Your dog can’t tell you when something’s off, but their body can. Their behavior, weight, and even their breed can talk so loudly when it comes to life expectancy. Here are 10 signs your dog could die too young, and the heartbreaking part is, some of them aren’t preventable.
10. Excess Weight
Obesity is a known threat not just to human life, but also to our furry friends. Studies show that the average life span is shorter in overweight dogs, compared to lean or “fit” dogs. Even being moderately overweight could slash your pup’s life expectancy by nearly two years. Obesity can also lead to an increased risk of diabetes and heart disease in dogs.
9. Being a Large Dog Breed
If you’re a proud parent of a Saint Bernard, Great Dane, or another gentle giant, here’s the truth: your dog might not be around for as long as your neighbor’s Chihuahua. That’s because larger dogs generally have shorter lives. To compare, Poodles average over 14 years, while Great Danes average just 6 years. But take this with a grain of salt, as Border Collies, despite being medium-sized, can live as long as terrier breeds.
8. Aggressive Behavior
Ever saw your sweet pup growl over their food, snap at strangers, or show fear-based aggression? It’s a sign that they’re on a dangerous path. Behavioral issues, including aggressive behavior, are among the common reasons of euthanasia in young dogs. But here’s the more crucial part: these behaviors are often manageable when caught early and addressed with your local vet.
7. Being a Purebred Dog
Aside from size, breed can affect your dog’s lifespan. Multiple studies suggest that purebred dogs live up to a year less than mixed breeds. This doesn’t mean, though, that mixed breeds are superior. It’s just that purebreds are more likely to develop health conditions that are common in their family tree. For instance, German Shepherds often get hip dysplasia because it runs in their family lines.
6. Neutering Too Early
The neutering debate is still ongoing, but here’s what’s clear: getting the timing wrong might do more harm than good for your pup. Vets agree that when you neuter a dog before they reach six months, you’re removing hormones (testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen) that are also crucial for bone health and development.
5. Escape Artist Behavior
The panic is real when your furry Houdini roams and escapes the yard. While it looks like a harmless mischief, this behavior can pose a threat to your pet’s life. Attempts to escape often leads to road accidents, which are among the common causes of death in young dogs. It’s not just about having better fencing. It’s also crucial that you train your dog properly.
4. Existing Health Conditions
Here’s another heartbreaking reality: young dogs aren’t invincible. Conditions like heart murmurs, epilepsy, and chronic diseases can affect young dogs. Some puppies are also born with heart abnormalities, hence the importance of initial veterinary visits. Watch out for warning signs like sudden changes in your dog’s condition or irregular heartbeats—they’re never too young for this.
3. Poor Diet and Nutrition
The pet food market has never been so alive. While you’re looking at so many options today, all of them aren’t created equal. If you’re feeding your dog with foods loaded with preservatives, artificial colors, and other additives, this can have negative health consequences. Also, remember that poor diet and nutrition create a perfect storm for obesity in dogs.
2. Cancer Development
Sadly, you have to face the cancer reality even if your dog is just two years young. Recent studies estimated that one in four dogs over 2 years old dies of cancer, with the rate increasing in older dogs. The Animal Cancer Foundation also confirmed that about 6 million cancer diagnoses are made in dogs annually. Our advice? Don’t ignore abnormal swellings or sores in your dog.
1. Over-Vaccination
Yes, there is such a thing as over-vaccination. Vet science has evolved dramatically in the past decades, and annual vaccinations are no longer considered the gold standard for responsible pet parenting. Not all vaccines require yearly boosters, and for dogs with low-risk lifestyles, they may be given certain vaccines on a three-year schedule. As always, check with your vet to confirm what’s best for your dog.