We wish our pets lived as long as we do but the sad truth is they have a shorter life span than we do. Whether you are wondering how much time you have left with your furry friend, or you're looking into how long of a commitment a pet will be, our Denver vets have the answers you are looking for.
How Long Will My Pet Live?
Every day, our veterinarians see a large number of patients in our Denver animal hospital, and their owners (especially new owners) frequently want to know how long their pets will live. When determining how long your pet will live, there are several factors to consider. The most important factor is their species; cats and dogs obviously have different life spans, but dog lifespans can vary between breeds.
Dogs
There are many things that can determine a dog's lifespan such as their size, the care they receive, whether they are spayed or neutered, and their genetic dispositions.
Size
The size of your dog will greatly affect its lifespan, for instance, the larger the dog the shorter its expected life will be.
An Irish wolfhound, one of the world's largest dogs, has an expected lifespan of 7 years, whereas a small Jack Russel terrier is expected to live 13 to 16 years, and a medium-sized dog could live 10 to 12 years.
Their Breed
Cross-bred dogs have a longer lifespan than purebred or inbred dogs. Inbred dogs are more likely to carry genes for illnesses common to their breed.
“Mutts” who have at least two breeds and commonly more tend to have the least health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.
Care
As an owner, you have the responsibility to take proper care of your pet, and those who receive diligent preventive care with annual wellness checkups and vaccinations in our Denver animal clinic tend to live longer than those who do not.
Spayed or Neutered
Spaying or neutering your pet can actually help extend their life because it not only prevents unwanted puppies from entering shelters, but may also help prevent some serious cancers that affect the ovaries, breast, and testicles.
Cats
Cat's age ranges can vary for a number of reasons including their lifestyle, and the care that their owners provide to them.
Lifestyle
Indoor cats live longer lives than unsupervised outdoor cats. The average indoor cat lives to be about 14 years old; some live longer, but outdoor cats only live to be about 7 years old. Cats who live indoors are less likely to be killed by wildlife or hit by cars than those who live outside, which is the most common reason for this difference in lifespan.
Care
Cats who receive proper preventive veterinary care, such as routine checkups, parasite prevention, and vaccinations, will live longer lives. The disease will not only be prevented, but their vet will examine them on a regular basis, allowing them to detect any emerging health issues before they become major problems.
It is important to remember that the average age range does not always apply to all pets. You could take the best care of your pet and provide the best veterinary care possible, and they could live past their expected life span, or they could fall ill for no apparent reason, drastically reducing their life. It is critical to cherish every moment you spend with your pet.