Our furry friends provide us with unconditional love, companionship, and more smiles than can be counted. How long do dogs live? Learn more about your dog’s lifespan here.
In 2017, an estimated 89 million Americans had dogs as pets. Dogs are the most popular pets, and we want to spend as much time with them as possible while they’re here on earth. But how long do dogs live, and is there anything we can do to extend their lives? In this article, we will explore the average dog lifespan.
How long do dogs live?
The short answer is that there’s no definite way to determine or guarantee how long a specific dog will live. But to give the best answer to this question, we need to take a look at a couple of different categories that directly play into a dog’s life span.
Size
First, smaller dogs typically tend to live longer. This is thought to be because large dogs grow very rapidly in a short amount of time. They also are susceptible to different types of diseases because of this growth period. Toy dogs and medium-sized dogs are somewhere in the middle, but will still outlive larger breeds.
Breed
Generally speaking, there are a few breeds that have a typical lifespan. A Golden Retriever lifespan, for example, is about 12 years, a German Shephard 10 years, and a Bulldog for about nine years. Simply by knowing the breed, you can gauge the number of years you have with your furry friend.
When it comes to mixed breeds, though, it gets a little more tricky, especially if the breed is unknown. However, mutts tend to have a longer lifespan than purebreds. This is because purebred dogs sometimes carry genetic problems that are within the breed.
Getting “fixed”
If you don’t want little pups running around your home, you’re likely to get your pet spayed or neutered. A layman’s term, ‘fixed,’ means your dog has undergone a procedure in which they cannot breed or give birth to puppies.
Dogs who have been spayed or neutered actually can have a longer lifespan. One of the reasons is because certain cancers may be associated with ovaries and testes for dogs that are bred frequently. Spaying or neutering your pets is one way to possibly extend their lifespan, as well as making your own life a little less complicated!
Dog care
Dogs that are mistreated, malnourished, or ignored will not live as long as dogs that are treated well. With proper nutrition, regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, and exercise, your dog will likely live as long as their breed allows. While it’s impossible to estimate the exact dog-life expectancy, these factors play a crucial role in knowing somewhat how long your dog will live.
Extending a dog’s life
Our pets are part of the family, so it makes sense that we treat them as such. Doing so can increase the number of years they spend with you.
Here are some tips on how to best take care of your beloved dog.
1. Food
A healthy diet is essential to a dog’s life. The right kind of food helps them grow well, and portion control can ward off obesity and other diseases that could strike your dog later in life.
2. Exercise
Just as important as eating a healthy diet is exercising. Depending on your breed of dog, they will need daily walking and playing for exercise; however, the time allowed will vary. For smaller breeds, they require less time and vice versa with large or giant breeds.
The time they need to spend exercising will be unique to the breed.
3. Socialization
Dogs love their humans more than anything, but socializing with other dogs is essential to keeping them happy and healthy. Learning how to behave around other dogs is vital, and it gets in their exercise for the day as well!
4. Vet visits
Taking your dog to the vet is essential when they’re sick or hurt, but dogs need regular check-ups just like humans. Ignoring regular vet visits or vaccinations can put your dog at risk for diseases or the progression of illnesses. Stay on track with seeing the vet regularly.
5. Brush their teeth
Similar to humans, dogs need their teeth brushed. This is because tooth decay can be a significant problem not only for the gumline but also for the health of the entire body. When the gums are deteriorating, bacteria can enter the body and cause a host of problems.
6. Quiet time
With all the excitement of playing, exercising, and socializing your dog is likely tired and could become cranky or stressed out. Giving your dog downtime, whether it be a couple of hours in the crate or sleeping will help them cut down on any anxieties.
7. Training
If you want your dog’s cognitive abilities to stay sharp, keep teaching and training them. When a dog becomes bored, they get stressed and will likely act out or misbehave. Make a point to teach your dog new tricks or look for other outlets for stimulation.
Figuring out how long do dogs live mainly on their size, breed, and care. The size and the breed cannot always be changed, but the care you give your dog is invaluable. Start by committing to caring for your dog in the best possible way, and you will provide them with many wonderful years to come.
Do you want to learn more about dogs and how to care for them? We love dogs, so our website will give you all the information you need. Take a good look at the site today.