We all want our pets to live a long, healthy, happy life and sprint into their teens and beyond. So how do we make that happen?

Natural Pet Essentials owner and founder Kim says when it comes to pets, there are five basic cornerstones of health and wellness, each playing a crucial role in longevity.

The 5 Pillars of Pet Health

Diet: Creating a diet that is minimally processed with high-quality ingredients is the first step to a long and healthy life. Things to avoid? High carbohydrate content, preservatives, food colorings, and synthetic vitamins & minerals.

Weight: Keeping your pet at an optimal weight can add years to your pet’s life. A lifetime study of Labrador Retrievers found that being even moderately overweight reduced lifespan by up to 2 years.

Exercise: Exercising the body and mind are key to quality of life and longevity. Walking, hiking, and dog sports are great for physical exercise. Activities such as scent work (nose work), foraging, and enrichment toys help keep the mind in peak condition.

Reduce/Remove: Reducing chemicals and toxins that are applied topically or ingested into the body can play a major role in the health of your pet. Removing harsh cleaning agents, scented candles, and room sprays from the home will create a healthier environment for animals. Other risk factors? Pets who walk and play on chemically treated lawns are at a 70% greater risk of developing malignant tumors and/or lymphoma.

Routine Veterinary Care: Annual or bi-annual vet visits, depending on the age of your pet, are crucial to monitoring and maintaining optimal health. A thorough exam from nose to tail, blood work, urinalysis, and fecal analysis will provide a deeper look into overall health that we can’t necessarily see with the naked eye.

While there are things that we can’t control about the health of our pet, including genetics and other environmental factors, implementing these five pillars can make a difference and can help add years with your best friend by your side!