A vet with almost one million followers on TikTok has outlined a series of things some pet owners are doing which could actually be shortening their beloved companion’s lives
15:55, 01 May 2026Updated 15:55, 01 May 2026
A vet has warned three things owners are doing could be shortening their pets’ lives (stock image)(Image: Getty Images)
Every pet owner wants their beloved companion to live as long as possible. But it’s a sad fact that, as much as owners might try and avoid it, eventually the point will come when it’s time to say goodbye.
Thankfully, there are a lot of things owners can do to make sure their pets have long, happy, and healthy lives, from making sure they’re eating well, to giving them lots of exercise. One vet has outlined a series of things some owners are doing which could actually be shortening their beloved companion’s lives.
Amir Anwary has almost one million followers on TikTok, where he regularly provides useful information for keeping our animal friends as happy and healthy as possible. He recently shared three things which he said “will decrease your pets‘ lifespan more than genetics”.
Stress and under-stimulation
“Number one is chronic stress and under-stimulation,” he said. “So, if your dogs are being left at home all day, they’re not provided with enough mental stimulation, they’re not provided with enough exercise, they’ll become bored, they’ll become anxious.
“This will cause increased cortisol levels, which will cause immunosuppression, behavioural problems, gut issues. All things that will decrease the quantity and quality of their lives.”
Nutrition
Second, Amir said, is “poor quality nutrition”. “Now, I’m not saying you need to buy the most expensive dog food,” he said. “However, you need to use a food that has good quality protein, doesn’t use excess of carbohydrates, and a good omega-6 to omega-3 ratio.”
Omega-6 and omega-3 are both polyunsaturated fats. Studies have suggested a diet high in omega-6 and low in omega-3 is likely to lead to inflammation. A roughly even balance of both is believed to reduce inflammation.
He added: “If your dog is fed a poor quality diet consistently, this will lead to chronic inflammation, metabolic diseases, and poor muscle maintenance.”
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“Third is ignoring pain,” Amir said. “And I see this so often with dogs suffering with arthritis.
“Owners will not do anything to treat the pain associated with arthritis. This will lead to muscle loss, depression, decreased movement, and increased rate of physical decline. Make sure that you are helping your dogs that are suffering with arthritis pain.”
Amir previously explained how to reduce anxiety in pets. He said one of the biggest mistakes owners make is creating too much excitement when leaving and returning home.
He explained: “Stay calm when you leave home and when you return. When you leave home, you go and make it a big scene and when you return home you make it an even bigger scene. You are creating heightened emotions around you leaving home, which makes the separation anxiety worse because it’s so emotional.”
Instead, he recommends keeping things as low-key as possible. This even includes ignoring your dog for around 10 minutes before leaving and after returning home – something he admits may feel “cruel”, but can help reduce emotional build-up and anxiety. Amir also advises making sure your dog is properly exercised before being left alone.
For dogs that already struggle with separation anxiety, he stresses the importance of gradual training. Rather than leaving them alone for long periods straight away, he recommends building up their tolerance slowly. He said: “When you leave home, start with going away for five minutes and monitor their response.
“If they’re fine with it, go to 10 minutes and monitor their response. Stop leaving them alone for two hours at a time. Of course their separation anxiety is not going to get any better – you’re going to make it a lot worse.”