How to Help One's Pets Live Longer Lives

Everybody wants their pet to live a long and healthy life. Just as we have extended the human life expectancy, so have we extended the life expectancy of our pets. It is a common misconception that each year of a dog's life is equal to one year of a human life. The truth is, this holds true only when approximating life span. Dogs mature much quicker than humans.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Start and maintain a good pattern of veterinary care. During the first year of your pet's life, he requires more frequent medical care. Be sure to get him all the shots that the vet recommends and continue getting his shots for him throughout his life.
2. Feed your dog a nutritious diet. Choose a veterinary-recommended dog food and follow your vets guidelines on the amount of food to feed. Guidelines written on the dog food package are not always accurate and may not be appropriate for your dogs age, breed, health or activity level.
3. Train your dog well for safety reasons. Helping your pet to live long, not only means keeping her healthy, but keeping her safe as well. It is important she knows and responds to basic commands such as sit, stay and come, so you can keep her safe in our world. Dog's have instincts that help to keep them safe in their natural environment, but they do not have instincts that teach them things such as the dangers of traffic. That is your job as the caregiver.
4. Provide plenty of exercise for your dog every dog. Take him for walks or run and play with your pet in the yard.
5. Play with your dog and show her love to keep her happy. If your dog is bored or unhappy, she can also become stressed or depressed, which can lead to health problems and a shorter life.