All dog owners want to spend as much quality time as possible with their pets. Keeping your pet healthy is essential the longevity of your pet dog and will ensure you spend many happy years together. However, some pet owners don’t realize that there are some habits that can shorten their dog’s life.

What are some of the practices or habits dog owners need to avoid to keep their pets healthy?

1. Obesity

Allowing your pet to eat too much or not getting enough exercise is a habit that can shed years off your dog’s life.

Some reports indicate that over half the dog population is overweight and obesity can bring with it a number of health issues. For example, obesity can cause joint problems and increase your pet’s risk of getting diabetes and cancer.

2. Lack of training

Training your dog is essential to improving your furry friend’s quality of life and having a well-behaved dog. Many dogs end up in shelters or even have to be put down because of aggressive behavior due to a lack of training.

3. Forgetting dental care

Canine gum disease can affect your dog’s overall health and lead to a number of health concerns. A buildup of bacteria in the mouth can cause plaque to form which can weaken your dog’s teeth. Also, oral bacteria can cause kidney infections and lead to heart valve problems.

It is very easy to care for your pet’s dental health. You can buy chew toys that remove plaque or brush your dog’s teeth with special doggy toothpaste.

4. Forgetting annual checkups

Another habit that can impact on the lifespan of your pet pooch is ignoring annual or bi-annual checkups. During routine checks, your vet will give your dog a physical examination and take blood work. This is the best way of catching canine diseases early and making sure that health problems don’t become chronic.

This also provides the perfect opportunity to make sure that your pet’s vaccinations are all up to date.

5. Lack of exercise

Not being in the habit of exercising your dog daily can mean that your dog is a greater risk of developing health problems. Regular exercising doesn’t just keep your pet’s weight under control, but it boosts the immune system, increases cardiac strength, and provides mental stimulation. It is also a great way to bond with your pet and increase your own daily exercise routine.

6. Feeding unhealthy table scraps

There are some foods that you should never feed your pet and many foods that are good for humans are bad for pets. For example, the calories in an ounce of cheese can be the equivalent of a human eating 3 chocolate bars. Also, the fat content in a lot of food we eat is far too high for pooches. So, try to avoid the temptation to feed your dog while you are having your meal.