2007-10-16 14:35:15 · 8 answers · asked by AR2daHizzay 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
* Great food
* Great vet care
* Daily exercise
* Keep him lean
* Keep him in the house and in a fenced yard.
* Be an observant owner; watch for changes in his behavior and talk to your vet about them immediately.
All of that will give him the biggest edge you can give him.
Good luck!
2007-10-16 14:42:44 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
feed solid gold, wellness, azmira, canidae, Merrick or some other brand with no corn, wheat or soy. These cause all sorts of problems and the pesticides in them can shorten lives. Also no BHA, BHT or ethoxiquin. these can all cause cancer. Walk him for an hour or more per day and don't ever let him get over weight (you want to see an indention behind the rib cage) also try a multi-vitamin or seameal. this will make sure he is getting all thous things that are baked out in kibble.
A health shepherd can live for up to 15 years or more. My husband had a collie live to be 20 and a greyhound live to be 21. you never know with lots of love and great food!
2007-10-16 21:45:33 · answer #2 · answered by lizard S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The average lifespan is probably around 12 years.I've had two GSDs.My first,Anton,had to be put down at age 13 because of spinal arthritis ( he couldn't get up anymore) His heart and other organs were fine,though,so he probably would have lived longer.My current GSD,Lulu,is 6 and is in great health.What to do to make them live longer? Good food,exercise,love,regular vet care,spay or neuter.Also,genetics play a part,so if the dogs' parents lived long,then the dog has a better chance of living to a ripe, old age.And,my dogs were both strays,off the streets,so I have no idea where they came from,obviously, a good breeder had nothing to do with it.
2007-10-16 21:46:13 · answer #3 · answered by Dances With Woofs! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
And after listening to Cindy a German shepherd dog can become 8-12 years, sometimes more, sometimes less. You make your dog live longer by treating him well and not letting him sleep in a cold concrete kennel as this ends up in rheumatism.
It´s not about making the dog live longer (yes, we all want that because we love them) but it´s about a fulfilled life, too.
2007-10-16 21:44:43 · answer #4 · answered by Bianca W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Feed it good food. Excersize daily, at least 2 hours of pure walking in a safe place. Love it. Make sure it is a purebreed form a breeder, NOT a petstore.
2007-10-16 21:38:51 · answer #5 · answered by Cows 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
make sure to take it to the vet regularly for vaccinations and check-ups.feed a quality,high meat food,and make sure the dog is not allowed to get fat as this stresses their joints and heart.have the dog spayed or neutered.give heartworm preventative,and make sure the dog gets enough exercise.
2007-10-17 01:28:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go to http://www.dogage.com/ and take the test. At the end they will tell what they calculate to be your dogs age in human years. At the end they will give you some tips on making your dog younger.
2007-10-17 23:41:48 · answer #7 · answered by Tin Can Sailor 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him the monthly heart worm preventer too!
i have a 1/2 german shep 1/2 lab let's just pretend they're immortal...sound good, yea? yea okay. :)
2007-10-16 21:43:54 · answer #8 · answered by Joan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