A man and his dog pose happily in front of a winter wonderland screen.

3 Ways to Add Years to Your Dogs Life

When it comes to a dog’s lifespan, various factors are at play. The average lifespan of dogs varies from breed to breed. However, there are interventions that you can implement to increase your dog’s longevity and to keep them as healthy and happy as possible for many years. Let’s dive in. 

How Long is a Dog’s Life? 

Dog ownership comes with the realization that our canine companions have shorter lifespans than we do. While we may wish to spend our lifetime with our furry friends, we can prepare ourselves for what to expect regarding their life expectancy

Dogs, our loyal companions, can exhibit a wide range of lifespans. On average, dogs live between 10-13 years, though there are various factors to consider. Breeds and sizes of dogs help determine the longevity of each dog. 

Other factors that play a role in the lifespan of a dog are genetics and overall care. 

Varying Dog Life Span 

Generally, smaller breeds may reach 12-16 years, while larger breeds might have a lifespan of 8-12 years. Smaller dogs tend to live longer, as their size correlates with decreased health issues and a slower aging process. 

On the other hand, larger breeds are prone to specific health issues that impact their lifespan. For instance, their size can put strains on joints and organs, which leads to a quicker aging process. 

The good news is that nutrition, regular veterinary care, exercise, and health and wellness care can positively impact the longevity of your dog. 

Tips for Improving A Dog’s Life 

In an ideal world, our dogs would be immortal. Since this is not the case, here are some tips that will ensure an overall better quality of life for your dog. 

Quality Nutrition

The best decision you can make as a pet parent is to opt for quality dog food. This simple yet important lifestyle choice can make all the difference in the overall health of your dog. 

In fact, Get Joy believes that it’s one of the strongest pillars of well-being in your dog’s life and emphasizes the importance of quality nutrition. You can choose fresh meal plans that are packed with essential nutrients and fresh ingredients to get started on their improved nutrition journey. 

Preventative Care

The benefit of preventative care is staying up-to-date on your dog’s health status and becoming aware of any illness early on. Regular veterinarian check-ups contribute to a healthier life for your dog. In this way, you can begin treatment early and potentially prolong your dog’s life. 

Collaborating with your vet is helpful to gain professional advice and create a wellness plan that is tailored to your dog’s needs. Remember that each dog is unique and will have specific needs. You can receive personalized nutrition tips and other care services through Get Joy’s virtual vet services

Exercise

A daily exercise routine is important for all dogs, regardless of their age. Ways that you can introduce a physical activity routine for your canine by beginning with daily walks, playing fetch and other games, and even teaching them new tricks. 

Keeping your dog active will benefit both their physical and mental health. Exercise also improves cardiovascular fitness and organ and lung function and helps dogs stay at a healthy weight. It’ll even help strengthen your bond with your dog.  

Choosing Optimal Health for Your Dog with Get Joy 

The health and well-being of your canine companion are important to you and to us at Get Joy. That’s why we’ve developed quality, nutritious meals with the expertise of vets and nutrition experts. Get started today to build the perfect meal plan for your best friend. 

In addition to our fresh meal program, you can find 24/7 telehealth vet services and other resources. We believe in education and awareness to give your dog the healthiest, happiest, and most joyful life possible.


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