You want your dog to live the longest life possible ? I will
tell you how, in this article
A dog can be a wonderful addition to any home, but whether you’re an experienced pet parent or a first-time adopter, It’s important to keep your canine companion’s health a top priority. A healthy dog will be a very happy dog and you will spend a lot less on vet cost. Dogs deserve no less. We all have our hobbies, friends, activities, our pet dog only have us after all. To a dog, we are all that they have. We are their family, brother, sister, mother, father. They rely on us to stay healthy, be relieved of boredom and enjoy a fulfilled life.
Feeding
- Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need 4 meals a day
- Feed puppies 3 to 6 months old 3 meals a day
- Feed puppies 6 months to 1 year 2 meals a day
- For some dogs, including larger canines or those prone to bloat, it’s better to feed smaller meals more regularly, with elevated bowls to avoid swallowing to much air as well.
Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs. Your dog may enjoy cottage cheese, raw eggs, but these additions should not total more than 10% of their daily food intake. Puppies should be fed high quality, brand name puppy food (large breed puppy foods for large breeds). Limit table food because it can result in vitamin and mineral imbalances, bone and teeth problems. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and make sure to wash food and water dishes frequently to avoid bacteria growth.
Please, avoid feeding this kind of food to your dog. If you don’t have much money to feed your dog proper food, then maybe you should ask yourself, if you can afford to have a dog at all. Because in the long run, your dog will eventually have health problems, teeth problems, joints problems because of a poor diet. Will you be able to afford a vet when those problems arise ? Giving your dog a decent dog food will help you save money as your dog get older.
The food below has been recalled countless times as of 2023. These are usually Walmart or groceries stores brands. You want to stay away from these dog food bags. It’s essential to stay updated on pet food recalls, as the information provided here, may change over time. Always check with official sources for the latest and most accurate recall information.
- Blue Buffalo: Has had recalls due to potential mold contamination and excessive levels of Vitamin D.
- Hill’s Science Diet: Recalled for elevated Vitamin D levels, affecting various formulations.
- Nutro: Recalled for potential contamination with melted plastic pieces.
- Iams: Recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
- Natural Balance: Recalled due to concerns about potential salmonella contamination.
- Pedigree: Recalled for potential metal fragments in some varieties.
- Merrick: Recalled for elevated levels of beef thyroid hormone.
- Wellness: Recalled for potential elevated levels of moisture causing mold.
- Diamond Pet Foods: Recalled due to Salmonella contamination in several products.
- Canidae: Recalled for potential salmonella contamination in specific batches.
- Evanger’s: Recalled for pentobarbital contamination in certain batches.
- Old Glory: Recalled for concerns about levels of Vitamin D.
- Thrive: Recalled due to the presence of potentially harmful bacteria.
- Rachael Ray Nutrish: Recalled for elevated levels of Vitamin D.
- Darwin’s Natural Pet Products: Recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
- Abound (sold at Kroger): Recalled due to elevated levels of Vitamin D.
- K9 Natural: Recalled for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Steve’s Real Food: Recalled for potential salmonella and Listeria contamination.
- Elm Pet Foods: Recalled due to elevated levels of Vitamin D.
- Smokehouse Pet Products: Recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
- Nature’s Variety: Recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- OC Raw Dog: Recalled for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Instinct: Recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
- Redbarn Pet Products: Recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- Cocolicious: Recalled for potential pentobarbital contamination.
- TruPet: Recalled for potential salmonella contamination.
- Northwest Naturals: Recalled for potential Listeria monocytogenes contamination.
- Vital Essentials: Recalled for potential Salmonella contamination.
- Aunt Jeni’s Home Made: Recalled due to potential Salmonella contamination.
- Carna4: Recalled for potential salmonella contamination.
Anything with grain free is the best option. Grains are fillers in a dog food, that can eventually make your dog gain a lot of weight, create health problems, like allergies, stomach issues, skin, hair issues. Just like us humans, what food we give to our pets, matter the same way as us human, as to what we put in our bodies. That’s why dog food with grain is usually cheaper than grain free. A lot of dogs have trouble digesting grains that are used as fillers. Grains are just not a normal part of a dog’s diet as dogs are primarily carnivores. The dog food listed below are all good dog food you can give to your dog.
