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Whether you're a brand-new owner of a bubbly puppy or caring for a senior dog as they mellow out, we all wonder how long our best friend will be with us.
Thankfully, whether your dog is young or old, you have lots of memories to make with them. But is there a way to increase their lifespan or improve their remaining years (or decades)?
Do some breeds live longer than others? Do we know why that is?
We discuss the average lifespan of dogs, how to potentially increase lifespan and the factors that influence it.
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How can I increase my dog's lifespan?
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Some simple everyday steps can help keep your dog healthier, which could mean they live longer:
Watch what they eat
Improvements to pet food have helped extend lifespans, so speak to your vet about the best food for your dog's breed.
Choose high-quality dog food and avoid overfeeding your pet to prevent obesity, which can shorten lifespan. This means avoiding too many treats and table scraps!
You should also weigh out their food and weigh your pet so that you can closely track them.
Our in-depth guide on pet nutrition can help.
The right amount (and type) of exercise
If you keep your dog healthy with regular walks, it can help them to lead a long, happy life. As they age, you might have to switch to lower-impact activities to protect their joints – less ball chasing, more swimming.
Give their brain a workout too
Regular games that test their sense of smell, ability to learn and memory will help to keep their mind active and sharp.
It can be as simple as feeding a few treats or their meals in puzzle toys or scattering small treats around the house for them to sniff out.
Look after their teeth
Bad teeth, gum disease and other dental problems can take a toll on your dog's health. You should clean your dog's teeth at home to keep them healthy and help you spot any problems early on. Introduce a toothbrush gradually and keep your brushing sessions positive.
Regular vet visits
Getting them to the vet for a check-up at least once or twice a year will mean the vet can notice any problems early. Early treatment gives them a better chance of living longer.
Our article on preventative pet care covers more.
Emotional well-being
Provide a loving and supportive environment, including positive socialisation with other dogs and people. This could help to promote emotional health and reduce stress.
Remember: never resort to punishing your dog if they do something wrong. Negative training methods rarely work and can make your dog anxious.
Dog-proof your home
Accidents can happen, but by taking some extra care you can keep your dog safe from harm which improves their longevity.
This includes simple things like keeping toxic items well out of reach (including human foods like chocolate, raisins and onions). We should also make sure there are no loose wires around our home for pets to chew on.
Make sure that your garden is secure, as serious accidents can occur when dogs escape onto nearby roads.
How long do dogs live?
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So, what is the average lifespan of a dog?
Dogs tend to live for about 10 to 13 years, but this depends on breed and size. Some giant breeds may only live until eight or nine years of age, whereas some small breeds could live well into their teens.
A 2019 study from the University of Washington, headed by Dr. Silvan Urfer, found that small dogs had a median lifespan of 14.95 years. Medium dogs ranked at 13.86 while large dogs had a median of 13.38.
A dog’s life expectancy compared to human years also depends on their size. On average it equates to about 60 to 80 years old.
But the old 'one human year to seven dog years' theory is now thought to be too simplistic. It's based on an outdated statistic that dogs lived to about 10 and humans lived to about 70.
Instead, you should allow about 15 human years to a dog's first year. During this first year, they will go through rapid development and may become sexually mature (depending on breed/size). Then nine human years for its second year. Then five years for each year after that.
That means the dog-to-human-years calculation looks more like this:
| Human years | Dog years |
|---|---|
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 24 |
| 3 | 29 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 39 |
| 6 | 44 |
| 7 | 49 |
| 8 | 54 |
| 9 | 59 |
| 10 | 64 |
| 11 | 69 |
| 12 | 74 |
| 13 | 79 |
| 14 | 84 |
| 15 | 89 |
| 16 | 94 |
Factors affecting a dog's lifespan
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Genetics
Breeds vary in lifespan, with smaller breeds generally living longer than larger breeds.
Size and weight
Larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller dogs due to their accelerated growth rates and increased risk of certain health issues.
Breed-specific health conditions
Some breeds are predisposed to certain genetic health conditions that can affect their lifespan.
Our breed guides can help here.
Diet and nutrition
Providing a balanced diet tailored to your dog's age, size, and activity level is crucial for promoting longevity.
Exercise and activity
Regular exercise helps maintain your dog's physical and mental health and can contribute to a longer lifespan.
Veterinary care
Routine check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care are essential for detecting and managing health issues early.
Why do small dogs live longer?
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It's important to remember that when we discuss topics like this, we're discussing trends - exceptions exist. Just because your dog's big doesn't mean they'll have a shorter than average lifespan, and vice-versa.
So, why do smaller dogs live longer on average? It doesn't make much sense: after all, small mammals like hamsters don't live anywhere as long as larger mammals like us or elephants, for example.
Scientists have a few theories. Some researchers have found that larger dogs are more susceptible to cancer and other diseases. Others have theorised that older dogs simply age faster than smaller dogs.
The 2019 Urfer study we mentioned earlier found that dog size was the most important factor in predetermining a dog's lifespan.
What about cross-breed dogs?
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The same 2019 study found that, on average, cross-breed dogs live longer than pedigrees.
But this is a very general trend. It'll vary quite a bit by breed since there appears to be a link between the number of adults in the breeding population and lifespan.
What dog has the longest lifespan?
The oldest dog on record is an Australian Cattle Dog called Bluey, who lived to 29 years old!
At ManyPets, we can cover pets of any age. In 2021, the oldest dogs we insured were 16 years old.
Which breed has the shortest lifespan?
Dogue de Bordeaux and French Bulldogs tend to have the shortest lifespan among pedigree dogs. But trends vary every year.
What is the lifespan of a dog with cancer?
Finding out your dog has cancer can be upsetting. How long they will live with the disease depends on factors such as the type of cancer, the treatment they receive and the age and size of the dog.
It can be tough weighing up the benefits of treatment against the impact on your dog’s quality of life. Your vet will be able to talk you through the various options and likely success rates. Veterinary treatment and procedures have advanced in recent years so there are more options available to our pets than ever before.
However, treatment can be expensive, which is where pet insurance can help.
Our article on cancer in dogs can help.
Understanding end-of-life care
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As dogs age, they may develop age-related health issues such as arthritis, cognitive decline, and organ failure.
Understanding your dog's quality of life and recognising signs of pain or discomfort is crucial for making end-of-life decisions.
Discussing end-of-life care options with your veterinarian, such as pain management, can help ensure your dog's comfort and well-being in their final days.
However, euthanasia can be the kindest option for pets with incurable illness or a deteriorating quality of life. Your vet will be able to talk this through with you if you are struggling to make the decision.
How we can help
Dog insurance can help with expensive fees for treatment if they do fall ill or get injured.
Lifetime pet insurance means they’ll be covered for any illnesses they develop during their policy for the rest of their life.
We're there for puppies, senior dogs and any age in between.
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