Extending Dog Lifespan through Healthy Habits and Nutrition

By incorporating healthy habits and nutrition into your furry friend's life, you can significantly contribute to extending their lifespan. A well-balanced diet is essential for maintaining optimal health.

Research suggests that dogs fed a high-quality, nutrient-rich diet can live up to 2-3 years longer than those fed a lower-quality diet.

Regular exercise is also crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day.

A study found that dogs that received regular dental care lived up to 2 years longer than those that didn't.

Loyal, a biotech start-up, is developing a drug called LOY-001 to increase the lifespan of big dogs.

This drug targets the genetically-associated disease caused by historical artificial selection, which leads to elevated levels of IGF-1 in large dogs.

Large dogs have up to 28 times the levels of IGF-1 compared to small dogs, which is believed to reduce their lifespan.

Broaden your view: Dog Longevity Drug

The long-acting drug would be administered by a veterinarian every three to six months.

The company's goal is to claim at least one year of healthy lifespan extension for big dogs.

By decreasing IGF-1 in adult dogs, LOY-001 aims to increase longevity and improve the quality of life for big dogs.

Additional reading: Dog Lifespan by Size

Roughly 25 to 30 percent of pets are considered obese in the U.S., so it's essential to be observant of your pet's weight and work with your veterinarian to create a weight-loss plan.

Regular exercise is a must for extending your dog's lifespan, with most veterinarians recommending a daily routine that suits your dog's breed and size.

Exercising your dog regularly will strengthen their cardiovascular system and either help them lose weight or maintain a healthy one.

To prevent diseases, get your dog down to the vet regularly for physical exams, ideally annual for adults and puppies, and biannual for seniors.

Feeding your dog a healthy and balanced diet, including fresh food, can also ward off diseases and prevent the need for serious veterinary treatment.

If this caught your attention, see: Average Lifespan of a Dog by Weight

Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet can ward off diseases and prevent the need for serious veterinary treatment. Regular vet checks are crucial for detecting and monitoring preventable diseases, but a healthy diet is just as important.

Pet obesity is one of the leading chronic diseases seen in veterinary medicine, and it's largely preventable. Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent pet obesity.

By feeding your dog fresh food, you'll also be providing tasty and nutritious vegetables, fruits, and proteins packed full with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that will support your dog's whole body. This can be especially appealing to picky eaters.

Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet can also help prevent the need for serious veterinary treatment. Pet obesity can have fatal consequences if not controlled by a healthy and balanced diet.

Obesity in dogs can increase the probability of developing diseases such as diabetes or osteoarthritis. Excessive weight gain can also drastically impact your dog's quality of life, affecting their energy, mobility, comfort, and more.

Regular exercise is also essential for maintaining a healthy weight and extending your dog's lifespan. The amount of exercise your dog needs will depend on its breed and size, but exercising your dog regularly is a must.

Cleaning your dog's teeth is crucial for their overall health. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week can prevent bad breath and stained teeth.

Veterinarians often see periodontal disease in dogs, which can be prevented with regular dental care. This disease can lead to infection, eating difficulties, weight loss, and even tooth loss if left untreated.

Brushing your dog's teeth daily or at least twice a week can slow the progression of periodontal disease. Regular dental cleanings with your primary care veterinarian, scheduled one to two times a year, are also essential for maintaining your dog's oral health.

For more insights, see: Lifespan of Dog with Kidney Disease