4 Ways You’re Killing Your Dog

In a slideshow complete with some of the cutest dog photos ever, Pet MD has put together a super helpful lise of 11 ways you might be shortening your dog's lifespan without even knowing it.

Horrifying, right?

As pet parents, we like to think that we are providing a healthy, happy life for our dogs. We feed them top quality food, give them lots of love, and toss the ball around the backyard whenever we have the time. But there is a lot more that goes into raising a healthy pup.

Here are some 4 things you might be doing wrong that could take years off your beloved pup's life:

1. Neglecting Canine Dental Care – Veterinarians estimate that 85 percent of dogs over five years of age suffer from the condition, which develops after food and bacteria collect along the gum line and form plaque in a dog’s mouth. A build-up of oral bacteria can ultimately lead to all sorts of health problems for your pet, including heart valve problems and infections within the kidneys. Dr. Jeff Werber, owner of Century Veterinary Group in Los Angeles, CA, recommends grabbing a toothbrush and scrubbing your dog’s teeth as often as you can. “It's not that difficult to brush your dog's teeth (the finger brush works great) and there are chew toys and bones that assist in reducing plaque, as well as water additives that help maintain oral health,” he explains.

If you're still concerned, you can schedule a professional cleaning with your vet once a year to give yourself peace of mind and keep Rover safe from gum disease.

2. Forgetting about heartworm and flea and tick prevention – These tiny critters spread diseases, some of which are life threatening. Fortunately there are many prevention options available from your veterinarian—from collars and topical spot-ons to oral medications. Solution: Dr. Mahaney urges pet parents to purchase only veterinary approved products and to follow the recommended dosage guidelines. Dr. Werber also suggests that dog owners set reminders in their calendars for when their dogs are due for their next dose of preventive treatment.

I've heard horror stories about pet parents who didn't think these kinds of prevention were really necessary…. only to find out the truth when it was too late. Heartworms are devastating to a dog and a dog mom. Don't forget.

3. Feeding your dog table scraps – “In addition to adding extra (and unnecessary!) calories to your dog’s diet, pet parents risk inducing pancreatitis by feeding their dog fatty table scraps,” says Dr. Smyth. Many foods that humans consume are extremely high in fats and sugars compared to what our pets should be exposed to. In addition, certain human foods—including garlic and chocolate—can be toxic to pets if consumed. Solution: If you have a hard time saying no to those pleading eyes, offer your dog a healthy treat like baby carrots or apple slices. If your dog begs at the table, feed him his meal in another room while the family eats dinner to cut down on under-the-table handouts. 
Pet parents should also take a moment to familiarize themselves with what foods are considered dangerous for dogs.

In addition, I have always found that if you never feed your dog table scraps, you don't have to deal with begging during your dinner hour.

4. Not spaying or neutering – Experts like Dr. Mahaney agree that forgoing spaying and neutering can be dangerous to your dog’s health. “Spaying and neutering is still the best way to guarantee reducing the risk of several cancers, let alone the behavioral issues you can see with intact dogs,” he explains. Additionally, each heat cycle that a female dog goes through makes her more prone to the development of mammary cancer, says Dr. Werber. Intact males are also more likely to develop prostatic diseases and testicular cancer than their neutered counterparts. Solution: You can arrange to have a spay or neuter procedure done at your local veterinary office. If cost is an issue, there are many clinics that offer low cost procedures; call your local pet clinics and shelters to find out when they are having a special on the procedure. And as far as when to have the procedure done, there are different guidelines for different breeds. “There have been many modifications made with regards to large breed dogs [and] when is the best time is,” says Dr. Mahaney. “For this reason, you should discuss and plan the procedure out with your vet.”

Curious about what else could be shortening your dog's life? Check out the complete list from Pet MD to be sure your four legged baby has a long healthy life.