- Ollie
- The Farmer’s Dog
- Nom Nom
- Nature’s Logic
- Ziwi
- Acana
- Zignature
- Jinx
- Petplate
- Open Farm
- Annamaet Petfoods
- Blackwood Pet Food
- Holistic Select
- A Pup Above
- Eagle Pack
- Now Fresh
- Caribou Creek Gold
Exercise
This is one of the most important things for a dog’s longevity. Daily exercise is absolutely imperative for your dog’s health, just like for us humans. This will avoid obesity, joint problems and painful arthritis. Dogs need exercise to burn calories, stimulate their minds, and stay healthy. Individual exercise needs vary based on breed or breed mix, sex, age and level of health. Exercise also tends to help dogs avoid boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. A tired pup is a well behaved one ! Supervised fun games will satisfy many of your pet’s instinctual urges to dig, herd, chew, retrieve and chase. I often see older dogs who end up being put down at a very young age due to joints, bones problems. The key to keeping your companion living a long life is a good diet and exercise. It will also benefit you as well !
Supplements for older dogs
If you’ve done all of these and your dog is having joint problems at an older age, then I recommend these 3 supplements.
Salmon oil
Salmon oil is a wonder-trio of fatty acids: Omega 3, 6 and 9. These powerful ingredients are really beneficial to your dog’s body and mind; they promote healthier skin and coat quality, improved heart health, and they boost immune system, brainpower and movement. Salmon oil gives a healthy, smooth, shiny, soft coat. It also helps with hot spots, skin allergies. It can be given after 1 year of age.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine supplements help to stimulate cartilage growth and thicken synovial fluid, improving mechanical joint function and slowing the progression of arthritis; meaning less stiffness and discomfort for your dog. This is much better for your dog’s joints and less harsh on their health, than what your Vet might prescribe. I’m a believer of natural methods for a dog’s longevity, than medications full of chemicals.
What vets give you are harsh medications, with bad side effects. Often when you give your dog a medication from the vets for joint pain or other things, you then have to give them another medication to counter the bad effects of the first medication. It doesn’t end. It’s very hard on the kidneys and liver of your dog. I’m not saying not to give them medication for pain after a surgery at all. Obviously they will need the pain and antibiotics meds, and those are just temporary for the first two weeks or so after a surgery. Glucosamine should be started when your dog is 6 years old, depending on sizes, Small, Medium or Large breed.
CBD Oil
Contrary to a lot of disbelief about CBD oil, it is extremely good to help with pain and inflammation. I know this, because I gave it to both my dog and wolf hybrid, and noticed the same day, that they were moving a lot easier, were not in as much pain and seemed to be their puppy self again. If you ask your vet, they will of course laugh and tell you that there is not enough research on it, giving you a lot of excuses to prescribe your dog pain medication, that costs a lot of money and is very unhealthy. Education and knowledge is key on this subject, to help your animal manage their pain, in a more natural way.
What Is CBD?
Cannabis is a plant with more than 80 biologically active ingredients. CBD (cannabidiol) is the second most prevalent active ingredient in marijuana, with the first being THC (tetrahydrocannabinol).
The difference between CBD and THC is that THC has a psychoactive property associated with the feeling of being “high,” and CBD does not. CBD is almost always in oil form, while THC can be in many forms, including the green flower that most people are familiar with.
CBD has been suspected to have many medicinal properties. It works in people by attaching to specific receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), intestines, muscles, bones, liver, spleen, heart, and lungs to enhance certain body functions. Make sure it is legal in your state.
Benefits of CBD for Dogs
Beneficial use of CBD in dogs include:
- Decrease Pain associated with arthritis
- Helps with Seizures
- Atopy (heightened tendency to develop allergic diseases)
- Stress and anxiety (this is good to calm your dog on the 4th of July before fireworks and before flying, or travel if your dog get nervous.
