The world’s oldest dog has been registered in the Guinness Book of World Records. Her name is Pebbles, she lives in South Carolina and recently turned 22 years and 60 days old.
The history of the world’s oldest dog
Pebbles, a Toy Fox Terrier breed, has lived with Bobby and Julie Gregory since she was a puppy. She is a very quiet dog who listens to country music and sleeps most of the day, spending the night awake instead. In her lifetime, she has given birth to 24 puppies.
The secret of her longevity? Probably the cat food she eats. In fact, her vet recommended this type of food to her pet-parents, as it is richer in protein than dog food.
She has far exceeded the life expectancy of her breed. In fact, Toy Fox Terriers usually arrive at 13 or, at most, 15 years of age.
Pebbles snatched the title from TobyKeith, a 21-year-old, 90-day-old American Chihuahua. The little dog lives in Florida and is pampered and spoilt by his family. However, his life has not always been all sunshine and rainbows: TobyKeith was taken in by the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue shelter when he was just a few months old.
A shelter volunteer, Gisela, offered to take care of him and from that moment on, the two have never been apart.
The secrets to a long life
Here are some simple tips and advice to keep your pet healthy and ensure a long life for him/her.
1. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention to nutrition.
Choosing suitable food for your trusty friend undoubtedly increases his life expectancy. To make sure that your dog is healthy, it is necessary to have him weighed frequently, assessing his body condition.
2. Ensure constant and adequate exercise.
In the same way as people, dogs also need to exercise regularly. This is necessary to develop their muscles and keep fit. Outdoor walks, for example, are perfect for keeping active, especially for those dogs that have minimal opportunities for movement inside their homes. Exercise is, in fact, essential to ensure your pet’s general well-being.
3. Schedule regular examinations to check the health of your animal.
Regular visits to the vet are also necessary to keep an eye on your dog’s health. You should always listen to the opinions and advice of the specialist doctor.
As a general rule, it is good for a young dog to have a basic check-up every 6 months. This consists of:
– Blood analysis
– Urine analysis with sediment
– Faeces analysis
– Digital chest and abdominal X-ray
Since our animals are an integrated part of the family, it is important to give them all the attention they deserve.
The care they receive shows the unconditional love their pet-parents have for them and allows them to share some amazing moments and emotions over a long period.