🐾 5 secrets to extending your pet's lifespan

👉 Personally compiled by the editor・A must-read for Hong Kong dog and cat owners

Many furry owners in Hong Kong (I'm one myself 🙋♀️) often wonder: How can I keep my pet company longer? The average lifespan of dogs and cats is around a dozen years, but with proper diet, exercise, medical care, and psychological support, their health can be significantly improved and even their lifespan extended. After researching extensively and combining this with personal experience, I've compiled five key tips . If you want your pet to live a long life (or at least spend more years with you), remember to implement them! 🐶🐱

🥗 1. Eat a balanced diet and control your weight

🍖 To eat properly, you must have a healthy foundation first

• High-quality food : Choose food that contains sufficient protein and appropriate amount of fat (don’t be tempted by low prices and buy low-quality food).
• Avoid human food : Chocolate, onions, grapes, caffeine, etc. are toxic to dogs and cats⚠️.
• Control your portion sizes : Obesity is a major risk factor for shortening your lifespan and increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.
• Appropriate supplements : such as joint health supplements and Omega-3 fish oil, which help cardiovascular and hair health.

Editor’s opinion: My dog ​​used to steal snacks all day long, which resulted in a sharp increase in weight. Later, after strictly controlling his diet, his weight gradually decreased and he is now much more energetic.

🏃♂️ 2. Regular exercise and gaming

🎾 More activities lead to slower aging

• Daily walks : Dogs should walk at least twice a day, while cats need interactive games (cat toys, rolling balls).
• The amount of exercise depends on the size of the dog : large dogs need longer periods of exercise, while small dogs can exercise more frequently in shorter periods of time.
• Keep muscles and joints flexible : effectively reduce the risk of obesity and degenerative arthritis.
• Brain games : puzzle toys and hidden food games stimulate the brain and slow down aging.

The editor observed: The mental state of dogs who exercise and those who don’t is very different; dogs who run sleep more soundly.

🩺 3. Regular health check-ups and vaccinations

🧑⚕️ Early detection, early treatment

• A comprehensive checkup should be performed at least once a year , and once every six months is recommended for older pets.
• Vaccination : effectively prevent infectious diseases such as canine distemper and feline distemper.
• Deworming care : Both internal and external parasites must be treated regularly.
• Dental check-up : Periodontal disease is a common problem in dogs and cats and can affect heart and kidney health.

Editor's note: Many owners assume their pets are fine, missing out on prime treatment time. Regular check-ups are crucial for longevity.

😺 4. Reduce stress and improve mental health

🛋️ Safe environment = healthy life expectancy

• Quiet and safe living environment : avoid long-term noise or unfamiliar pressure.
• Maintain a routine : Dogs and cats appreciate a fixed routine and can become anxious if there are too many changes.
• Social interaction : Appropriate contact with other animals or humans to reduce loneliness.
• Soothing products : such as pheromone sprays and soothing toys.

Editor’s experience: My cat used to urinate randomly due to moving house. Later, after using pheromones and getting more companionship, his mood became much more stable and his health condition also improved.

💖 5. Give love and companionship

🤝 Love is the most powerful secret to longevity

• Daily companionship : Talk to your dog, pet it, and comb its fur, and your cat will also feel safe.
• Build trust : The pet feels loved, stress hormones are reduced, and the immune system is helped.
• Quality time : not only feeding, but also playing, training and relaxing together.
• Care in old age : Older pets require more patience and careful care.

My take: Furry pets need more than just food and a home; they also need their owners' love. The deeper your love, the more likely they'll want to stay with you longer.

📌 Editor's Summary

While pets have a limited lifespan, their owners can help them live healthier and happier lives through their efforts. From diet, exercise, medical care, psychology, and love, every detail is crucial to extending their lifespan. I believe: when you care for your pet with care, they will repay you with their entire lifespan. 🐕🐈💖

5 secrets to extending your pet's lifespan

A must-read for Hong Kong dog and cat owners, compiled by our editor

Many furry pet owners in Hong Kong (including me) often worry about how to keep their pets company longer. The average lifespan of dogs and cats is around a dozen years, but with proper diet, exercise, medical care, and psychological support, you can help extend their lifespan. I've compiled five tips for you to start implementing in your daily life.

1. Eat a balanced diet and control your weight

A healthy diet is the foundation for a long life. Owners should choose high-quality foods that provide adequate protein and a moderate amount of fat, avoiding low-quality or excessive foods. Human foods such as chocolate, onions, and grapes are toxic to dogs and cats and should be avoided. Obesity significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis, so portion control is recommended. Appropriate supplements, such as fish oil or joint nutrition, can also contribute to your pet's health.

2. Regular exercise and game interaction

Exercise keeps you healthy and slows down aging. Dogs need at least two walks a day; larger dogs require longer walks, while smaller dogs can take shorter walks more often. Cats, on the other hand, need interactive play, such as playpens and rolling balls, to burn off energy. Besides physical activity, mental activities like puzzle toys and food hiding games can also stimulate the brain and slow down degeneration.

3. Regular health checkups and vaccinations

Health checkups are key to extending your pet's lifespan. A comprehensive checkup is recommended at least annually, and for older pets, six months is ideal. Vaccinations can effectively prevent infectious diseases such as canine distemper and feline panleukopenia. Regular internal and external deworming is also recommended to prevent parasitic diseases. Dental health is equally important, as periodontal disease can affect the heart and kidneys and requires careful attention.

4. Reduce stress and improve mental health

A stable living environment is crucial for your pet's mental health. Avoiding prolonged noise or frequent changes in their environment can help them feel more at ease. Maintaining a regular sleep and sleep schedule can reduce anxiety. Providing ample social interaction, whether with people or animals, can enhance happiness. If necessary, use soothing products, such as pheromone sprays or soothing toys.

5. Give love and companionship

Love is the most powerful secret to longevity. Daily companionship, petting, and grooming can give pets a sense of security and belonging. This not only reduces stress hormones but also strengthens their immune system. Spending quality time with your pet shouldn't just involve feeding, but also interaction, play, and quiet time together. As they age, they require even more patient and attentive care.

Editor's summary

While pets have a limited lifespan, owners can help them live healthier and happier lives through diet, exercise, medical care, psychological support, and love. When you care for your pet with dedication, it will naturally repay you with its lifespan.