Dogs live shorter lives than humans because a dog’s life cycle is accelerated in every way than ours. It’s sad and unfair that pets don’t live as long as we do. Despite the great pleasure and happiness dogs bring into our lives, they cannot live as long as humans do.

Minds have asked this question of all ages, and we may never find an answer. Here are some things we know, however.

Regarding Size

An animal’s size typically determines its lifespan.

The measurement of the lifespan of animals, in general, has been known for a long time. More giant animals tend to live longer than smaller ones, and metabolic rates are one reason people once thought big animals lived longer.

See also
Intelligent Dog Breeds - Most Intelligent And Dumbest Dogs

A car with a slower metabolic rate burns fuel more slowly, allowing it to travel longer. Smaller animals have higher metabolic rates, which result in shorter lives, just as a car with a fast metabolic rate burns fuel rapidly.

Dogs fall in this category, and their lifespan varies between 8 and 15 years, depending on their breed and other factors.

Because dogs are smaller than the average human adult, they live less long than we do. Dogs defy the notion that larger animals live longer. An 8-pound Chihuahua can survive for ten years or longer, whereas a 150-pound Great Dane is lucky to live for seven.

We still don’t fully understand why this occurs. But you should pick a small breed if you want a dog that lives longer.

Reasons Why Dogs Live Short Lives

Evolutionary Pressures Is One Reason Why Dogs Live For A Shorter Time

An animal’s evolutionary pressures are the hazards in the environment that threaten its survival. There may be predators, competitors for food, or a lack of water. Elephants, for example, are less likely to be hunted by predators, so one generation can last a long time.

See also
The Most Dangerous Dog Breed In The World

A small mammal, like a mouse, on the other hand, lives a hazardous life and is, therefore, more likely to be killed. To have a fast turnover, therefore, makes sense. As a result of the evolutionary pressures wild dogs faced in ancient times and those that early humans faced (who had few predators), we live longer.

Every aspect of dog development is thus sped up, including getting teeth, living independently, and reproducing at an early age.

Rate Of Growth In Dogs May Be Why Dogs Live Shorte Lives

A dog’s lifespan is shorter than a human’s, so dogs grow up much faster. Most people who have cared for a puppy will know that their baby teeth emerge by the time they are six weeks old and have a complete set of permanent teeth by the time they are six months old.

Human babies take their time and start teething at around four months rather than six weeks old, as dogs do. Dogs age faster than humans, meaning they die earlier than their human acquaintances.

A Dog’s Breed May Be Why A Dog Lives Shorter Lives

The theory that larger creatures live longer is often disputed, and no exceptions exist. For example, small canine breeds such as Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers are known to live longer than large breeds.

See also
What Is The Age Limit Before Dogs Go Blind?

For example, Golden Retrievers and Great Danes have an average life expectancy of 8 to 12 years, while small breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkshire Terriers live for as long as 15 years.

According to some theories, larger breed dogs mature more rapidly than smaller dogs, thus ageing more quickly. Increased growth, however, can have detrimental consequences.

Because their organs and skeletal structures must work harder to keep up, they age more quickly. Osteoarthritis and other unwanted conditions are thus more likely to arise due to their high growth rate.

Regarding breeding practices

Dog breeding habits are among the reasons canine life expectancy is low. In several breeds, genetic defects are transmitted from generation to generation, lowering the average lifespan. The longevity of your dog might be extended if you select an animal without inherited problems.

The importance of research before acquiring a puppy is critical. Numerous studies have connected inbreeding (closely related to breeding dogs) to shorter lifespans.

See also
Is Your Dog Mad at You? Ways to Tell

Genetics Can Make Your Dog Live Shorter Lives

Some dogs don’t follow the standards set in dog breed lifespan tables. The Frenchie, a French Bulldog, is an example. These designer dogs are currently in high demand and are known as Frenchie’s. Although they are small dogs, puppies can be costly.

