How to Help Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life

We don’t have a family dog right now, but I’ve had some dogs in the past and there’s nothing but happy memories. Everyone knows all pets, including dogs are not like family, they are family.

As with any of our family members, we want to make sure they stay healthy. Although my first dog lived a long life, he was a little chubby guy. Having never owned a dog at the time, I wasn’t fully educated on the healthiest way to feed him.

I would give him table food, and snacks, and would share just about everything I was eating. Of course, that’s not the recommended way to feed a pet.

According to a new study by Pet Sprint, their website the “health, happiness, and longevity of dogs is their priority.”

They shared in a press release that obesity is on the rise, and the numbers are alarming. The most recent available data shows that 56 percent of pooches in the United States are now overweight. It’s a trend that poses serious health risks to our pets such as diabetes, arthritis, and heart disease. 

Angelo Sorbello, pet wellness expert and CEO of Pet Sprint says, “Surprisingly, many of these extra pounds may be coming from the foods we unknowingly share with our beloved pets, making it more important than ever for dog owners to scrutinize what’s really in their dogs’ diets.”

A dog’s diet should be treated as more than just a daily routine because it’s crucial to their overall well-being. “A balanced diet isn’t just about preventing obesity, proper nutrition supports healthy skin, joints, and even your dog’s mood.”

High-fat, high-sugar foods may seem harmless but can lead to weight gain and other health issues like respiratory problems and reduced mobility. They claim the key is making informed decisions about what goes into your puppy’s bowl.

It’s easy to overlook how much our pups are eating, especially when we’re sharing food that seems harmless. That’s exactly what I was doing. Some everyday foods could be causing weight gain.

First on the list is cheese. They love cheese but it’s filled with fat and calories. Bread may not seem to be harmful, but just like humans, it’s full of carbs that neither one of us wants or needs.

What about peanut butter? We usually use it to trick canines into taking their medicine, but it’s high in calories and sugar. So if they take a pill or two every day, then they’re eating peanut butter every day, not good.

Leftover meats that we don’t eat are usually fatty and greasy. However, if we feed them lean meats, like the part that we eat, is ok for Fido.

When it comes to dog treats like Milk Bones, it seems harmless enough. But the problem is the large amount of calories our pets are getting because we give them treats too often.

Generally, anything that’s not good for us is not good for our hounds. This includes hot dogs, bacon, and ice cream.

Angelo says, “A Labrador Retriever should typically weigh between 55 and 80 pounds and consume about 1,250 to 1,780 calories per day, though these numbers differ slightly for males and females.” Just one slice of cheese (113 calories) and a slice of bacon (42 calories) can easily add up to 155 calories, nearly 10-13% of their daily intake.” Regularly giving these treats could lead to gradual weight gain.

He also shared that pet obesity is a growing concern. It’s important to understand the hidden risks in common foods and, just like we do for ourselves and our families, make more informed choices so our mutts live longer and healthier lives.

There's something truly special about having a close relationship with your pet. They say a dog is "man's best friend," and it's totally accurate. I have friends and family who truly feel like their pets are a member of the family. Pets will be there for you through thick and thin. Pets are also know for being loyal, which can be a really good feeling in this world. So, what are the most popular dogs right now?

Danspetcare.com has a great article out that names the most popular dogs in the world right now. In it, they describe that special relationship that one has with their pet. "From hunting to sled-pulling to herding and protection, dogs have helped us survive and thrive in countless ways," they explain. "One of the most important roles dogs play in our lives is companionship."

So, what do you do if you're in the market for a new dog? Danspetcare.com has some good advice on how to pick the right breed. They explain that finding the right breed is a big part of that decision. So, ask yourself, do you want a delicate breed or a more meaty, masculine breed? Also, what's the purpose of you wanting a pet? Do you want a pet for protection, or are you looking for a small buddy for some companionship?

Either way, when you're in the market for a new pet, make sure to have lots of questions and ask the right people before settling on your little guy or gal. I remember one of my friends buying the cutest little puppy ever only to see it grow into a huge dog that was almost too big for her apartment. She loved him, but it was quite a surprise. Read on to discover the most popular dogs right now and some more stats. Find more via Danspetcare.com here

According to Danspetcare.com, the most popular dog in the world is the Labrador Retriever. "They’re often used to provide comfort and reassurance for anxious humans," the study says. So true. No. 2 are Golden Retrievers and No. 3 are German Shepherds. Find more via Danspetcare.com here.

Dogpackapp.com has an article out about the most popular dog breeds right now. No. 1 on the list is the French bulldog. Those dogs are adorable, right? No. 2 is the Labrador Retriever and No. 3 is the Golden Retriever. Very popular, of course. Find the full list here.

What about the most common dogs? According to A-z-animals.com, No. 1, again are Labrador Retrievers, followed by Bulldogs and Rottweiler. The German Shepherd and Dachshund round out the top five. Find the full list here.

What if you want a small pup? The smallest dog breed, according to Forbes.com is the Pomeranian at 3-7 pounds. So cute. It's followed by the Toy Poodle and Toy Fox Terrier. Find the full list here.

What if you want a really big dog? According to Forbes.com, the largest dog breed is the Mastiff at 120-230 pounds. It's followed by the Boerboel and Tosa Inu. Find the full list here.