Veronica DeLisle | July 12 2018

Adopting your first dog is one of the most exciting and happiest times of your life. You’ve found a furry friend who will cheer you up on bad days, make you laugh, and love you unconditionally. It’s a no-brainer that you’d want to keep their wagging tail around for as long as possible, so here are some tips to help ensure that your dog is around for a long time!

What your pup eats is one of the most important parts of their day. Make sure that you’re feeding them healthy food with natural ingredients rather than processed food, or food with ingredients you can’t identify. Antioxidant rich food is a must for your pup! Although your dog loves those peanut butter treats you give them, portion out how many they get in a day. Too many treats can lead to an unhealthy weight. So can feeding them sugar-filled human food; be sure to check with your vet which human foods are safe and healthy for your pup to eat if you plan on adding it to their diet!

Keep your pup active, both physically and mentally. Take your dog out for healthy, daily walks to get them moving and to spend some quality time with them. Playing fetch or tug of war is also a great way to get their heart-rate up as well as bond with you even more. Don’t stop at physical exercise; train your dog basic commands like sit, stay and come. These are great commands to know in general, and the mental challenge will keep your dog from getting too bored.

A clean dog is a happy dog! Make sure to take care of your pup’s hygienic needs as well. Plaque can build up on their teeth and gums, leading to health problems. Find some good dental treats or doggy-safe toothpaste to keep their chompers pearly white! Depending on your dog’s fur type, schedule bath or grooming time for them as well. Getting rid of old, loose fur and cleaning their skin keeps them looking and feeling young!

Dog wellness leads to dog longevity, so make sure that you have a veterinarian that you can take your pup to. Keep them up to date on vaccines and shots, especially because most dog parks or doggy-daycares require them. Have your dog spayed or neutered to prevent any puppies from entering the picture. Having puppies can take years off of your dog’s life! Keeping your dog’s health in mind at all times leads to a happy life for both you and your pup.

Show your dog lots of love every day! Let them hang out with you while you watch TV, rub their belly and scratch behind their ears, anything to show them how much you love them. Dogs respond well to affection, keeping them from getting depressed and lonely. Your love can keep your pup with you for a long, long time!