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We all know the adage that one human year equals roughly seven dog years. And while it's not as simple as that (see the attached AKC chart: "How Old Is My Dog in Human Years"), you know that puppy you brought home grew up in what seemed like the blink of an eye and dogs age much more rapidly than we people do. So how can you help your favorite canine companion live a long, healthy life?

1. Diet Matters

A trip down the dog food aisle at your local pet store can be overwhelming. The market is more crowded than ever with foods that more than meet the minimum standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). So whether you choose kibble, canned or frozen, grain-free, packed with probiotics or a raw diet, it is really a matter of personal preference once the minimums are ensured. Keep the following in mind as you choose:

• Honor your dog's preferences. Will your dog eat what you offer? Consistently and happily? Where your Golden retriever may happily gobble up the same bowl of kibble twice a day for a lifetime, my Aussie shepherd craves a little variety or she goes on food strikes. Some dogs thrive on free feeding, nibbling throughout the day, where others will mow through an entire bag of food given the opportunity. 
• Pick a food formulated to your dog's stage of life.
• Avoid sudden changes. A little trial and error might be needed to find a food that supports your dog's individual needs, but make adjustments gradually or risk bouts of loose stools and general malaise. Start by mixing 20% of the new diet in with the old and increase the amount over the course of several days until you see that your dog is responding well to the new diet.
• Watch those stools and pay attention to your dog's coat, skin and energy levels. Regular loose stools or itchy skin could be the result of a food allergy or intolerance.
• If you are feeding a quality dog food, supplements are probably not necessary but consult with your veterinarian and make adjustments if your dog is a working dog who burns through a lot of calories.
• Do not overfeed. Just like with people, obesity is a problem among today's pets. Package feeding charts are aimed at the general population and may overstate portions. Keep your pet's age and activity level in mind when serving up meals. Scale back as needed if the scale starts edging upwards. Treats and chews are an important part of a dog's day and should be considered as part of their overall consumption
• Avoid junk food packed with added salt, preservatives and sweeteners.
• Always provide clean, fresh water to maintain energy and keep those kidneys healthy into your dog's senior years.

2. Chomp, Chomp

Doggy breath aside, are you taking care of your dog's dental needs? Research shows a strong link between healthy aging and healthy teeth and gums. Diseases that enter through inflamed gums can shorten your dog's life.

• Start brushing your pet's teeth regularly when it's a puppy.
• Provide natural chews and chewable treats and toys to help clean teeth and gums. Teething puppies need to chew. A lot! But even senior dogs benefit from daily chewing options.Here again, some pets like to chew the same thing daily. For others, variety is the key to appropriate chewing that keeps teeth and gums healthy and your shows tooth mark free. 
• Discuss a teeth cleaning schedule with your veterninarian.

3. Keep Your Pup Moving

• Walk your dog. Daily outings make dogs happy and sniffing and exploring opens up the world to your pet. Running, jumping and playing builds and maintains muscle and prevents obesity.
• Know your pet. Not every dog appreciates other canines so don't force interaction. Some prefer a solitary stroll over a trip to a busy dog park.
• Mental activity matters too when it comes to longevity. Dogs are social creatures. And just as Blue Zone research shows for humans, a big aspect of longevity is feeling like a valuable part of the pack. If you can, give your dog a job to do such as retrieving the newspaper or helping to watch over the kids. Make sure your dog is included in daily activities that he enjoys, even if it's just chewing on his favorite bully stick while you enjoy your morning coffee.

4. Be On the Lookout

You probably puppy-proofed your house when your little one first came home. Stay vigilant as your dog ages. Maybe the food that kept your 2-year-old fit and active now upsets your 5-year-olds digestion. Allergies can seemingly appear out of nowhere, causing unusual odors or itchy skin. Activity levels are another tell-tale sign of changing needs. Notice if it becomes difficult for your dog to get in and out of the car of on or off the bed. And adjust accordingly to help your dog age gracefully.

5. The Doctor is In

Your veterinarian is your greatest resource when it comes to keeping your dog healthy and happy for a lifetime. Choose a vet you feel comfortable asking questions of. Most are exceptionally kind people who want to ensure pets thrive.

• Vaccinate your dog. Puppy shots and regular boosters as suggested by your veterinarian do wonders to prevent deadly diseases like distemper and parvo as well as uncomfortable conditions like kennel cough, the flu and more.
• Schedule regular checkups. Routine visits and screenings help establish a baseline of what is normal for your dog and can help discover lumps, bumps and other conditions early.
• Consider your veterinarian your partner in keeping your dog healthy and happy. Ask lots of questions. And take their advice seriously.

What would you do to get another year with your favorite canine companion? The little daily things can make all the difference in ensuring a long and healthy life for your dog.