Five steps can extend life span of animals

To help lengthen the life of your pet, the website PetMD.com recommends the following:

• Provide a high-quality diet. Proper nutrition makes pets more likely to have a shiny hair coat, healthy skin and bright eyes. A healthy diet also helps the strengthen the immune system, maintain intestinal health, increase mental acuity and keep joints and muscles healthy.

• Keep your pet lean. Obesity is the No. 1 nutritional disease affecting pets, with studies showing that excessive weight can shorten a dog or cat’s life by two years. Obesity also raises the risk for joint disease, heart disease, diabetes and other ailments.

• See a veterinarian regularly. All pets require regular vet care — well beyond routine vaccinations, which are also vital. Routine exams can uncover unknown health ills; early diagnosis enhances the chances of successful treatment and lowers health-care costs.

• Keep your pet’s mouth clean. Dental disease and oral-health issues are common ills among dogs and cats. Left untreated, these issues can lead to heart and kidney disease. Besides making regular dental checkups, brush a pet’s teeth at home.

• Don’t allow your pet to roam unsupervised. Roaming pets are susceptible to automobile accidents, predation, exposure to contagious diseases and other dangers. They also can cause problems with neighbors.