What Do You Do To Prolong Your Dog's Life?

[littlesev]

Also, does anyone do any regular test to monitor their health and see what needs to be added to the diet?

I think this question needs to be looked on as how the dog looks and feels at any given time, if they have healthy teeth, coats, skin, energy etc etc then the diet they are on must be working. Well that's how I look at it anyway. If I took advice from the vets I'd be feeding the most expensive food ever that they sell. I like to be the judge of what they need as far as food requirements go. Don't get me wrong I have had to change diets with one of mine a few times before we finally got it right. Some dogs can have anything and still lead a long life some dogs diets need a bit of tweaking.

That's true. I'm currently trying to tweak my dog's diet. He's on Wellness puppy, homecooked stew and raw. He's fine but I don't think he "thrives" yet. I would love it if I can get a health test that would show if say, he needs more protein or he has too much sugar and then just adjust accordingly :)

[tdierikx]

My oldest is currently 13 - which is past the average lifespan for the 2 breeds she is a mix of... and she's only starting to look older now - greying and developing that "old dog" bark"... *grin*

Don't tell her she's old though - she's not showing any sign of giving up yet...

I don't vaccinate at regular intervals, I only treat for fleas if I see them on any of my dogs, I only worm if I see one, or the dogs are well past due for a dose. I am currently feeding Nutro dry, but my dogs have been fed a range of different diets over the years - anything from supermarket brands to premium brands, scraps, etc.

I think there may also be a link to longevity in dogs who are treated with love and respect by their owners - not mollycoddled and overly "cared" for... my dogs are, well, dogs...

T.

[HazyWal]

I'm happy with my dogs diet but since I had the 6 1/2 yo at the vets yesterday we did draw blood so we have a base line to compare to later on in life. Not sure if I would do it every year. And I don't vaccinate every year either, nor dose them up every month on a one dose does everything pill. Heartworm tab every 6 weeks, intestinal worming 2 or 3 times a year, flea treatment if I see a flea.

I hate vaccinating every year - I wouldn't do it but for the damn kennel requirements!

That's a shame. My kennel accepts tri yearly vaccs except for kennel cough which obviously has to be up to date. My two have the yearly heartworm injection( we live in a high risk area) worm a couple of times a year and the one time they got fleas I used Comfortis which knocked that on the head. My two have a good diet, lots of love and lounges...nothing makes my greyhounds happier than the lounge :) Or my bed

[tdierikx]

Here's a pic of my "old" girl... she wants the stick I'm holding...

T.

[OSoSwift]

I'm happy with my dogs diet but since I had the 6 1/2 yo at the vets yesterday we did draw blood so we have a base line to compare to later on in life. Not sure if I would do it every year. And I don't vaccinate every year either, nor dose them up every month on a one dose does everything pill. Heartworm tab every 6 weeks, intestinal worming 2 or 3 times a year, flea treatment if I see a flea.

I hate vaccinating every year - I wouldn't do it but for the damn kennel requirements!

Most kennels would accept trienniels wouldn't they? At least that is less vaccinations than doing it yearly

[mita]

Good general care, sensible diet, making sure he/she's secure from danger, vaccinations, worming , lots of love, prompt vet treatment if there's a health/injury problem. The rest is up to the genes mix.

Our little mixed-breed dog, rescued as a puppy, lived until she was nearly 23 yrs of age. Until her 19th year (when she had some tooth surgery), she never needed any vet treatment for illness, except for desexing when young. It was much the same with our purebred sheltie girl who also had no problems throughout her life, except in her last year (some arthritis) at nearly 15 yrs.

By contrast, our rescue sheltie boy developed pancreatitis & skin allergy during his life. Though, he had the same care. And was, in fact, my heart dog. Beautiful temperament.

Edited January 24, 2013 by mita

[SkySoaringMagpie]

One thing that is a bit controversial, but which I recall has been backed up by some study, is that dogs who are kenneled their whole lives tend to have shorter lives than those who live inside. I suspect that might partially depend on the weather conditions the dogs are exposed to and a range of other factors.

Please note, there are some dogs who live in kennels who have much better lives than those indoors. I am not saying kennels are the worst thing in the world.

[westiemum]

Good general care, sensible diet, making sure he/she's secure from danger, vaccinations, worming , lots of love, prompt vet treatment if there's a health/injury problem. The rest is up to the genes mix.

Good summary Mita :). The only things I'd add are yearly bloods after age 10 or 11 to hopefully pick up any problems early, sensible supplementation ( eg cholodin ), and as much fun and new experiences as possible to keep them happy and interested in their surroundings. :)

[Jumabaar]

Just on the joint supplement prior to signs- by the dog starts to show signs of arthritis the damage is already well and truly done. So giving joint supplements to dogs at risk of arthritis once they reach middle age is acting when the damage is starting rather than done.

Completely OT

Its interesting but I think this thread reflects the current way veterinarians treat animals here in Aus- by treating the disease once you see symptoms, rather than trying to pre-empt disease with preventatives. I think its starting to shift slowly because they cant rely on vaccines any more and need to offer a better service to their customers- which is already happening overseas. There was an american specialist who said her general clinic had over 50% of clients bringing in dogs over 8yrs of age for yearly blood tests. But I wonder if better communication from veterinarians on the benefits might see more Aussies doing it, or if its a social/demographics type thing.

[mita]

The only things I'd add are yearly bloods after age 10 or 11 to hopefully pick up any problems early,

Thanks for that addition, westie. I'd never thought of that.

[westiemum]

The only things I'd add are yearly bloods after age 10 or 11 to hopefully pick up any problems early,

Thanks for that addition, westie. I'd never thought of that.

Yep Mita, I think a little prevention and/or early intervention is relatively inexpensive and can go a long way in older dogs. I've been doing it for some years now for my crew and I like the peace of mind. :)

[Dame Aussie]

My dogs are fed a raw diet including the occasional porterhouse , they are wormed/heartwormed regularly. I have cut back on fleaing though and now only treat if I see them as we just don't seem to have an issue with them.

They sleep inside either on the bed, the couch or wherever their little hearts desire. I give the boy Sashas Blend/Jointguard and have just started giving it to the girl aswell to prevent any issues if I can. They get lots of additions to their diet like oily fish, raw meaty bones, organs and yoghurt.

I don't vaccinate after the puppy shots and booster, they are exercised regularly, are in great shape and get so much attention it's not funny.

Once they get older I will start having yearly bloods done too.

Not much else I can do :laugh: spoilt buggers!