Watch their weight

Watch their weight
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Chubby isn’t cute if it means an early death. An overweight fur baby is prone to a host of joint, digestive, respiratory and urinary problems that can trim up to 2.5 years off its lifespan.

Here are some foods you didn’t know could kill your dog.

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Limit treats

Limit treats
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One way to help your pet shed kilos: cut back on treats. “A client of mine would give her dog Milk Bones every time she took him for walks,” says veterinarian, Dr Maggie Brown-Bury. “Turns out the treats alone were equivalent to a full day’s calories.”

Keep cats inside

Keep cats inside
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Indoor cats live up to twice as long. Cats who are allowed outside are vulnerable to cars, wildlife and other cats, who can carry diseases like feline leukaemia, which is transmitted through bodily fluids.

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Don’t let them get bored

Don’t let them get bored
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Give indoor cats outlets for their natural behaviours. “A puzzle feeder toy can stimulate their hunting instincts, and an elevated perch by a window can entertain them for hours,” says Brown-Bury. “An enriching home environment definitely improves quality of life.”

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Always spay and neuter

Always spay and neuter
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An American veterinary study found that fixed female dogs lived 26 per cent longer, while the difference for males was 14 per cent. Spaying can also prevent several types of reproductive cancers.

Watch for cancer symptoms

Watch for cancer symptoms
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Cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs – almost half of all dogs over the age of 10 develop cancerous tumours. More treatment options (like stereotactic radiosurgery) are more available than ever before, if you’ve got the budget – as much as $10,000 in some cases.

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Know when to say goodbye

Know when to say goodbye
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Pursuing extensive treatments to prolong your pet’s life isn’t always best. “Make a list of your pet’s favourite things to do,” says veterinary oncologist Dr Sam Hocker. “If they’re no longer doing any of them, it’s a sign that their quality of life has been compromised.”

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As with human cancers, prevention is the best defence

As with human cancers, prevention is the best defence
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Limit your pet’s exposure to toxins like pesticides and second-hand smoke. Pets can get skin cancer, too, especially around the ears, nose and belly.

Know the signs of kidney disease

Know the signs of kidney disease
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One of the sneakiest pet killers is kidney disease. Look out for symptoms like excessive thirst and urination.

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Keep them hydrated

Keep them hydrated
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Many cats who eat dry food don’t get enough fluids. Try moisture-rich canned food at least part of the time to help prevent the chronic dehydration that often leads to kidney problems.

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