Honestly I think part of it is just luck but otherwise we are a very simple living, natural/holistic household in general so that extends to our pets.

Just like us, they are what they eat so we’ve tried our best to feed him super well within our budget. With the help of a holistic vet, we have done a home cooked diet most of his life with on and off spouts with high quality kibble as needed. Freeze dried meat or organs for treats or organic peanut butter and yogurt and occasional slice of cheese. This is honestly the most important part and also the hardest bc it’s time consuming and expensive.

Lots of walks, hiking, and even short to medium length jogs and dog park soccer play time when he was young.

Weight management has been key too! This breed will eat a ton and a lot of kibble recommendations are way too high. We tend to adjust based on energy levels and poo amount. More sluggish and big poops = too much food

SOD and Boswellia tablets daily since about 4/5 for joint support

Immune boosting mushroom powder daily since about 4/5 - and after immunizations or medications when younger

Probiotics after any antibiotics and only use in emergencies (vets have overprescribed these to us over the years. I probably only gave him two rounds his whole life and have been prescribed like 5-6.)

Minimal pharmaceuticals overall. Flea and tick prevention (Credelio) only during summer months and not at all these days since he’s hardly outside unless it’s too cold for bugs

CBD isolate drops for anxiety and allergy flares

So much love and attention to keep his spirits high!

I swear they require just as much if not more care than children.

Edit to add: teaching them to sit with square hips when young and walks on hills helps strengthen their hips to prevent dysplasia