What do you think help pets live longer lives? (shepherd, labs, bulldog)

[Boxerlady]

In the past two days I gotten comments on both my dogs about how healthy they are for their age!!
I was running with Charlie (my boxer) at the park and a lady commented that how impressing it was he still ran, both her boxers health starting declining at 7 and 8.
I also got comments at the dog park how impressing it was that Coco (my lab) can still beat the younger labs out to her frisbee in the water and she is 9.
Everyone asked me how I keep them healthy and what I do. Really nothing special!! The only thing I can think of is I try to excerise them everyday. They don't eat special food and I don't really do any extra vet care (other than yearly shots and heartworm)
Is it just luck of the draw if you get a pet that lives longer?

[MAK802]

I get comments all the time because my Bulldog is very active, more so than other breeds at the park/beach. Most of the Bulldogs around here are fat, lazy and just sit in one place at the park. Not my boy! Same rules as for humans....feed them quality food (mine eats mostly raw) and give them plenty of exercise. I don't over-vaccinate (he's done for life) and have never had a single health issue with him, and he'll be 2 in August. Most of the Bulldogs I know had all their issues show up around 9-10 months of age (skin, allergies, mange, etc), but we took care of him from day one and are living proof that healthy Bulldogs do exist, you just have to be willing to take care of them.

I don't believe it's luck of the draw. Whenever I see a dog that's overweight, I look at the other end of the leash. Usually, the owner is not the picture of health, either. People slowly kill their dogs by feeding them bad food and not exercising them properly. Their lifespans are short as is, I'll do everything in my power to make sure mine lives a happy, healthy, long life. As with humans, you can only blame so much on genetics/poor breeding. The majority lies in your hands and the choices you make for them.

[maciesmom]

The same things that help humans live long lives. Good (healthy) food, plenty of exercise (physical and mental), enjoyment and ....luck....

[atina33]

Same thing with my 45lb shepherd mix. She's 8+ and looks faaaantastic----a lean muscle machine. She doesn't eat scraps (well maybe just a few here and there) and we either hike or play with her EVERY DAY. She's aging gracefully----you're so right---there's not much to it. Exercise & love work wonders!

[Dashdog]

I think Good nutrition, filtered water, lots of exercise ( both physical and mental exercise) play a big roll . Jazz at 14 is still very alert,active and most people guess she is about 7 as she doesn't look old.

[skeet09]

The most important of all: love from their owners! To know that they have a home and people who love them and want to do as much as they can to ensure they live healthy lives!

Boxerlady: You've come up with some great ideas for new threads; kudos to you!

[Ahnatural]

A daily plant based Omega 3 supplement will increase lifespan, and comfort as they age.
I'd stick with Camelina or Flax.

Camelina doesn't need to be refrigerated and has a two yr. shelf life
Flax is readily available but is more expensive and needs refrigeration.

I'd stay away from fish oil. It is made from the liver and can have high levels of mercury.

[StarlaJane]

Hey, that's what I was going to say (skeet09) !! Love, love, love. Pets that feel loved and needed are happier and tend to stick around longer.

[luvmycat]

^^Thanks for the tips about Camelina...I've never heard of it, and I love using natural things to supplement their diet and also love to address issues holistically rather than chemically.
Mak, you're right on-point about vaccs...WAY too many vets over-vaccinate and it only weakens the immune system so they can't fight off simple things as easily, thus leading to the need for chemical meds to treat stuff like diarrhea, which is easily managed with slippery elm as long as the immune system is functioning the way it should be!

[flkingfan]

I think taking care of them in the best way you can, can help for sure. And along with skeet09 and starlajane, lots of love. Some dogs can be the picture of health, but then be gone the next day.