As a result of their flat facial structure, they may encounter a variety of health issues. Because of this, the study we described above found that the average life expectancy at birth was only 4.5 years.

Regarding lifestyle

Although you cannot change your dog’s genetic makeup, you may still significantly alter its life to increase its longevity. Diet, living environment, exercise, mental stimulation, and health and safety precautions to prevent injury are all considered part of their lifestyle.

How can you Make Your Dog Live Longer Lives?

Although what you’ve read up to this point might seem dismal, we also have some encouraging news to share. Dogs kept as pets are now living far longer than they once did! Scientists believe that in the previous 40 years, their lifespans have doubled.

This is likely a result of our increased knowledge of how a dog’s nutrition and lifestyle might affect its life expectancy. Significant improvements have also been made in veterinary medicine.

See also
Six Types of Pitbull Dog Breeds: Appearances & Traits

Injury and Disease

Sadly, injuries claim the lives of thousands of dogs yearly, which may result from accidents like vehicle collisions or falls, amongst many other things. You can lower the likelihood of an accident by prioritizing your dog’s safety.

Start by training your dog. Poorly trained dogs are difficult to handle, and unruly dogs are more likely to be involved in mishaps. You can attempt a variety of dog training books and classes.

Purchase safety equipment like reflective leashes and harnesses for visibility at night. Use a harness and a suitable carrier when you take your dog in a car or motorcycle.
With vaccinations, many canine diseases can be avoided. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate vaccinations for your location.

With vaccinations, many canine diseases can be avoided. Your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate vaccinations for your location. Additionally, fleas, ticks, and worms can spread various diseases, so be sure to apply preventative medicines for these parasites.

Dental Health

Although dental problems may seem unimportant, they can shorten your dog’s lifespan. Dogs with gum disease in their mouths have a lot of bacteria and ongoing inflammation, and kidney, liver, and heart disease can all result from this and be fatal.

See also
The Border Collie Breed - What You Need To Know About This Breed

Brush your dog’s teeth multiple times weekly with dog-specific toothpaste to maintain their dental health. Additionally, give them plaque-scraping chew toys and dental snacks.

Weight in relation to their stature and breed-average size

According to estimates, 40–45% of dogs aged 5–11 in the US are overweight, which is a severe issue for their health. Obese dogs have an increased risk of developing cancer, heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension (high blood pressure), osteoarthritis, urinary bladder stones, and problems if they require general aesthetic care.

These all shorten life expectancy. Ask your veterinarian if you are having trouble controlling your dog’s weight. They could advise switching your dog over to a weight-management diet.

Exercise

When it comes to prolonging lifespan, exercise is crucial. Dogs that get the recommended amount of activity for their breed to maintain strong joints and have healthy hearts and lungs.

Nothing makes dogs happier than going on a trip with their human friends. Try playing a game of fetch or engaging in other activities to keep your pet entertained while you are less busy with chores.

See also
Why Dogs Sleep So Much? Dog Breeds That Sleep The Most

Spaying and Neutering

Spaying removes a female animal’s uterus and ovaries, while neutering removes a male animal’s testicles.

Overall, intact dogs, males and females without neutering or spaying, live less time than other dogs. A healthy dog is more prone to roam, engage in conflicts, sustain injuries, and contract infections. However, some cancers are more common in purebred dogs.

Conclusion

There are a variety of factors other than the breed that impact a dog’s lifespan. Dogs with good diets, exercise, and weight control are more likely to live longer, and these things are as critical in dogs as they are in humans.

Walking with your dog is an excellent way to stay active and healthy, both mentally and physically. Vets tend to check the health of your dog’s physical body by vaccinating and examining them regularly.

Veterinary care can also help avoid dental problems by performing regular dental procedures. Dental illness can negatively impact your dog’s health and appetite if not taken care of. You can spend more time with your pet if you care for their health!

Previous articleHair Loss In Dogs – Causes, Prevention And Treatment
Next articleWhat Is Mange And What Does It Look Like On A Dog?

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here