Grooming
Help keep your dog clean and reduce shedding with frequent brushing. Check for fleas and ticks daily during warm weather. Most dogs don’t need to be bathed more than a few times a year to avoid stripping the healthy oil in their coat, especially in long haired dogs. Bathing your dog too often can cause them to develop hot spots. Before bathing, comb or cut out all mats from the coat. Carefully rinse all soap out of the coat, or the dirt will stick to soap residue. You need to also make sure to dry off your dog’s coat completely if you have a long, double coat haired dog.
Some dogs are prone to getting “hot Spots” when it’s very humid and their skin does not have the ability to completely dry off. I often struggled with this problem when I used to live in Quebec, Canada because it’s very humid there, especially in the summer. My golden retriever would often get these. I would have to shave the spots where my dog would get a sore to let it dry out. The key to healing hot spots fast is to keep the area dry. Shave the hair where the hot spot is and do not bathe or let your dog swim for risk of infection until the sore is gone. When I moved to Wyoming, it wasn’t a problem anymore because it’s dry there. This problem usually happens in humid and wet areas, when the dog’s skin cannot dry off completely.
Handling
To carry a puppy or small dog, place one hand under the dog’s chest, with either your forearm or other hand supporting the hind legs and rump. Never attempt to lift or grab your puppy or small dog by the forelegs, tail or back of the neck. If you do have to lift a large dog, lift from the underside, supporting his chest with one arm and his rear end with the other. A puppy is very fragile at that age, make sure you handle him or her carefully.
Housing
Your pet needs a warm, quiet place to rest, away from all drafts and off the floor. A training crate or dog bed is ideal, with a clean blanket or pillow placed inside. Wash the dog’s bedding often. If your dog will be spending a lot of time outdoors, make sure he has access to shade and plenty of cool water in hot weather, and a warm, dry, covered shelter when it’s cold.
Licensing and Identification
Follow your community’s licensing regulations. Make sure to attach the license to your dog’s collar. This, along with an ID tag and implanted microchip or tattoo, can help secure your dog’s return should your dog become lost. Microchips are inexpensive and will ensure your dog is brought back home. Make sure to update your information if you have to relocate.
There are myths about Microchips being a bad thing because something happened one time, like the chip moving and causing problems for the animal. While this can be a possibility it is an extremely RARE occurrence. If you care about your animal safety, the benefits of getting a microchip and getting your animal back in case of the animal getting lost, outweigh the risks in my opinion. Don’t let a Facebook post, a Youtube video scare you into not getting one.
Fleas and Ticks
Daily inspections of your dog for fleas and ticks during the warm seasons are important. Use a flea comb to find and remove fleas. There are several new methods of flea and tick control. Speak to your veterinarian about these and other options. Diatomaceous earth food grade is a natural and extremely good idea to repel fleas or kill them. But make sure you don’t use too much as it can dry out your dog’s skin.
I prefer the natural method of fleas and tick prevention because fleas medication has so many chemicals in it. If you are looking for a natural way to prevent fleas, here is a method i used to use that worked for me :
Combine 1 quart of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of liquid dish soap. Use this mixture to bathe your dog once or twice a month. Vinegar kills fleas and ticks on contact and can prevent future infestations. You can also put the mixture in an empty spray bottle and spray it on your dog’s thighs near the genitals where there is not much hair. That is usually where the fleas bite the skin and where the infestation begins, or you can also use Diatomaceous earth food grade.
Medicines and Poisons
If you suspect that your animal has ingested a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for 24-hour animal poison information at (888) 426- 4435.
Spaying and Neutering
Female dogs should be spayed and male dogs neutered by 1 year of age. Getting them neuter and spayed will avoid a list full of health problems. You absolutely want to do this to avoid unwanted litter and more abandoned puppies.
Be a responsible owner. If it’s a cost problem, often shelters will offer the surgery at a lower cost. It is not a cruel procedure. It’s a responsible one. Getting your animal spayed or neutered at around 1 year of age will prevent so many health problems, but will also give them a chance to recuperate faster, easier and avoid other problems they would get, if they were getting the surgery at an older age. The recovery time is also usually faster in younger dogs and easier on them as they heal better and faster than older dogs.
