The Longevity of Pets
by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger
15 Oct 2009 04:51 PM
If you're planning to live to be a hundred, you might want some company. Pets are living longer lives these days, too!
The number of dogs and cats living into their twenties (and beyond -- there are accounts of cats living into their thirties!) may be indicators that the life spans of our beloved companion animals are increasing.
If you're interested in a long-lived pet, here are some things to consider:
- Size matters. The largest dog breeds are often the ones with the shortest life spans. One heartbreaking example is the Irish wolfhound, with a life span around 6-8 years (accounts vary). In dogs, toy breeds tend to live the longest.
- Mix it up. Mixed breeds often live longer than purebreds. Why? Because purebreds tend to come with health issues bred in alongside the desirable traits. Mixed breeds may have other, dominant traits overshadowing the genetic health issues.
- Watch the weight. Just like in humans, obesity can contribute to a ton of health issues. Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can contribute to overall health and longevity.
- Feed the best food you can afford. Not everyone can afford the top of the line foods, but you don't have to feed junk, either. Give your pets the best fuel possible, so their bodies can run at peak performance.
- Look for longevity. Some breeders are focusing on their longest-lived stock. The Doberman Pinscher Club of America, for example, has been tracking long-lived pups of long-lived parents since 1997.
- Keep up with preventive measures like vaccines, annual exams, and more. If you stop problems before they happen, your pet will be healthier! Keeping up with annual exams also gives you a chance of catching serious health issues early, when they are the most treatable.
Right now, it's not unusual for veterinarians to see dogs and cats reach their teens. Making the best choices for our pets means we can give them the longest, healthiest, happiest lives possible.
