Will Dog Lifespans Increase In The Future??

Way back when (well, more specifically, during the Paleolithic age between 2.5 million years ago and 10,000 BC), we humans were only expected to live for between 22 and 33 years. Fast-forward to now, and medical advances and improved quality of life have upped the global average to 72-73 years. But has the same thing happened to our precious pooches? Have dogs extended their lifespan too, and will dog lifespans increase as ours continue to do?

Before we answer the question, “Will dog lifespans increase?”, what does the current research tell us?

It turns out humans aren’t the only ones who are living longer; our dogs are, too! And, in fact, dogs’ lifespans have increased quite significantly in a relatively short amount of time. 

In 2002, the average lifespan of a dog was 10.5 years. In 2016, that number grew by 12.4 per cent to 11.8 years. Interestingly, in roughly the same period, the average life expectancy for adult humans in the US only rose by 2.3 per cent.

So, why have dog lifespans surged so considerably? Well, much like humans, huge progressions in veterinary medicine are helping our pooches live longer. 

There are better treatments available for common canine ailments, and there’s a bigger focus on preventative measures rather than reactive ones. Plus, dog nutrition has improved a lot. In short, we know what contributes to a lengthier life for dogs, and Owners are putting more effort into maintaining the long-term health of their puppers – even from a very young age.

There’s also the argument that we’ve changed our attitudes towards our doggos. Where they were once just the family pet, they’re now an actual part of the family. (After all, the name “furbaby” isn’t for nothing.) We now treat our dogs accordingly, giving them lots of love, TLC, and the best medical treatments.

What other factors affect a dog’s lifespan?

Aside from access to superior treatments and an improved understanding of canine wellbeing, are there any other factors that affect how long a dog lives? There sure are! Here are some of the most common:

• Breed. Put simply, some dog breeds are more prone to certain health issues than others. Brachycephalic (short-headed) breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs have a greater likelihood of suffering from respiratory issues. Basset Hounds are at more risk of dilated cardiomyopathy, a serious heart condition, as well as joint problems

• Size. Generally speaking, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger ones. Shih Tzus, for example, live for 13.4 years on average, while Irish Wolfhounds live an average of 6.2 years. It’s believed that bigger dogs live shorter lives because their size places more stress on their bodily processes. Basically, they wear out faster

• Lifestyle. There are so many lifestyle factors that impact a doggo’s lifespan. These include exercise, diet, mental and emotional stimulation, dental hygiene, and even grooming

• Healthcare. If health problems are detected early, no matter how minor, appropriate veterinary care can reduce the risk of an issue becoming a serious one

• Environment. Outdoor pets often live shorter lives. This is because environmental stressors like extreme heat or cold, snow, and rain can put more strain on their body

What can I do to try and extend my dog’s lifespan?

Keen to keep your canine in tip-top shape for as many years as possible? There are a few things you can do. 

Make sure they stick to a good, balanced diet

A healthy diet is one of the cornerstones of a long life. This means giving your dog good-quality food and ensuring their diet suits their unique requirements. For example, your doggo might have certain food allergies that need to be addressed through diet.

And as much as what they eat is important, how much they eat is equally as crucial. An overfed pupper can develop health issues, like obesity or liver disease. One who’s undernourished, on the other hand, may not be getting enough nutrients. 

Exercise them regularly

Regular exercise can help protect your dog from certain problems, like being overweight or obese. It can also assist them in developing strong joints, muscles, and bones (an absolute must later in life!). Exercise is great for their mental health, too, as it allows them to interact with their fellow canines.

But know that different dogs have different exercise requirements. Working and very active breeds may need a few walks a day. Puppies, smaller dogs, older pooches, and those with health issues might need significantly less.

Don’t have time to give your pupper the right amount of exercise needed for a long and healthy life? Don’t worry! That’s where a neighbourhood Dog Walker can come in handy!

Stay on top of their dental health

Oral health may not be the first thing you think of when trying to extend your dog’s life, but it’s no less important. Poor dental hygiene can lead to nasty things like gingivitis or more serious issues like infections. And much like with humans, if a dog’s mouth is unhealthy, their body can follow suit. If bacteria gets into their bloodstream, it can inflict damage to their internal organs.

That’s why a good oral care routine is vital. You could attempt to brush your pupper’s teeth a few times a week, or give them regular dental chews to keep their mouth in good shape.

Book in regular checkups

Addressing medical matters early is another key to a long life. Even the most minor issues – like a tick or those aforementioned dental problems – can turn into bigger problems. If you suspect something’s up with your dog, err on the side of caution and book them in for a vet visit. 

Regular vet checkups can also be useful for staying on top of any issues. If you take out pet insurance, these checkups may be covered under your policy.

Give a little love

Dogs are much like us humans in so many ways, not least in their ability to form emotional bonds. By showing your dog adoration, affection, and attention, you can help build that bond and ensure they live a life full of love and happiness. As well, this means giving them a good amount of playtime so they receive adequate mental stimulation. 

So, if the past is anything to go by, will dog lifespans increase in future?

Yep, most likely! As medicine and our understanding of dogs’ nutritional requirements improves, there’s no doubt their lifespans will continue to increase.

Also interesting to note is that scientists are currently developing other methods of stretching a dog’s life. Researchers from the University of Washington have undertaken the Dog Aging Project, to examine whether a single pill could make a dog live longer.

The pill in question is a drug called rapamycin. Rapamycin is a natural product that has an antifungal, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory effect. It’s commonly used after organ transplants to prevent the body from rejecting the organ.

After working out that the rapamycin could extend the lifespan of mice by 25 per cent, the researchers turned their attention to dogs. In a trial of 24 dogs, they found that rapamycin improved the dogs’ hearts. A bigger trial is set to take place in the coming years, but the initial findings are definitely fascinating!

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