Vaccinations
Your dog may benefit from receiving a number of vaccinations. But do not over vaccinate either. When your dog is one year of age, rabies is absolutely a must. Depending on where you live, where you take your dog, some vaccines should be given, while others are really not necessary. Some can be given every 3 years which is more cost effective, than yearly. Your puppy will need all of the vaccines suggested by your vet until 6 months of age.
After that age, you can choose, using common sense, which vaccine your dog really needs. For example, if you live in an area that is at risk for Lyme disease, then you will want to give them that vaccine. If you board your dog a lot, or if your dog goes to the doggy day care a lot, you will want to give them the vaccine for kennel cough.
I only gave rabies & Leptospira shots because I brought my dogs on hikes, in the mountains, and on trails, where they might be in contact with wild animal urine. Leptospirosis is a horrible disease that can kill your dog. I had given the Lepto shot to my dog every year until the one that I skipped and my golden retriever got sick with leptospirosis and I almost lost him. Lesson learned the hard way. He survived but it took almost a year to find the right antibiotics to cure him. Because we hadn’t neutered him, he scratched his testicules, while on the beach, rubbed himself against a dead whale. Needless to say, it was heartbreaking to watch my dog lose a LOT of weight, be in pain, barely able to move because I did not give him the proper vaccination for our lifestyle.
Dog Supply Checklist
- Premium-quality dog food and treats (As suggested above)
- Food dish
- Water bowl
- Toys, toys and more toys, including safe chew toys (No dried, smoked, cooked, boiled bones! Dangerous as they can splinter and hurt your dog, always give raw meat bones)
- Brush & comb for grooming, including flea comb
- Collar with license and ID tag
- Leash
- Training crate
- Dog bed (I sometimes use baby mattress or used mattress on Facebook marketplace, often cheaper and as comfortable than a dog bed)
- Dog toothbrush
- Ear cleaning solution to avoid yeast infection especially for dogs with floppy ears
Dogs have highly developed senses
This includes an incredibly well-developed sense of smell, far superior to humans. They can also see better than us in dark and dim light, as well as hear and detect sounds up to four times quieter than humans can hear!
Dogs use a range of methods to communicate
Including scent information, sounds such as whines, whimpers, growls, barks and howls, and also body language using their body, face, tail, ears and limbs. They also sometimes scent roll in nasties to cover their own smell !
Dogs are highly social
Many dogs enjoy the company of other dogs, but they’ll also form strong social bonds with humans, becoming very attached to particular people in their lives. Some don’t like dog parks, but I think it is a good way to socialize your puppy and burn their extra energy. A tired dog is a good dog ! If you can’t trust your dog off leash there are fenced dog parks. Personally I prefer the off leash dog park as it gives my dog more liberty and freedom and they are also usually larger than fenced dog parks. I raised two very social dogs by going to the dog park almost daily and it also provided me with daily exercises as well and allow me to socialize with other dogs owner. You should always follow dog park etiquette when bringing your dog to a dog park as well.
Unfortunately not everyone do this, but for the most part, i noticed that most people do. That is to :
- Make sure your dog has had all of it’s vaccinations and they are up to date and dewormed (Rabies vaccine is very important)
- Avoid bringing a dog that has not been spayed and neutered (Often times dogs that are intact will create problems with other dogs. I have seen people bringing their dog that were in heat and creating fighting between other dogs. Dogs creating accidental and unwanted litters. Males that are still intact will sometimes be more aggressive toward dogs that are not.)
- Always pickup after your dog ! It can transmit diseases
- Don’t bring a dog that is overly aggressive. That usually never ends well
- Keeping your dog on a leash around other loose dog usually does not end well either. Your dog will feel very defensive because it will feel like it cannot protect itself or you from other dogs
- Dogs under 4 months of age should not be brough to the dog park. They are fragile and missing vaccines.
You also get to meet new people with the same common interest, dogs ! It’s a fun way to tire your dog and socialize yourself as well with other people. I really enjoyed my time going to the dog park.