Average Dog Lifespan

In a perfect world, our dogs would live forever. The truest of companions, dogs add so much love, joy, laughter, and acceptance to a person’s life. Whether you are considering getting your first dog or are thinking of adopting a new breed, or making health decisions for an existing dog, knowing an average dog lifespan for various types of dogs can help you choose wisely.

Dog Lifespans

While many factors will affect how long a specific dog will live, in general, the lifespan typically spans between 10 and 13 years. Smaller dogs like chihuahuas tend to have a longer lifespan, with an average closer to 14-16 years. Bigger dogs, however, like great Danes or St. Bernards tend to only live about 7-10 years. Certain breeds are more susceptible to certain diseases like cancer. Basically genetics, size, build, lifestyle, and nutrition can all have an impact on the length of a dog’s life. We recommend researching the health concerns about certain breeds before you adopt a dog so you can be prepared to offer the best care.

Genetic Factors That Affect Dog Lifespan

Sometimes a dog is dealt a bad hand when it comes to genetics. Diseases like cancer and congenital abnormalities might affect a dog that lives an otherwise healthy life. While there might not be a way to prevent certain diseases, health testing can help you learn about your dog’s risk of developing a disease like this. 

Nutritional Factors That Affect Dog Lifespan

The kind of food a dog eats can significantly impact dog lifespan. It is very important for overall health to keep a dog at a healthy weight for his breed and size. Obesity in dogs increases strain on the body and organs, and increases risks for diseases like cancer and diabetes. In fact, just a little bit of extra weight can decrease a dog’s expected lifespan by 2 whole years. In such a short frame of time, 2 years is a huge percentage of the animal’s life. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your dog and try to make sure he or she remains at a healthy weight.

Veterinary Care Can Affect Dog Lifespan

Annual wellness visits to a trusted veterinarian are also an integral aspect of a dog’s lifespan. The combination of vaccines, preventives, and the ability to spot any potential health issues early can help a dog live a long and happy life. Once your pet reaches his or her senior years, bi-annual wellness visits are important for overall health and longevity. 

Environmental Factors That Affect Dog Lifespan

Dogs who have safe, loving homes have a much higher likelihood of living longer than stray dogs who sleep outside. When animals are not constantly exposed to the elements, other animals, cars, and other dangerous factors found in the wild, they have a better chance of growing up healthy. In fact, trauma caused by situations like car accidents or dog fights is one of the leading causes of early death in dogs. 

We hope this helps you know what to expect as far as dog lifespan for your dog or dog to be. At OVRS, we do everything we can to extend the lifespan of the dogs we see. With our specialty veterinary and emergency services, we can provide extra help when your pet needs it. To learn more about our services, please call (248) 334-6877.