Increasing your dog's life expectancy

BY: KAREN METZLER

Vet Talk

The average dog lives 10 to 13 years, with small dogs generally living longer than large dogs. Thanks to significant progress in veterinary medicine and nutrition, our pets' lifespan has increased significantly over the past century.

We all want our pets to live as long as possible. While genetics plays an important inherited role in a pet's longevity, there is still plenty that a pet owner can do to prolong the life of their dog.

Consider the following:

Healthy diet

Dogs require diets that are healthy,nutrient complete and appropriate foreach stage of life. Pet nutritioneducation may seem like a dauntingtask for the pet owner. Be sure tochoose diets that are only natural,organic and come from provensources made by Americanmanufacturers with a solid,long-standing reputation. Senior dogs

require diets higher in fiber and lower in calories compared to younger dogs. Multiple small meals a day can be better for your pet?s gastrointestinal health than feeding a larger meal once daily. Always remember to follow the feeding guidelines for the specific food you are feeding because pets can become overweight, even on a healthy diet.

Weight management

Maintain your pet's weight to a slim, trim, fit and lean body mass. This is best assessed by running your hand down your pet's rib cage. You should be able to feel the individual ribs, rather than a fat pad over the surface of the ribs. Obese dogs are at an increased risk of developing arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer and heart disease. If your dog is overweight, consult your veterinarian for developing a weight loss plan for your pet.

Exercise daily

Regular exercise builds and strengthens muscles, enhances circulation, increases metabolism, prevents obesity, and improves heart and brain function. Short, frequent walks on a daily basis are much better for your pet's overall health than a long walk only once a week. Exercise needs will vary and should be appropriate for your pet's individual level of stamina and strength.

Regular dental care

Dental tartar accumulation leads to tooth decay, gingivitis, gingival recession and tooth loss. The tartar that accumulates on your pet's teeth is composed of over 80% bacteria. This bacteria can enter your pet's blood stream and can cause lesions on the heart valves and kidneys that, in time, ultimately cause heart disease and kidney dysfunction. Regular dental cleanings, the use of enzymatic water supplements, regular tooth brushing with a pet approved toothpaste and dental approved chews can keep your pet's mouth clean and prevent future health problems.

Regular veterinary care

Physical exams are important in maintaining your pet healthy and disease free. A thorough physical exam with fecal, blood and urine testing will allow your veterinarian to detect early changes in your pet's health. Many illnesses, when detected in an early stage, are more likely to be treated and resolved successfully. Physical exams are recommended once a year for young and middle aged dogs and twice yearly for seniors.

Stay on current heartworm, flea and tick preventative

Preventing parasitic disease is essential in keeping your dog well. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for the best product for your pet. Check your pet regularly for any evidence of parasites.

Reduce pet stress with mental stimulation

Dogs thrive on mental activity and simulation. Keeping them mentally stimulated reduces pet stress and helps to prevent depression, anxiety and illness. Training exercises, socialization, games, toy play and food puzzles are all ways to enrich and stimulate your pet's mind. Your dog will thrive with the mental stimulation and the bond you share with your pet will strengthen.

If you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health, always visit or call your veterinarian. Veterinarians serve as your best resource when it comes to your pet's health and well-being.

Dr. Karen J. Metzler is a veterinarian with Summerfields Animal Hospital in Fort Worth. Dr. Metzler was fortunate to grow up in a home filled with a wide variety of family pets including hamsters, birds, cats, dogs and horses. She has always loved animals, so it was only natural for her to choose veterinary medicine as her career path. She graduated from Texas A&M's, College of Veterinary Medicine in 1997. She has experience in emergency medicine as well as general practice. She has specific interests in surgery, dentistry, internal medicine, exotics and cardiology. Dr. Metzler is dedicated to her Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash. profession as well as her family. She, her husband Jeff, and their six children — Daniel, Brandon, Madison, Meridythe, Maycie and Noah — live in Bowie, Texas. They enjoy the country life as it supports the many family pets and farm animals they care for and love.