Tips on Lengthening the Life of Pets

Saying goodbye to pets is one of the most difficult things you can do, as any pet owner will tell you. The average life span of cats is 10 to 14 years, while it is about 10 to 12 years for dogs. Extending the lifespan of your pets by a few years or even months for that matter, can make a huge difference, as it is time well spent. Let's take a look at some ways you can do that.

A healthy and

will keep all the vital organs and systems of your pet in good functioning order. Be sure that your pet has a nutrient-rich diet, even if you have to give it

, so the pet's immune system, bones, muscles, joints and mental health is in top form. Most pet owners are guilty of feeding their pets table scraps and calorie-high treats, and think that it is harmless, but the truth is far from that. Pets that are obese run at a risk of developing joint conditions, cardiac issues and diabetes, which can cut down their life expectancy.

Exercise is indispensable for your pet, and it can help keep obesity at bay, which is otherwise known to be one of the main causes for pet health problems. Make sure your pet gets its daily dose of exercise, which again, depends on the breed. Ideally, your pet should get at least an hour's exercise every day. Do what it takes, whether it is walking your pet or leaving small portions of food in different places, so he gets some well-deserved exercise. You can make sure that your pet is mentally sharp by giving him

that keeps his brain ticking.

Do you let your pet roam around in the neighborhood unsupervised? It is not a good idea as your pet may be exposed to a number of factors such as contagious diseases, toxic substances, traffic, and wild preying animals while it is out on its own. Of course, we are not asking you to lock him/her down in your house. Just make sure that you are around him/her when he/she wants to go outdoors, so you can keep a watch and keep him/her safe.

Do you take your pet to the vet only when he/she is ill or needs his routine shots? Your pet needs more frequent vet visits. Taking your pet to the veterinarian for routine exams from time to time can help identify health problems even before they escalate. Taking preventative measures after an early diagnosis can help contain and treat the condition before it gets out of hand, in turn help add more lives to your pet's life.