Many of us grew up with dogs, some of which stick by our side to this day. If you are a Calgarian, odds are pretty good you own or have owned a pup.
In 2016, over 135,000 dogs were registered in Calgary, which is more than one dog for every ten Calgarians. Meanwhile, cat ownership declined. Checkmate, cat owners.
The love dogs have to offer is endless, but their lives are not.
It is commonly believed that a single human year is the equivalent of seven dog years. By that logic, in the four years you spent at college, 28 years passed for Sparky. This is false.
No, dogs aren’t living in a different timeline, however, their bodies age much quicker than ours. The question is, how much faster? The American Veterinary Medical Association has the answer.
According to the Association, the first year of a medium-sized dog’s life is about the same as 15 human years. That number is reduced to nine human years in the second year of their life.
After two years, every human year is approximately five years for a dog, not seven. Of course, this number varies greatly depending on the breed and size of the dog, with small dogs having longer lifespans on average.
We all know at least one feisty old small dog with plenty of bark left in them. If you live on TikTok like us, the 12-year-old long-haired Chihuahua named Pudgy is the perfect example.
Unfortunately, Pudgy passed away last year but is fondly remembered by his almost 13 million followers.
To put things in perspective, Chihuahuas can live up to 20 years, which is about ten years longer than Great Danes, one of the largest dog breeds.
You might be wondering why small dogs live longer than bigger dogs.
According to researcher Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany, every 4.4 pounds of body mass reduces a dog’s life expectancy by about a month.
Researchers still don’t know why this is, but Kraus suggests it might be because larger dogs grow faster than smaller dogs, accelerating the growth of abnormal cells and death from cancer.
Another hot theory is that since larger dogs have faster metabolisms, they generate more oxygen free radicals, which can contribute to the development of cancer and other diseases.
Top Health Concerns for Senior Dogs
Dogs are here for a good time, not a long time. However, by keeping an eye out for common health concerns, we can keep older dogs healthy and happy for longer.
A new study by a team from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom recently identified the top five health concerns that affect older pups.
Researchers gathered their findings by analyzing a database of veterinary electronic health records called the Small Animal Surveillance Network.
Ranking in first place (35%) were weight-related issues, including weight loss and being too heavy or underweight.
If you have a chunky senior dog, the sooner they start their weight loss journey, the better. Common tips for weight loss include incorporating more protein and less carbohydrates in their diet.
Coming in second (33%) were musculoskeletal problems like mobility challenges and stiffness. The best ways to prevent these issues are weight management and regular but light physical exercise.
Third on the list are dental conditions (31%) like tartar buildup and periodontal disease. There are plenty of ways to prevent dental problems including regular brushing or a professional dental cleaning.
More passive preventative measures include dental chews, food, toys, and other products. Skin problems ranked fourth (28%) and include things like lumps, infections, and hair loss.
Avoiding skin issues in older dogs can be tricky. If your older pup is having skin problems or showing signs, seek professional care from a vet.
The same goes for digestive problems like diarrhea and vomiting, which are last on the list (22%). These are the top five concerns to watch for in older dogs, but there are others.
If your dog seems wobbly when walking, lethargic, wanders at night, or appears anxious, it might be time for a checkup. Other signs include cloudy eyes, bad breath, trouble walking or running, and difficulty using the bathroom, including urinating and pooping.
That’s a lot to remember. Thankfully, the team behind the study used their findings to create an Ageing Canine Toolkit, a free online resource that includes a checklist of signs to look for.
According to the VCA Canada network of veterinary hospitals, senior dogs should be taken to the vet at least once a year, but checkups every six months are recommended.
Our beloved pups can’t stick around forever, but the impression they leave lasts a lifetime. Let’s do our best to make their time with us as comfortable as possible.
