Pets never seem to live long enough, even if they are an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who holds the record for being the oldest dog at 29 years and 5 months. Although Bluey was an exceptionally old dog, remember that age is just a number, and that quality over quantity is best. To help you make the most of your pet’s golden years—and to improve their quality of life when they reach senior status—our Milford Animal Hospital team has put together a guide for adding years to your pet’s life.

#1: Spay or neuter your pet

Intact pets can experience a multitude of health and behavior problems that can drastically shorten their lifespan. When you welcome home a new puppy or kitten, plan for their spay or neuter surgery at the appropriate time, which varies by breed, expected adult size, and other health conditions. By spaying your female pet right before her first heat cycle, you greatly reduce her chance of developing mammary cancer. You also eliminate the risk of a pyometra, a life-threatening uterine infection. By neutering your male pet at the appropriate age, you reduce or eliminate prostate issues and unwanted naughty behaviors, like urine marking, mounting, and roaming. Speak to your Milford Animal Hospital veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your pet. 

#2: Feed your pet a high-quality diet

A high-quality diet provides the essential nutrients for a healthy foundation. Without the proper proportion of vitamins and minerals, your pet can experience a deficiency in nutrients needed for strong bones, organ function, and digestive health. Providing a balanced diet free from artificial colors and unnecessary additives can help reduce your pet’s risk for allergies, gastrointestinal upset, urinary problems, kidney disease, pancreatitis, and growth disorders.

When feeding your pet a high-quality diet, ensure you also give them the correct amount. More than half of the pets in the United States are overweight or obese, so determine how much to feed your pet for a healthy body weight. Use a pet calorie calculator to figure out how many calories your pet needs each day, then divide that number into meals. Portion out the food for each meal by using an actual measuring cup instead of a drinking cup. Contact our team for help in creating a nutrition plan for your furry pal.

#3: Stick to an oral health care routine

Up to 85% of pets have dental disease by age 3, and many small breeds often begin developing periodontal problems long before that. When a pet has dental disease, more than just their mouth is affected. Oral bacteria can leach into their bloodstream through inflamed gums, and travel to their organs, causing infection and disease. You can prevent dental disease, or lengthen the time needed between professional cleanings, by sticking to an at-home dental health care routine. While most pets need an annual dental cleaning—some need them more frequently—all pets benefit from daily at-home care. Aim for daily toothbrushing, or two to three times per week at a minimum. You also can give your pet dental products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC). These products have demonstrated their ability to slow plaque and tartar accumulation, keeping your pet’s mouth healthier for longer.

#4: Exercise, exercise, exercise

It can be tough to muster the energy to take your dog for a brisk walk or engage in feather-wand acrobatics with your cat after a long day at work. However, your four-legged friend needs daily exercise to prevent obesity and to keep their joints and muscles healthy. Set your alarm for 15 minutes earlier in the morning to sneak in a fun play session, and set aside time on the weekends for longer activities.

If you and your pet are bored of the same old exercise routine, spice it up with the following ideas:

  • Hiking in a new park
  • Investing in interactive, robotic toys (e.g., ball launcher, robotic mouse)
  • Scheduling a playdate with friends
  • Learning new tricks
  • Joining a canine sport (e.g., agility, flyball, dock diving)

Whatever you and your pet like to do, ensure you find the time to get up and get moving every day. Short bursts of activity are fine, as long as they help your pet remain in shape.

#5: Schedule regular preventive care visits for your pet

Prevention is the best medicine when it comes to keeping your furry pal healthy for years to come. Avoid skipping annual wellness visits if your pet appears perfectly healthy, because the care we provide during those appointments is meant to prevent disease. Ways we work to keep your pet healthy include:

  • Comprehensive physical exam
  • Lifestyle-based vaccinations
  • Parasite prevention
  • Early detection screening tests
    • Blood work
    • Urinalysis
    • Blood pressure check
  • Recommendations on diet, behavior, and grooming

The single best way to add years to your pet’s life is to stay up to date on their wellness and preventive care. Contact our Milford Animal Hospital team to schedule an appointment.