Visit us at shapedbydog.com    We all want our dogs to have long and happy lives. There are 12 things I believe have a massive influence on the longevity and quality of life for my dogs, and 6 things I avoid. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through trial and error, talking to experts, and from science, that can contribute to an increased life expectancy for our dogs.   In the episode you'll hear:   • About telomeres and what that means for our dogs and us. • What I’ve learned from my senior dogs. • How stress impacts on the life of our dog. • 12 key factors that I believe contribute a long and happy life. • Why exercise is important for dogs. • What I feed my dogs and the supplements I consider important. • About looking after our dog’s teeth and nails and cooperative care. • Why mental engagement is so vital for our dogs. • The reasons our older dogs need to feel special. • About having a great relationship with your Veterinarian. • How I make my home mobility friendly for my older dogs. • The stress relieving activities that are good for seniors. • What I avoid to give my dogs the best chance at a long life.   Resources:   • *Book: The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer by Elizabeth Blackburn - https://geni.us/telomere-effect (Click Here for alternate link for Australia and UK) • Cell Reports: Telomere Length Correlates with Life Span of Dog Breeds (Laura J. Fick, Gordon H. Fick, Zichen Li, Eric Cao, Bo Bao, Doug Heffelfinger, Heidi G. Parker, Elaine A. Ostrander, Karl Riabowol) - https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(12)00418-4 • Podcast Episode 61: Lessons of Recovery: The Night My Dog Almost Died - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/61/ • Vlog Post: Important Whys and Hows of Exercising Our Dogs - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/09/exercising-your-dog/ • Dr Mercola Pet Supplements - https://www.mercolamarket.com/category/1576/1/pet-supplements • 1-TDC Supplement - https://wsow.expert/dogsthatUse1TDC • Vlog Post: Cutting Your Dog’s Nails: How Important Is It Really? - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2019/09/exercising-your-dog/ • *Casfuy Dog Nail Grinder with LED Light - https://geni.us/nail-grinder (Click Here for alternate link for UK) • *Dremel Lite 7760 N/10 4V - https://geni.us/dremel-lite • *Groomer's Best Friend Diamond Rotary Nail Grinder Bit - https://geni.us/diamond-grinder •*Instant Vortex 4-in-1 Air Fryer - https://geni.us/vortex4in1 •*Instant Vortex Pro 9-in-1 Air Fryer - https://geni.us/vortextpro9 - https://geni.us/diamond-grinder • Recallers - https://recallers.com/ • Blog Post: Rolling out a Big Adventure - https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2013/08/rolling-out-a-big-adventure/ • *Dirty Dog Doormats - https://geni.us/dirty-dog-mat • Help 'Em Up® Harness - https://helpemup.com/ • Underdog Dog Beds - https://underdogpetproducts.com/ • *Basis Pet Stainless Steel Bowls - (Click Here for alternate link for UK) - https://geni.us/StainlessBowls • Podcast Episode 25: Why All Dogs Can Bite and How to Reduce the Risk with R.E.A.D. - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/25/ • Podcast Episode 14: Creating Intentional Multi-Dog Household Harmony - https://dogsthat.com/podcast/14/   *Amazon Links Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Susan only recommends products she uses herself, and all opinions expressed here are her own. The link above is an affiliate link that, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission if you decide to buy from it. Thank you!