
Three things vet says will help your dog live longer
Every dog owner wants their furry friend to live as long as possible, and a vet says these three daily activities can help
Cleaning your dog's teeth maintains good dental hygiene and is a way to bond with your pet.
(Image: Getty )
A vet has listed three ways dog owners can help their four-legged friends live a long and healthy life. Taking to TikTok, Dr Hunter Finn uploaded a video to his 2.1 million followers about what pet owners should do daily that'll help their canine friends in the long run.
Maintaining your dog's health is crucial as it affects their lifespan, quality of life, and the owner's well-being. A healthy dog is less prone to avoidable medical issues and can enjoy a longer, more fulfilling life.
A healthy dog is at a lower risk of developing chronic illnesses, which can affect their quality of life and raise veterinary expenses. Regular check-ups can help identify health problems early, resulting in more effective treatment and survival rates.
Several daily activities and tasks all dog owners should do to boost their pet's lifespan and overall quality of life, such as walking, playing, and providing shelter, healthcare, food, and water. Neglecting these basic needs can lead to suffering and health problems.
Having a healthy dog can also positively impact an owner's mental and physical health. Dogs help lower stress, alleviate feelings of loneliness, and promote physical activity, which can boost cardiovascular health and increase overall happiness.
Content cannot be displayed without consent
Article continues below
Dr Hunter Finn's top three ways to extend your dog's lifespan:
Brush their teeth daily. Daily mental and physical exercise. Once yearly exams with a vet of your choosing.
Daily brushing of your dog's teeth is important for their overall health and can help prevent a range of dental issues. Regular brushing eliminates plaque and tartar build-up, which can result in gingivitis and other dental conditions. Additionally, it helps prevent systemic diseases, as bacteria in the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause problems for other organs.
Regular mental and physical activity is also essential for a dog's well-being. Insufficient exercise can lead to numerous issues, such as behavioural problems, weight gain, and even aggression.
The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) says: "Regular exercise for dogs is essential – it helps keep them in shape and is important for their mental health. Fit and active dogs are less likely to suffer from arthritis, obesity and behaviour problems. It's important to make sure you have the time and ability to give your dog the exercise they need." Types of exercise include:
Physical exercise: This includes walks, runs, games like fetch, and playing at the dog park.
This includes walks, runs, games like fetch, and playing at the dog park. Mental exercise: Training sessions, puzzle toys, and nose work are examples of activities that stimulate a dog's mind.
Dogs need similar care and attention to what humans do
How much daily exercise your dog needs varies depending on breed, age, health, and energy levels. Typically, dogs need anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours of exercise each day, which can be divided into several sessions. Certain dogs, particularly those with high energy, might need more exercise compared to others.
Dr Fin says annual vet check-ups are another important thing to do for your dog. They help in spotting health issues early, which can help avoid complications and mean treatment is given quicker. Consistent visits also enable your vet to keep track of your dog's general health, recognise possible concerns, and offer personalised guidance on lifestyle and preventive care.
Many viewers were grateful to Dr Finn for sharing the three tips. One TikTok user replied: "Yesss!!!! Always bringing the Best tips for our precious babies!!" A second commented: "U know I never knew how important their dental health was until I got a pup of my own. I brush my boys everyday."
