As Dr. Justin Toth, a veterinarian and owner/founder of Dallas Highway Animal Hospital, notes, a healthy diet and regular exercise are the foundation of a dog’s overall well-being.
“Just like people, the secret to longevity for dogs is to eat healthy and exercise,” Dr. Toth advises.
To achieve this, pet owners should focus on providing their dogs with the following elements:
- Proper Nutrition
- Correct Portioning
- Regular Exercise
- Bursts of Mental Stimulation
- Hydration
- Pet Safety and First Aid
Proper Nutrition
A healthy diet is the foundation of a dog’s overall well-being. In line with the current pushback against ultra-processed human foods, pet owners are ditching traditional, highly processed dry food in favor of more nutrient-dense whole food. “Feeding your dog healthy, pre-portioned food can add years to its life,” says Dr. Jonathan Block, who practices an integrative approach to veterinary medicine. The Farmer’s Dog is a company that has made it easier for pet owners to provide their dogs with healthy food. The company’s mission has been to bring uncomplicated care to your pet through uncomplicated real food formulated by vet-nutritionists to be complete and balanced. The food is human-grade, gently cooked, and made with a single protein source, so you know exactly where your dog’s nutrients are coming from. In addition to nutrition, correct portioning is also paramount for longevity, with studies showing that dogs who maintain a healthy weight live on average up to 2.5 years longer than overweight dogs. “The number-one disease we treat in pets is obesity, which is what I love about error-free calorie control,” says Dr. Toth.
| Advantages of Correct Portioning | Example Benefits |
|---|---|
| Helps maintain a healthy weight | Avoids conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease |
| Promotes longevity | Averages 2.5 years longer lifespan for healthy weight dogs |
Regular Exercise
Most dogs thrive on physical activity. To keep them healthy and engaged, provide regular exercise. Outdoor activities like hiking, running, and swimming can all improve cardiovascular health and weight issues. “Come spring, a lot of dogs are coming off a lazier winter,” says Dr. Karen Nann, “so start slowly and build up, adding a mile or two weekly to increase stamina.”
Bursts of Mental Stimulation
Many experts say mental stimulation is as important as exercise. Feed your dog’s curiosity and keep their mind sharp with brain-challenging activities such as obedience training, puzzle toys, or scent games. “Some dogs do better mentally if they have a ‘job,'” says Dr. Steve Conlin, a veterinarian in Eagle, Colorado. He notes this is especially important in herding and retriever breeds.
“The job can be anything–playing frisbee, retrieving a ball–but it needs to be part of the dog’s everyday life,”
Hydration
When exercising in the heat or on more strenuous outings, make sure your dog can always get to fresh, clean drinking water. “If you’re overheated, your four-legged friend will be too,” says Dr. Nann. “My rule of thumb: double the amount of water I need to have enough for my pets.”
Dehydration can lead to kidney damage or heatstroke, so always keep water on hand when you’re out and about with your dog.
Pet Safety and First Aid
Again, think of dogs just as you do people: they can get hurt just like you, so take precautions and carry a dog-friendly first-aid kit. Be mindful of rough terrain and dangerous obstacles when deciding which route to take. Also consider investing in protective gear like dog booties, which can safeguard paws from cuts, burns, punctures, and snow buildup.
| Protective Gear | Example |
|---|---|
| Dog booties | Avegant boots or snow boots that provide traction and protection |
Adjusting Plans as Your Pet Gets Older
As your pet gets older, they need to be forced to back off from activities that can be too strenuous. “As adventure dogs age, they need to be forced by the owners to back off; they don’t know better, so it’s up to the owners to shorten the rides, runs, or skis,” says Dr. Conlin.
When you put it all together, maximizing your adventure buddy’s health is not complicated. Just be deliberate about what you provide your pet, from nutrition to exercise.
By being diligent about providing your dog with proper nutrition, regular exercise, mental stimulation, hydration, and pet safety, you can help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Remember, your dog is a member of the family, and with the right care, they will be by your side for many years to come.
