A beagle’s life span is 10 to 13 years but you need to remember that this is only an average number and they are a number of different ways in which you can influence this number on a daily basis.
We are going to discuss simple additions to your beagle’s routine that can extend its life span and ensure that you get to enjoy your beagle’s company for many years to come. We have also included a list of resources that cover each point in depth.
Food
This one is probably not going to come as a surprise to you, but the number of years you will be able to enjoy the company of your beagle friend will heavily depend on the kind of food you feed them. And the choice is yours.
Let’s talk about some rules of thumb:
Your top priority is to give your beagle quality food in the right quantity. Learn about how to provide for the nutritional requirements of your dog as well as how much food they need at the different stages of their life. Beagles rely on their owners to regulate their weight and obesity is one of their biggest health issues (since beagles love food and they will eat whenever and whatever is available to them).
No human food – Your beagle is just not prepared for the amount of salt, sugar, additives, flavoring, and spices, contained in human food. Don’t make any exceptions. If you do, you will have your beagle constantly begging for food while you are eating.
Food is also a key factor when it comes to cancer prevention, as well as many other health problems such as allergies, diabetes, pancreatitis, diarrhea, etc.
A Clean Environment
Make sure you provide your beagle with a smoke-free environment to avoid lung cancer. No exceptions.
One More Note on Cancer Prevention
In the case of female beagles, the risk of my mammary cancer is reduced when spayed and the risk of ovarian cancer is obviously totally eliminated. For male beagles, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
Exercise
As we have mentioned before, your beagle loves food so exercise will prevent weight issues and obesity, two very common problems for beagles and it will also provide the perfect antidote to boredom, which can lead to several behavioral problems.
Care and Grooming
Start with a grooming routine as soon as you bring your beagle home. Inspection of their eyes, ears, skin, coat, mouth, and feet is an essential part of your grooming routine.
Check also for fleas, ticks, mites, parasites, worms, minor injuries, sprains, sores, rashes, infections, redness, inflammation. If your beagle gets used to being brushed and inspected, your visits to the vet and any future treatments will be facilitated.
