How many years do dogs live and what determines their lifespan?
A dog's life span depends on a combination of external and innate factors. So let's go through the basic elements that influence the vitality of your four-legged friends in turn.
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Statistics show that non-purebred dogs usually live longer (15-20 years on average) than "well-born" pets. The reason lies in natural selection, among puppies only the strongest and healthiest individuals survive. Pedigree dogs often suffer from breed-specific diseases that shorten their life expectancy. This is due to the peculiarities of breeding breeds: closely related crosses and selection by external signs. In addition, the genetics of a particular breed can lead to a significant reduction in life expectancy.
Size
Data show that smaller dogs live longer than larger dogs. The question is why? This phenomenon has been the subject of numerous studies, but scientists are divided on the relationship between a dog's body weight and life expectancy. However, it is clear from the statistics that every 2 kg of body weight shortens the life expectancy of an animal, even by several months. A study by evolutionary biologist Cornelia Kraus of the University of Göttingen supports the theory that larger dogs age faster. As a result, a larger breed puppy progresses through the life stages faster than a smaller breed puppy. The reason is also that larger dogs are much more likely to develop age-related diseases.
Small dogs
Any four-legged friend weighing a maximum of 15 kg is classified as a small dog. This group includes, among others:
The reports show that dogs in this category have an average life expectancy of approximately 14-15 years. However, it is not uncommon for representatives of smaller breeds to live up to 19-20 years. Thus, small breeds generally constitute the group with the longest life expectancy.
Medium dogs
The medium-sized range includes dogs that weigh between 15 and 45 kg. This category includes, for example:
The data shows that the average life expectancy of dogs in this group is from 10 to 13 years.
Large dogs
Unfortunately, large dogs, i.e. those weighing over 45 kg, have a shorter life expectancy. These include, for example:
The average lifespan of large dogs is only 8 – 12 years.
Very large dogs
Very big dogs, such as great dane or other so-called giant breeds, have an even shorter life expectancy - on average they only live 8 to 10 years. The average lifespan of an Irish Wolfhound is 6 to 10 years.
Of course, the values given for the length of life of dogs are only average values - some dogs age slower, others, unfortunately, do not reach the average.
Health
Another element that has a significant impact on life expectancy is the general health, physical and mental condition of the pet. Among the diseases that contribute to the premature death of an animal, the most common are: cardiovascular diseases, cancer, overweight, infections, genetic burden, and multi-disease in old age. In addition, dogs often suffer from allergic conditions, zoonoses, or nervous system conditions.
How many years do dogs live and how to extend their life?
Buying a dog is a responsible step, a serious decision. In addition to the abundance of positive emotions, selfless love and endless devotion, the owner of the animal accepts great responsibility for the health and life of the pet. When deciding to buy a dog, the guardian must take into account the living needs of a specific pet. A dog needs proper care, proper and balanced nutrition, an appropriate dose of physical activity. You should also take into account the peculiarities of the development of the dog in different periods of his life. In general, a four-legged friend should be provided with optimal conditions for functioning and development at every stage. Therefore, in order to extend the life, the owner must be aware of his own responsibility for a living being and follow simple rules.
Proper and healthy nutrition
The dog needs a balanced diet for proper physical and emotional development. The diet must be selected according to the age, weight, breed, health and other needs of the pet. Among other things, there are foods specially dedicated to neutered dogs, with a sensitive digestive system or overweight. Food should contain the maximum amount of useful and nutritional substances. You should not exceed the daily caloric intake and pamper your pet with treats. Each extra kilogram increases the burden on the body and accelerates the aging process. First of all, your pet's cardiovascular and skeletal systems suffer.
Physical and mental activity
All dogs need activity, but the amount of exercise varies depending on the breed, age and overall health. Among other things, regular exercise helps to develop and maintain skeletal muscles. They reduce the risk of developing diseases of the locomotor organs. A properly selected dose of physical activity, daily challenges, training and games are conducive to maintaining good condition, strengthening the circulatory and immune systems. They help to control your pet's weight and make your dog happier.
Regular checkups with a veterinarian
Grooming, prophylaxis and regular vaccinations of the dog reduce the likelihood and development of serious diseases. In order to recognize health risks at an early stage, regular check-ups with a veterinarian are essential. So it's worth visiting the vet at least twice a year.
Positive emotions
Dogs are very attached to their owners, their friendship and devotion translates into great commitment. The nervous system of the animal is very sensitive to stress, therefore an aggressive, hostile attitude towards the pet shortens its life. And making your pet happy is very easy. It is enough to go for a walk with him, take his favorite ball and play together, stroke him, hug him, and most of all spend time with him.
The life of a four-legged friend is shorter than that of a human, but its quality and health largely depend on the owner. Every dog, regardless of breed, needs proper care and maintenance, order, daily routine, physical activity and a balanced diet. But the most important thing that is needed for a happy and long life of a pet is the love and care of its owner.
Worth knowing, i.e. how many years did the oldest dog live?
The oldest dog in the world is the Australian Shepherd Dog, which lived to be 29 years and 160 days. This title was entered in the Guinness Book of Records. Experts admit that the abundance of fresh air and an active lifestyle helped a dog named Bluey live to such an old age.
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