7 Ways You Are Shortening Your Dog’s Life
The 7 ways pet owners are unknowingly shortening their dog’s life are discussed. The hardest part of dog ownership is knowing you will have to say goodbye to your best friend far too soon. The average lifespan of most dogs is 12 – 14 years. However, there are many ways pet owners are accidentally shortening the lives of their dogs without realizing. Here, the most common ways dog health is negatively affected by owners will be discussed.
Obesity
Although a chubby puppy may be cute, the reality is that an overweight dog has a significantly higher likelihood of developing a serious disease. Overweight dogs are more likely to develop diabetes, thyroid disorders, arthritis, kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, and cancer. Helping your dog maintain a healthy weight is the most important step for proper dog health.
Poor Dental Hygiene
Dental disease is a silent killer among dogs and contributes to bad breath, gingivitis, tooth loss, tooth decay, gum decay, bacterial infection, and disease in heart, liver, and kidneys. Pet owners should brush their dog’s teeth at home with canine toothpaste and schedule regular dental cleanings.
Inconsistent Veterinary Visits
Dogs should see their veterinarian once per year for a wellness exam. The annual exam can help veterinarians catch the signs of disease before it is too late while also ensuring pets are up to date on necessary preventatives, such as flea, tick, heartworm, rabies, and parasite prevention.
Actijoy can help pet owners have more productive veterinary visits thanks to the Healthbook, which is found in the Actijoy app. Here, pet owners can record notes regarding any changes in their pet’s behavior or condition, as well as keep track of last veterinary visits, medication, dental care and more. The Healthbook can be easily shared with family members or a veterinarian for total convenience. Download free Actijoy App today for iOS or Android.
Lack of Mental/Physical Exercise
Dogs that regularly exercise are not only more likely to maintain a healthy weight, but they also have fewer health problems. Research has shown that physical and mental stimulation create a well-rounded pet that has fewer health problems.
Too Many Table Scraps
Table scraps cause a variety of problems, such as obesity and bad behavior, like begging. In addition, human food is generally unhealthy for dogs. Fatty foods, like poultry skin, can cause pancreatitis in dogs, and ingredients such as onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, nutmeg, xylitol, and most nuts can be toxic.
Too Many Treats
Similarly, feeding a dog too many treats is a leading contributor to obesity. Even if your dog receives plenty of exercise and has a healthy diet, an overabundance of calorie-laden treats may be sabotaging your dog’s health by increasing his or her waistline.
Lack of Supervision Outside
Finally, a major threat to dog health is unsupervised time outdoors. There are many dangers lurking right outside your home, such as dog-nappers, toxins (i.e. mushrooms, antifreeze, etc.), predators (i.e. coyotes), and the possibility your dog could escape the yard or be hit by a vehicle. Keeping your pet responsibly contained is the best way to prevent life-threatening accidents.
Many dog health problems can be prevented. The Actijoy solution can potentially prolong dogs' lives by up to two years and save money for pet owners, thanks to disease prevention. We have interconnected three devices to track activity, nutrition, and changes in the dog's behavior in one step with the Health & Activity Tracker, the WiFi Food & Water Bowls, and the Actijoy App.
This Actijoy system can detect dangerous abnormalities, including symptoms associated with diabetes and kidney disease, both of which are easily treatable when caught in time. Actijoy provides real-time data regarding a dog's health to dog owners and veterinarians and gives your dog a voice when something is wrong.
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