We all want our furry companions to live as long as possible, but some mistakes could be shortening your dog’s life.
Your dog enriches your life in a multitude of ways, from cuddles that cure even the worst days to playtimes that have you laughing for hours. The last thing any dog owners wants is for their pet to pass away too young, but unfortunately, they sometimes inadvertently make mistakes that could limit their dog’s years. At East Meadow Veterinary Center, we provide a high level of care for your pet, but we only have the privilege of caring for them for a small percentage of the time, so when it comes to your dog’s lifespan and well-being, it’s really the care that you provide that matters most. But you need the right information in order to provide them with the best care. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid that can shorten your dog’s life:
Mistake #1. You don’t exercise your dog enough.
Just because you ran your dog hard at the dog park over the weekend, it does not give you free reign to wait until the next weekend to exercise them again. Dog’s need exercise every day in order to stay healthy. Not only does daily exercise help to keep your dog at a healthier weight, it also provides them with the mental stimulation they need.
Mistake #2. You don’t take care of your dog’s teeth.
Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is common in dogs. In fact, it’s so common that, according to the American Humane Society, 85 percent of dogs who are over five-years-old suffer from periodontal disease. When left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to serious health problems, such as kidney infections and heart valve problems. Brushing your dog’s teeth should be a regular part of your grooming routine for your dog.
Mistake #3. You allow your dog to gain too much weight.
When your dog is overweight, it puts them at a much higher risk for many different health problems, including diabetes, hypertension, osteoarthritis, breathing difficulties and more. Not only can allowing your dog to gain too much weight shorten their lifespan, it also greatly reduces their quality of life as well.
Mistake #4. You neglect to provide your dog with heartworm, tick and flea prevention.
Heartworms, fleas and ticks may be tiny, but they can spread diseases that are life threatening to your dog. There are so many prevention methods, from oral medications to collars, and it’s essential that you find one that works for your dog.
Mistake #5. You don’t take your dog in for annual veterinary visits.
When you take your dog in to visit your veterinarian on an annual basis, it gives them an opportunity to make sure your dog is healthy, and it allows them to catch small, treatable problems before they turn into serious or life threatening problems.
Don’t allow a simple mistake to shorten your dog’s life. Turn to East Meadow Veterinary Center for the quality care your dog needs. We proudly serve Levittown and the surrounding areas. Schedule your appointment today, and stay tuned for our next blog to learn about more mistakes that could be shortening your dog’s life.