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  1. Home
  2. Pets

6 ways to help your dog live longer

Extend those dog days. - by Jane Pine
  • 17 Jul 2018

The average dog lives 10 to 13 years, but there are many things you can do to boost your pet’s health.

Here are six tips to help your dog live longer.

Dog eating food
Getty

1. Don’t feed your dog too much

You need to be vigilant about how much your dog eats. A lean dog is a healthy dog, as obesity can cause many health problems including diabetes, cancer and arthritis.

"It's totally in our control, how heavy they are," says Dr Elizabeth Murphy, author of How to Age-Proof Your Dog.

"We choose dog foods for our dogs, we choose how much we feed them, we choose what treats to give them, and we govern a lot of their energy expenditure."

Dog running on beach
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2. Don’t give your dog too much or too little exercise

While younger dogs can cope with a lot of physical activity, you need to be careful with older dogs, from around seven years of age. Too much exercise, or running and jumping after balls, can impact on their joints and cause arthritis.

Playing with your dog is a different ball game, as it helps to keep their brain active.

"It helps engage their mind and keep them active," dog instructor Alice Symons says. "People tell me that their dogs, once they go home from their nose work classes, they're completely exhausted and they just sleep."

Puppy at vet
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3. Keep your home safe

According to Tim Norris, dog healer and founder of Both Ends of The Lead, you should ensure your home doesn’t have slippery floors which can cause falls in older dogs. Place plenty of non-slip surfaces around your home to keep your dog safe.

Dog getting teeth brushed
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4. Brush their teeth

Keep your dog’s teeth free clean by brushing them twice a week. When plaque builds up, bacteria can spread to the kidney, liver and heart.

Woman and two dogs
Getty

5. Spend time with your dog

Boost your dog’s health and wellbeing by showering it with affection and treating it like a member of your family.

"It's very very important to take your dog out every day, even if it's just to the post box or for a ride in the car, because it's stimulating," explains Dr. Madeline Yamate, founder of the Center for Integrative Animal Medicine

"Dogs are pack animals – they want to go places with you and be with you."

Dog sitting on bed
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6. Provide a calm environment

Stress can affect dogs, just like humans. The key is to identify the triggers and try to eliminate them.

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Jane Pine
Jane Pine is a digital content editor and has worked in magazines for over 20 years. She's a diehard DIY fan and can't go past a good Ikea hack.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

Scientific study reveals the words dogs love most

The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2020 have been announced

The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2020 have been announced

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

The hunt is on to find Australia's funniest pet

The hunt is on to find Australia's funniest pet

{headline}

{headline}

How to get your pet to take medication

How to get your pet to take medication

Dr Harry’s top tips for healthy dog’s teeth

Dr Harry’s top tips for healthy dog’s teeth

4 ingenious Ikea hacks for pets

4 ingenious Ikea hacks for pets

{headline}

{headline}

Dr Harry meets a ball-obsessed Jack Russell

Dr Harry meets a ball-obsessed Jack Russell

Where to get Santa pet photos around Australia 2019

Where to get Santa pet photos around Australia 2019

Family puppy found to be endangered dingo species

Family puppy found to be endangered dingo species

How to teach a dog good manners with Dr Harry

How to teach a dog good manners with Dr Harry

Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives

Study proves dog owners live longer, happier lives

The best vacuum cleaners for dealing with pet hair

The best vacuum cleaners for dealing with pet hair

Can you feed your dog raw chicken?

Can you feed your dog raw chicken?

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