Experts have identified the simplest way to help your dog live longer: regular veterinary checkups and a healthy lifestyle. Small health problems can snowball if owners aren’t regularly taking their dogs for checkups, according to researchers.
Cancer: The Leading Cause of Death
Cancer is the number one cause of death for dogs, with six million furry friends diagnosed annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. Over four million dogs die from the disease each year. Pups with poor diet and little exercise are at heightened risk, which is why ensuring they stay active and eat well is incredibly important and can help them live as long as possible, experts told The Independent. Doing that could potentially extend their life by up to 30 percent, the researchers said.
Other Major Threats
Heart disease is the second leading cause of death, driven by degenerating heart valves and heart muscle problems, explained Matthew Kaeberlein, founder and co-director of the Dog Aging Project. Trauma and accidents rank third. “The rest is largely made up of degenerative, age-related diseases. Infectious diseases do occur, but they’re relatively uncommon in dogs that receive routine veterinary care and appropriate vaccinations,” Kaeberlein said.
Obesity: A Key Contributor
Obesity is often a contributing factor in cancer, age-related diseases, and heart disease in dogs. Dr. RuthAnn Lobos, senior veterinarian at Purina, calls it the “biggest threat” to their lifespan. Purina’s groundbreaking 14-year dog lifespan study found that Labrador Retrievers fed lean meals from puppyhood into adulthood lived nearly two years longer than those fed less lean foods.
Genetics and Lifespan
Most healthy dogs typically live for 10-15 years, although smaller breeds may live into their late teens. Large breeds age more quickly and may be more likely to experience abnormal cell growth leading to cancer, says the American Kennel Club. “We do know that genetics play a really strong role in how long a dog is going to live,” Daniel Promislow, co-director of the Dog Aging Project, told The Independent.
The Importance of Regular Checkups
Beyond genetics, small health problems can snowball if owners aren’t regularly taking their dogs for checkups, especially in their senior years starting at around age 7. Owners commonly overlook oral health. “Poor dental health, particularly periodontal disease, is associated with increased risk of systemic conditions — including metabolic disease, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline and possibly cancer,” Kaeberlein said. “Taking care of a dog’s mouth isn’t just about the teeth, it appears to have whole-body benefits.”
Preventative Action
The simplest way to protect Fido is to take preventative action. That means feeding nutritious meals but not overfeeding. “Don’t overfeed, limit highly processed human foods and prioritize regular exercise,” Kaeberlein advised, noting that a recent study showed dogs that got more exercise had a significantly lower risk of cognitive decline. More regular trips to the veterinarian, vaccines, and medications to ward off pests like ticks, fleas, and heartworm are also necessary. Genetic testing may help identify specific conditions.
Environmental Factors
Like humans, dogs may be exposed to chemicals, metals, and pollution outside and inside homes, leaving them susceptible to developing cancer or other diseases. Minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants is crucial, especially for breeds known to get cancer more often due to genetics, such as Pugs, Shar Peis, and Rottweilers, according to the Animal Cancer Foundation.
Supporting Senior Dogs
Seniors need more support due to changes in the brain, gastrointestinal tract, and mobility. Arthritis is incredibly common in older dogs, so low-impact sports like frisbee or surfing, or even a walk in the park, are great ways to ensure they get movement without wearing down joints. “Talking to your dog’s veterinarian about ways to support those changes in a dog’s later years through nutrition and appropriate supplements can really help,” Lobos said.
Mental Health Matters
Don’t forget about Fido’s mental health. Recent research shows that poor mental health can manifest as physical ailments in dogs. Stressors like arguments at home can strongly impact a dog’s health, rate of disease, and survival, according to Noah Snyder-Mackler, an assistant professor at Arizona State University. “Dogs are sort of as sensitive to their social environments as humans are, in very similar ways,” he said.
A Better Future for Man’s Best Friend
While studies of humans can take decades, similar studies may only take years for dogs due to their shorter lifespan. “Because everything is sped up in the life of a dog by almost a factor of 10, there might be an opportunity to discover environmental risk factors that are impacting the health of dogs and then do targeted studies to determine if those environmental factors are also increasing disease risk in humans,” Promislow said. With advancements in understanding and treatments, humans may be able to extend a healthy lifespan by 20-30 percent, according to Kaeberlein. “And potentially more is within reach if we commit the resources to do the science properly,” he said.
