cold. Additionally, you can bathe your dog in an indoor dog tub, a bathtub, or a kitchen sink. However, make sure the water drains out and isn’t clogged. This prevents your dog from drowning in the bath. If you need help bathing your dog, you can contact your vet or check out dog bathing stations too. How to Give Your Dog a Bath We’ve seen the how and the where of giving your dog a bath. Let’s dive into the how. Here are seven steps to giving your dog a good refreshing bath. 1. Collect Your Supplies First off, you need to gather some supplies for your bath. A few of these supplies include: Although there are more supplies you can add up, these are the most essential ones. However, there’s no problem with upping the ante here. 2. Do Some Brushing If your dog’s fur is long or even medium, you’ve most likely come across mats and tangles. Mats and tangles only get worse when your dog gets wet. That’s why it’s recommended to brush your dog’s fur before baths. Brushing your dog’s fur also removes thick dirt and loose hair from it. You can find the best hair brushes for your dog here. Remember to brush your dog slowly so you don’t hurt it. 3. Secure Your Dog and Use Cotton Balls If it comes down to wrestling you or taking a bath, your dog is probably going to wrestle you. You’ll have to secure your dog in order to give it a thorough bath. You can do this with a grooming loop. After you’ve tied your dog down, insert the cotton balls into its ears. Cotton balls prevent water from entering your dog’s ear and consequently prevent an ear infection. You’ll be shocked to learn that the majority of dog ear infections stem from water entering the ear canal. 4. Get Your Dog Wet Start by wetting your dog from the rear and working your way up. This technique saves its head for last. This way, you don’t get soap in your dog’s eyes. You’ll also find that your dog hates getting its face wet. 5. Apply Shampoo You need to begin working from the rear as well. But before you do that, ensure that the shampoo you’re using is safe for your dog. Target the dirtiest spots on your dog, like the feet and undercoat. You need to avoid getting shampoo on your dog’s face as much as you can. Use face wipes rather than shampoo for the face; they’re safer and easier to use. 6. Rinse Thoroughly If you think you’ve gotten every part, the next step is to rinse your dog. You’ll have to rinse your dog several times thoroughly, as dog fur can easily hide lather or soap. The pockets of lather left hiding in your dog’s fur can cause skin irritation or skin ailments. It’s better to get it right in the bathtub than to rush to the vet. To add to that, use your fingers to ensure you’re doing a good job. It’s the best way to reach spots that are hard to see. 7. Dry Your Dog Dogs generally shake off moisture from their fur, but they can’t get it all off. You’ll need some absorbent towels to dry your dog thoroughly. Wipe your dog with the towels and allow it to air dry. Additionally, you can use a dog blow dryer like the velocity dryer to dry your dog and blow off any loose hair hanging around. Remember to put some distance between the dryer and your dog. You can reward your dog with some treats after your bath. This tells them bathing is good for them, and if for nothing else, they’re sure to get a treat after a bath. Final Thoughts This is essentially everything you need to know about giving your dog a good bath. It’s not to say there aren’t more things
Tips to Help Your Dog Live Longer
By : Nelson Ansah This very minute in Florida, there’s a 21-year-old chihuahua named TobyKeith lying on his owner while they watch TV. Yes, a 21-year-old dog, and he’s the oldest dog alive as of March 2022. Now, how’s that possible? When questioned about her dog’s longevity, Gisela said “I believe TobyKeith’s continued health is helped by regular exercise and a healthy diet, consisting of vegetables, rice, and chicken, and no sugary treats.” Her answer implies that you can indeed help your dog live longer. However, achieving this longevity goes beyond exercise and a good diet. In this article, we’ll provide you with essential tips that boost your dog’s lifespan so you can enjoy some time together. Let’s get this out of the way though: all dogs have different lifespans and genetics. But these tips will help your dog live a while longer, no matter the breed. Let’s begin, shall we? Keep Your Dog on a Healthy Balanced Diet The first step towards a longer life for your dog is a healthy diet. In most cases, a healthy diet translates to less food for your dog. Here’s what I mean. A study by the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed that breeding your dog on a restricted diet plan expands its lifespan by two years. The study further explains that a restricted diet is about 25 percent less of the recommended food intake. While a healthy diet is an excellent way to help your dog live longer, it doesn’t mean you should starve your dog. You‘ll need guidance from your vet on the right amount of food for your dog. Additionally, you need to consider the quality of your dog’s food. One way to know your dog’s food quality is to look out for the American Association of Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) tag on the labels. It’s also advisable to prioritize whole foods over generic dog feed. Give Your Dog Regular Exercises Regular exercise is another way to help your dog live longer. It boosts your dog’s mobility and strengthens its muscles, thereby increasing its lifespan. It’s just as Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, says, “Strong dogs stay young”. Aside from the physical benefits of exercising, the routine keeps your dog happy. Exercises help release certain sensory stimulants that prevent boredom in your dog and groom them into the perfect companion. There are several ways to exercise your dog. You can go for extended walks in the evening, go for a swim or even put treats in their favorite play toys so they can hunt for them. Remember to be creative about the exercises too. Mixing your workoutsup with socialization, for instance, gives your dog something to look forward to after an exercise. Maintain a Good Mental Health Cognitive functions in dogs are more vital than you’d imagine. A dog with a sharp mind is energetic, happy, and bubbly. These are all attributes that can boost your dog’s longevity. There are several ways to keep your pup’s mind active always. Some of these ways include: Even chasing after frisbees is an excellent mind stimulator for your dog. Of course, you may have a dog who is just too lazy for any sort of exercise. What you do in this situation is to trick your dog into exercising. It’s quite simple. You can put aside a part of your dog’s meal and use it as a treat for your dog later. For instance, you can stand across the room and beckon your dog to come for a treat. Once he eats the first batch, you can move to the other side of the room and call him over again. Repeat this for a while and you’ll see that you’ve exercised your dog a bit. Additionally, you can put some dry kibble in his favorite toys. Ensure that he’ll have to work for the treat instead of simply cracking open a container. It’s a good idea to stuff the kibble into a hard rubber toy for increased effort. Seek Preventative Care Wouldn’t it be nice to whack out your dog’s health problems before they emerge? Well, there’s a way to do it; preventative care. With preventative care, you’ll be visiting your vet or groomer for checkups on your dog. It’s likely your vet has known your dog for a long time and can spot when something is wrong. Even if your vet is new, a routine checkup allows him to identify your dog’s medical issues before they escalate. Moreover, your vet can prescribe exercises or some recommended supplements that can help your dog live longer. Regular Dental Care Providing dental care for your dog is an essential part of being a dog owner. Every food your dog eats produces some residue which aids in tartar buildup. Tartar, in turn, calcifies and harbors bacteria that destroy your dog’s teeth. Consequently, you need to regularly brush your dog’s teeth to prevent these bacteria from forming. Bad dental hygiene results in plaque, gingivitis, or periodontal disease. These bacterial infections are serious in dogs as some of them are known to cause heart problems. Luckily, you can keep these problems at bay with simple activities. These include Additionally, you should visit your dentist for regular dental checkups on your dog. It’s recommended that humans visit the dentist every 6 to 12 months for dental hygiene checks. Its the same for dogs. Bottom Line You can’t change your dog’s genetics, that’s true. But there are ways through which you can extend its lifespan. Luckily, it’s not difficult. You can help your dog live longer by providing a healthy balanced diet and taking regular physical and mental exercises to bolster its system. You can also seek preventative care and visit your vet regularly for dental checkups. If you can put these tips to use consistently, you’ll boost your dog’s longevity for sure.