Factors That Can Shorten A Dog’s Life
There are several factors that can shorten a dog’s life. Among them we find age, pace of life, nutrition or possible diseases.
The average age of a dog
Experts declare that the maximum age of dogs, on average, is around 15, obviously if they enjoy a healthy life, good nutrition, a healthy environment and if they practice daily exercise. However, there are many other variables that can have an impact.
Poor nutrition
Nutrition is essential to ensure a healthy development for our four-legged friends. When a dog eats correctly and in a varied way, there is a greater chance that his life will be of better quality and, therefore, that he will live longer.
Conversely, if your pet does not get good quality feed or does not lead a nutrient-rich diet, his life will likely shorten by several years.
The ideal is that the food of our friend is recommended to us by a specialist. In fact, it is the veterinarian who has to indicate the best diet for our pet, which will depend on its age, breed and its particular needs.
It should also be considered that the metabolism of dogs, especially if they move a lot, needs to consume fat. In fact, dogs do not get energy from carbon hydrates, as is the case with humans, but they need quality fats.
The puppies
Poor quality fats are very bad for dogs. A puppy suffering from obesity can even have severe developmental problems.
When your puppy is on a suitable diet that provides him with necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients, unless directed by the vet, no vitamin supplements are needed. It is essential for the dog’s life.
The products and feed on the market contain the nutrients that the dog needs to grow healthy. An excess of vitamins can cause diseases related to incorrect development and growth of the animal.
Some specialists declare that bones are not of much help in this sense, they do not help because they do not provide calcium and do not strengthen the teeth. Conversely, they can cause blockages or injuries of the esophagus and intestines, as well as producing constipation. If the dog likes to nibble, it is best to give him a toy or cowhide bones.
Another myth is that you have to give your dog only one meal a day. It has been shown that the ideal is to divide the daily amount of food into two rations : one in the morning and the other in the evening. This applies to both large and small dogs.
The necessary physical activity
It is essential for our dog to perform physical activity. If he doesn’t, his life expectancy can shorten up to five years. Animals need to discharge their energy.
Dogs need a daily routine to be programmed according to their needs. For many breeds, three walks a day are sufficient.
Some dangerous substances
Dog curiosity can be dangerous. During the daily walk they can put their snouts in inappropriate places. This happens in parks, flower beds and other places where you usually take your dog for a walk. Plants can be a vehicle or channel for poisonous and dangerous substances.
Based on the breed
Many specialists claim that some dog breeds live longer than others. The large dogs, for example, live less than small ones.
The theory says that large breed dogs consume a great deal of energy during their first few years of life and then, as they enter the stage of maturity, they become more sedentary.
Among the large breeds that do not have a long life expectancy are the Newfoundland, the Saint Bernard, the Great Dane, the Great Swiss Mountain Dog or the English Mastiff.
The environment in which the dog lives
Like nutrition, the environment or context is a fundamental variable for the dog to develop in a healthy way. If an animal grows up in an unfavorable environment, where its needs are not met and where it is not given love, there is a high probability that its life will not be very long.
Accidents
Thousands of dogs die every year from domestic or road accidents. In the first case, it is a question of intoxication caused by chemical products; in the second case, it happens because the owners do not take them for a walk on a leash.
