Five Keys to a Healthy Pet

Do you want your pet to live as long as possible?

There are just five basic things that affect the longevity of a pet. Most are under the pet owner’s control! There is a lot that you can do to help your pet lead a long, healthy life.

1) Genetics: we are all born with genes that make us more or less susceptible to certain diseases. For dogs, size alone has a great affect on longevity, as small dogs usually live years longer than large ones. 40% of purebred dogs are born with genetic defects, which make them prone to diseases such as hip dysplasia, allergies, eye problems or dental disease. Purebred cats also have inherited diseases and temperaments.

Choose a new pet carefully and ask your veterinarian’s advice before you buy a pet. Neither you nor your vet can change a dog or cat’s genes, but you can select carefully for healthy ones. You can also learn how to modify your pet’s health care or training program to help compensate for tendencies in a particular breed or type of pet.

2) Nutrition: just as with people, a pet’s diet has a great influence on health. We all know that we shouldn’t feed our human children a diet of junk food and sweets. Pets need healthy food too. Ask your veterinarian for his or her recommendations, and feed the best food you can afford. Don’t settle for adequate nutrition when you could be feeding your pet excellent nutrition instead!

Also remember to only feed as much as your pet needs to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is very common in pets, and obese pets have a life expectancy 30% shorter than normal weight pets. One of the most important decisions you make for your pet is what you will feed it every day, and how much. Choose wisely!

3) Training and socialization: The most common cause of death in young adult dogs is euthanasia for behavior problems. Cats are frequently surrendered to shelters for litter box avoidance. Again, consult your veterinarian before obtaining a pet - certain breeds have certain temperaments and behaviors that are inherited. Choose a breed that has characteristics you can live with. Make sure your new pet is well socialized to people, and be prepared to spend lots of time and effort in training, especially with dogs. Call your pet’s doctor or trainer right away if you encounter difficulties along the way.

Pets that cause their owners frustration and aggravation are not as well loved and taken care of as those that are well trained and well behaved. If you take the time and make the effort to raise your pet right, the love and the bond between you and your pet will be a joyful and sustaining part of your life.

4) Environment: adequate food, water and shelter are requirements for a long life, of course. Environmental factors also include things such as letting your cat roam free, to possibly be hit by a car or contract diseases like Feline Leukemia, or keeping it indoors. Whether your dog is an indoor or outdoor one is also very important. In addition, dogs that go hunting or swimming or visit a groomer frequently need different care than those that don’t. Your pet’s environment and lifestyle need to be taken into account when planning a health care program. In general, outdoor pets have shorter life expectancies because they have much more exposure to diseases and accidents.

5) Health care: as just mentioned, you will need to discuss your pet’s needs and work in a partnership with your veterinarian to take good care of your pet. Spaying or neutering increases a pet’s life expectancy by 40%. Dental care adds another 10-20%. Vaccinations, parasite control, and prompt recognition and treatment of diseases are also important.

As your pet ages, the level of care you provide becomes even more important. Early detection of chronic diseases with regular blood screening and ECG testing can prolong a pet’s life expectancy by several years. Older pets are the most likely to show the affects of a lifetime of good or poor diet, good or poor parasite control or neglect of dental health. The immune system and digestive system become less effective with age. Diseases of the heart, kidneys, liver and thyroid gland become common. Cancer, too, is most likely to affect older dogs and cats, and early detection is crucial to effective treatment.

Your veterinarian and websites like this one can teach you things you need to know about pet health care in order to help your pet live as long and healthy a life as possible, whatever its genetic background, lifestyle or environment. Pet health professionals are always happy to explain your dog, cat or other pet’s care needs, and we feel it is our job to update you on advances in medical and preventative care.

It is important to remember that your pet’s health and longevity are directly related to the kind of care you provide. Give your pets the best, so they can return the favor with a lifetime of love and enjoyment!

It is your veterinarian’s job, and that of the veterinary staff, to tell you honestly and clearly what needs your pet has, or how it feels, because your pet can’t tell you that. It is also their job to explain what services, foods or products are available to improve your pet’s quality of life. They can go over the prices and options with you, and help you decide what is the best for both your pet and you.

Your job is to learn what is available, and then communicate clearly and honestly back to your veterinarian what level of care you want. You are the pet owner, so ultimately the quality of your pet’s care is up to you. Whether it’s dental care, nutrition, behavior, or any other subject, we hope your veterinary clinic will develop a team approach with you. Work together to improve the relationship you have with your pets, and the quality of those pets’ lives.