Extend your pet’s life
If pet owners were given one wish, most would ask for a longer time with their furry friend. Here are top tips to help you have just that
THERE’s no magic wand you can wave to extend the life of your beloved pet. But there’s solid advice you can follow to help your dog or cat reach a ripe old age in good condition. Pets come in various shapes and sizes, and certain breeds have a longer life expectancy than others – smaller dogs tend to outlive larger breeds, for example.
Whatever pet you have, follow these tips to make sure he or she remains your faithful companion for as long as possible. 1 BEST POSSIBLE DIET A nutritious, species-appropriate diet helps boost your pet’s immune system, maintain his intestinal health, keep his mind sharp, keep joints and muscles healthy and much more.
Fresh, raw food beats processed food full of indigestible fillers hands down. Cats especially need to eat wet food – their systems can’t cope with dry food, which is why they so often get kidney and urinary tract infections. Also offer your indoor kitty a wheat-grass nibble to help with hairballs.
Birds and rodents thrive on a varied diet, not just dusty, often mouldy seeds. Even your goldfish will flip for a few mealworms instead of his usual flakes now and then. 2 DON’T OVERFEED Obesity is the fastest-growing health problem in pets. Studies have shown that slim cats or dogs can live as much as two years longer than their chubby companions. Fat isn’t cute ‒ it’s a killer. Your best friend is at risk of painful joints and arthritis, debilitating heart disease and diabetes. Keep your pet lean and instead of showing your love with loads of snacks, spend time playing with him or making his habitat more comfy. There are loads of ideas online for toys and games for every type of pet. Try a few! 3 REGULAR VET CHECKS Routine exams pick up problems before they become expensive and possibly even life-threatening. 4 KEEP HIS MOUTH CLEAN Apart from the pain, dental disease can lead to heart and kidney disease. Regularly brushing his teeth or offering dental treats or toys help your pet, and regular vet checks for cleaning are essential. 5 KEEP HIM SAFE Allowing your pet to roam around the neighbourhood exposes him to many dangers, including car accidents, ingesting poisons, predators, getting stolen or contagious diseases (including sexually transmitted diseases if he isn’t sterilised) – even a discarded chicken bone found on the pavement could end in a punctured intestine.
It also won’t endear your pet to the neighbours if he becomes a pest, so keep your fur kid safe at home.