Article continues below

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


STV News
10 minutes ago
- STV News
Doctors warn of 'risk of death' from penis Botox and filler injections
Health professionals have warned of the potentially lethal danger of penis Botox and filler injections amid an increase in men seeking procedures in Scotland. Medics have warned of a 'growing number' of unregulated 'pop-up' clinics offering men treatments for erectile dysfunction or to increase the size of their genitals. The procedures see Botox, which relaxes muscles, or fillers, which can increase size, injected into the patient's penis. Botched cases have resulted in men having their pensies amputated, a doctor has told STV News. Medics warned of pop-up clinics with unlicensed practitioners operating outside the bounds of medical safety, using unapproved treatments and deceptive social media marketing tactics. 'Lifelong problems' Dr Ben Taylor-Davies, who runs the Stockbridge Clinic in Edinburgh and also works as an A&E doctor, said the procedures, even when carried out by an experienced surgeon, carry risks including necrosis or death. 'These are not treatments I'd ever recommend any patient undertake and if they were considering them, seeing an experienced urological surgeon would be vital', he told STV News. 'This is the latest example of why urgent regulation of the surgical and non-surgical aesthetics industry is needed in order to protect the public from harm. 'There are a number of significant risks involved with injections to this region, including infection, allergy, necrosis (dying of tissue) and even death.' Dr Darren McKeown, a plastic surgeon, told STV News that providers on social media platforms such as TikTok are taking advantage of 'common insecurities'. 'Penis size is a concern for many men', he said. 'Research shows that most men underestimate the size of their penis and worry that it is smaller than it is. It's a very common insecurity. 'Unfortunately, there are a growing number of clinics popping up offering quick fixes by injecting fillers into the penis to make it thicker. Some are even injecting Botox to make the penis hang lower when flaccid.' Dr McKeown has warned that while the procedures may seem 'logical and straightforward', they can cause lifelong problems. 'There are many videos on social media, particularly TikTok that make this look like a quick and easy fix, but the reality is very different' Dr Darren McKeown He has even warned of rare cases where men have had to have their genitals amputated. 'They are plagued with problems, including infections, product reactions, and lumps, and many men are left desperately embarrassed and in need of corrective surgery', he added. 'Even after corrective surgery, however, some men can be left with lifelong problems, and in rare cases, some have even needed to have their penis amputated. 'I would strongly urge any man considering cosmetic procedures to see a specialist urological surgeon for advice. 'Most urologists advise against these types of procedures because of the high risk of complications and the poor chances of patient satisfaction. You should not be treated in a pop-up clinic and you should not be treated by someone who is not a specialist, or worse still, someone with no medical qualifications whatsoever. 'There are many videos on social media, particularly TikTok, that make this look like a quick and easy fix, but the reality is very different, and by the time many men are finding this out, it's too late, and they have to live with life-changing injuries.' 'Seek a professional' It is not the first dangerous trend offered by unregulated pop-up clinics offering cosmetic procedures. In May last year, a woman had to be taken to hospital after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift in a Glasgow hotel. Thousands of pounds of unlicensed and unprescribed products used in cosmetic injections were seized by authorities from a warehouse in the city in a separate incident. Healthcare professionals previously warned that Scotland was becoming the 'worst country in Europe' for unqualified beauticians injecting customers with cosmetic treatments due to the lack of legislation preventing anyone from advertising on social media offering beauty treatments. Currently in Scotland, under-18s are not banned from receiving these treatments, unlike in England, where stricter regulations have been implemented. Last month, the Scottish Government revealed proposals to crack down on 'cowboy' Botox, fillers and cosmetic surgery procedures. The plans mean dermal fillers and the use of Botox will have to be supervised by a qualified healthcare professional, while 'breast and buttock augmentations' must be carried out by a qualified professional. Improvements in the safety and standards in the non-surgical cosmetic procedures sector have been set out, with a minimum age of 18 to be introduced for all procedures. Healthcare Improvement Scotland has urged anyone seeking cosmetic procedures to put 'their care into the hands of professionals'. 'Private clinics provided by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dental care professionals, midwives or pharmacy technicians are required to be registered with our organisation,' a spokesperson said. There are over 500 registered and regulated clinics across Scotland, the vast majority providing cosmetic procedures. We do not regulate on the basis of particular treatments. 'Having a cosmetic treatment is a serious undertaking that should only be entered into with due consideration of the very real risks to an individual's health and safety. 'We would urge anyone looking to get cosmetic interventions to think about their health and wellbeing, and put their care into the hands of professionals with appropriate training and experience, and where they can trust them to make their wellbeing a priority. 'People should always check that a clinic is registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland before undertaking treatments.' The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment. STV News is now on WhatsApp Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News


