Dogs Are Living Longer Than Ever Before. Here’s Why
Modern civilization has done wonders for the average human lifespan. Before society became what we know today, life expectancy hovered around 30 years old, but thanks to things like sanitation, modern agriculture, and vaccinations, that number is up in the mid-70s. Now our dogs are reaping the benefits, too. Recent studies have shown that the number of senior dogs in the population is growing rapidly, and that their average life expectancy has increased by nearly 1.5 years since 2002. That’s 10.5 years in dog years! So how is it being done? We decided to investigate for ourselves and discovered three key elements that you can put into practice today.
Diet
What dogs digest may be the biggest factor of all when it comes to increasing their longevity. Where once any old grocery store kibble would do, owners are now feeding their pets organic foods that are much better for their bodies and overall digestive health. No more foods with high sugar, industrial meal byproducts, or unnecessary additives. We love The Farmer’s Dog (starting at $2/day, thefarmersdog.com) as a prime example. But, it’s not just what they eat, it’s how much. Healthy dogs are eating less these days, with studies showing that a leaner diet can increase a dog’s lifespan by up to two years.
After making a food swap, improve your dog’s nutrition even more by giving a dietary boost with products like Finn’s popular chewable supplements (starting at $28 for a 30-day supply, petfinn.com). Consider getting the Active Pup bundle ($39.20 for a monthly subscription) as well, which includes their daily multivitamin, as well as a probiotic, and joint support.
Dental Hygiene
There’s a common myth that dogs’ mouths are cleaner than humans’, but the truth is that they need just as much, if not more, oral care to maintain their health. Without regular cleanings, plaque and gingivitis can take over, leading to tooth loss or oral infections that can spread to the blood and organs. To keep their mouth clean, try this Vet’s Best Set ($7.99, chewy.com) that comes with a brush and toothpaste created by vets. These conditions can shorten life spans by up to 5 years, so finding a routine that works and sticking to it is absolutely essential. Owners that are having trouble getting their dogs to sit still for their brushing can always try one of Finn’s calming aids ($22/month with subscription, petfinn.com) to soothe their temper. These chews have a cult following and are quickly becoming the natural choice for dogs with any kind of anxiety.
Exercise
Much like with people, exercise is key to health and longevity with dogs. While every breed is different, owners should generally try to exercise their pets for 30 minutes a day at least. Without regular activity, dogs can not only become overweight, they start to lose muscle mass as well which can exacerbate any pre-existing issues. Dog obesity is much more common than people think, too. According to one recent study, 55.8% of dogs in the United States are classified as overweight, so even owners that think they’re giving their dog enough exercise probably aren’t. Something as simple as investing in a ChuckIt! ($7.99, chewy.com) could do the trick.
Regular exercise naturally becomes more difficult with age, which is why it's important to give dogs things like Finn’s Hip & Joint supplement ($22.40 for a 30-day subscription), which helps keep them healthy and active for longer.
Overall, chewable natural supplements are a great way to make sure your dog gets the extra nutrients it needs to live longer. That’s why we love Finn. Subscribe to Finn and save 38% on their Super Pup Bundle, which includes Skin & Coat, Multivitamin, and Hip & Joint chewable treat supplements! Plus, for a limited time, any bundle order comes with a free Calming Aid!