Daily Record
40 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Mum demonstrates 'ultimate' way to put sunscreen on kids with no mess
A mum has shared her 'ultimate' hack to apply sunscreen to kids - and it's so simple. The tip has since gone viral, and people can't believe they never thought of it before Sun protection is crucial throughout the year, but it becomes particularly important during the summer months. Even on overcast days, our skin is still vulnerable to sunlight exposure, making it essential to maintain protection. However, ensuring that children wear sunscreen can be a challenge. Like many things, kids often resist having lotion applied to them - and it's understandably unpleasant to be slathered in cold cream. Fortunately, a woman has come forward with her "ultimate mum hack" to alleviate this parental stress. Ru, who goes by @ruamine on TikTok, shared her ingenious tip online, and it quickly went viral. She claims it's the "best" method for applying sunscreen to children – straightforward and mess-free. In her video, Ru demonstrates how she dispenses some lotion onto a makeup brush and then uses it to gently apply the sunscreen to her child's skin. This technique not only simplifies the process but also helps prevent any tantrums. The video also shows that this hack allows for even coverage, ensuring all areas are shielded from the sun. It's a softer approach to the task and appears to be very effective. Since Ru posted her sunscreen application hack, it has received over 100,000 likes, with many viewers praising the idea. One individual commented: "Very good idea." The NHS warns that sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer, and it's crucial to remember that it can occur in the UK as well, even on cloudy days. Tanning is not considered safe or healthy, and the advice is to find a balance between protecting your skin and getting sufficient vitamin D from sunlight. Experts recommend seeking shade during peak sunlight hours, which in the UK are from 11am to 3pm, from March to October. In addition to using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing, the NHS also stresses the importance of taking special care with children. For sun protection, Britons should use sunscreen with at least SPF 30. For those spending extended time in the sun, it's suggested to apply sunscreen twice: once 30 minutes before going out and again just before stepping outside.


Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Mould and pests won't ruin strawberry plants if you dust soil with 1 ingredient
Strawberries are grown for their vibrant colour and sweetness, but the plants are vulnerable to a number of problems. Strawberries are amongst the simplest fruits to cultivate, particularly for novice gardeners, but without proper care, they can fall prey to environmental problems – such as grey mould and leather rot – or be devoured by pests. To produce vibrant and ripe strawberries without any complications, gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle their soil with one common ingredient: cinnamon. According to home 'hacks, tips, and tricks' TikTok creator @creative_explained, cinnamon can assist your plants in six different ways. Most crucially, it helps prevent mould and fungi from developing in your soil and eliminates troublesome bugs. Adding cinnamon to your plants takes just a few seconds and will make your strawberries grow succulent, healthy, and flourishing throughout the entire season. How does it work? The home hack creator explained: "Cinnamon has anti-fungal properties that prevent mould and fungi from appearing from the soil. Plus, you know those annoying gnats in the soil, well guess what? Cinnamon gets rid of them too." According to Gardening Know How, "damping-off disease" is a fungal problem that affects young seedlings just as they begin to develop. Dusting with cinnamon can help prevent this by destroying the harmful fungus, reports the Express. Making a cinnamon solution to spray onto affected plants is another efficient method to reduce the symptoms of fungal infestations. "Under laboratory conditions, scientists have shown that the elements in cinnamon powder inhibit the development of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and various species of Phytophthora. "Spraying a mixture of ground cinnamon solution and water onto infected plants can be an effective way to alleviate the symptoms of fungal infestations," reported experts at Plantura. What makes cinnamon a pest deterrent? "What makes this method so effective is that the aromatic powder can break the gnats' reproduction cycle. This way, they cannot hatch or reproduce," explained the expert. Strawberry plants often attract other pests such as aphids, fruit flies, leafhoppers, caterpillars, beetles, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies. Cinnamon also proves effective against ants and slugs, but it's crucial to remember that not all bugs will be deterred by this solution. How to make the cinnamon plant spray Use one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and pour it into a spray bottle Then add five litres of warm water to the bottle Let it sit for a few hours, and then you're done