Can overweight dogs live long

Is amputation fair? How well do dogs really cope?

Most of us have seen a three-legged dog running about looking happy and playing fetch without a care in the world. We may not have initially noticed that they only had three legs because they have adapted so well to life with a missing limb. The truth is that many dogs cope very well on three legs. Limb amputation is a common surgical procedure whereby part or all of a limb is removed. Amputation is performed to improve the quality of life of a pet when they are suffering from a painful disease or injury. Amputation of a limb doesnt need to be the end of the world, it is often the beginning of a new, pain-free one.

Nevertheless, this is a difficult decision to make for your pet. Your vet will be there to answer your questions and support you throughout the process. Keep reading below to find out more about the reasons for limb amputation! Well also look at ways of assessing how your pet will cope with it, and how best to aid their recovery after surgery.

Why is limb amputation performed?

Limb amputation is major surgery and the decision to perform it is not taken lightly. Your vet will only recommend amputation if they believe your dog will cope well with it and that it will improve their quality of life. Limb amputation is performed to give your pet a better life than they already have, by removing a source of pain and enabling them to move around without hindrance.

There are many reasons why your vet may suggest amputation, which include the following:

• Cancer such as a bone tumour. This is a painful condition and may also spread to other body parts if not removed.
• Accidents or injuries severe fractures or dislocations may not be repairable. They can also be a source of pain or disability for your pet.
• Nerve damage a limb may not be able to function efficiently when a nerve is damaged. The injury may inhibit your pets movement or put your pet in danger as the limb may get trapped.
• Any painful condition that cannot be managed.

Making a difficult decision

The decision whether to perform an amputation will depend on many different factors, including the age, size and breed of your dog. Older dogs may have other health concerns such as arthritis. This may make it difficult for your pet to support its weight on three legs. Smaller breed dogs will often adapt better than large or overweight dogs.

The underlying reason for your pets amputation may alter your decision about whether this procedure is right for your pet. In some tumour cases, amputation is not a cure. Some pets may benefit from additional treatments such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy (treatments aimed at destroying cancerous cells). It is important to discuss your concerns with your vet so that you can make the right choice for your pet.

Helping your dog adapt to life on three legs

Post-op recovery

It is important to follow the vets after-care instructions to reduce the risk of complications after your pets limb amputation surgery. This will involve strict rest and keeping them comfortable for the initial 10-14 days after surgery. Your pet will be given pain killers and any additional medication deemed necessary. You should monitor the wound daily for any bleeding, swelling or discharge and contact your vet should this happen.

It is important to prevent your pet from licking their wound by using an anti-licking device. Ensure your pet is well-rested to give it the best chance of a speedy recovery. Providing deep-padded bedding for your pet to lie on will allow them to rest comfortably. It is possible for pets to suffer from phantom limb pains after amputation, therefore, if you have any concerns during your pets recovery process, you should contact your vet for advice. (There are now medications that can help manage this pain if needed).

Physiotherapy

It will take your pet time to adapt to life on three legs. It is important not to rush their recovery. Dont encourage your dog to do too much too soon, no matter how much they would like this. They may fall over and injure themselves whilst adapting to balancing on three legs. They will need to build muscle in their remaining limbs so ask your vet about controlled strength-building exercises. Your vet may recommend that you visit a veterinary physiotherapist.

Your pet wont appear as fit as they previously did. Walking on three legs will take a lot more effort so it is important to be patient with their recovery. Short lead walks will take a lot more energy so some people consider alternative forms of exercises such as hydrotherapy (controlled swimming) to build up muscle and stamina. This will be fun and easier on their joints.

Keep a close eye on your pets weight, it will be more important than ever to ensure your pet is kept in ideal body condition. Weight gain makes it more difficult for your pet to cope on three legs. During the early stages of your pets recovery, they may be more prone to weight gain as they will be less active than their former four-legged self.

Other adaptations

Your dog is likely to find it more difficult getting about and may struggle to access their home comforts such as furniture or beds or even their food or water. Ramps and steps can be used around the house in order to help your best friend navigate their home in a safe manner and without the need to jump. You may need to re-think the layout of some of your home. Make it more user friendly to a three-legged dog. For example, replacing laminate flooring with rugs or carpets so that they do not slip or fall.

Other household pets may be confused by the change in their companion and may initially be sad that they are unable to play with them. Therefore, re-introduce pets slowly to the patient and monitor them closely to ensure they are both kept safe. If you are worried about your dogs adjustments or recovery, then contact your vet for further advice.

Summary

Limb amputation is major surgery and one of the most difficult decisions to make for your pet. The procedure is used to alleviate pain and suffering from a variety of diseases and illnesses. Most dogs adapt extremely well to their new life on three legs. Your dog will need time to adapt initially but there are many things we can do to aid this process. Your vet will help support you both in making this decision for your pet and during the recovery period.

Dog Life Expectancy Chart: How Long Do Dogs Live?

Larger animals tend to live longer than smaller ones (most of the time). Think about it: humans live longer than cats, which live longer than a rat, which live longer than a fly. But why isnt this true when it comes to animals within the same species, like dogs and even humans?

Looking at ourselves, a person who weighs 150 pounds will most likely live longer than a person who weighs 300 pounds. They live longer because of increased health risks for a person who weighs 300 pounds. The same goes for larger vs smaller dogs.

When it comes to dogs life expectancy, how can you compare a Great Dane to a Chihuahua? Their anatomic builds are completely different, and their lifespans reflect this. Beyond size, is there an average dog lifespan based on breed or other factors? Yes. I explore the answers to these questions: How long do dogs live? and What is the dog lifespan by breed?

What Determines A Dogs Lifespan?

Are you curious about ways you can help your pup live a longer, happier life? Below are some factors that help determine a canines lifespan.

Care

As an owner, you can impact the care you provide for your dog. Think of yourself as your dogs parent. A dog with a proper, nutritious diet and exercise can live longer than one without. In addition, taking your furry friend to the veterinarian for annual wellness exams and getting her booster shots can result in a healthy dog with a longer lifespan.

Size

Research shows thatlarger dogs live for a shorter period of time compared to smaller ones. For example, an Irish Wolfhound (average 115 pounds) has an average lifespan of eight years, while a Jack Russell Terrier (average of 15 pounds) can live up to 13-16 years. Medium-size dogs like the French Bulldog live between 10 and 13 years. Below, you can see the average lifespan of dogs based on size.

• Small dogs: 10-15 Years
• Medium dogs: 10-13 Years
• Large Dogs: 10-12 years
• Giant Dogs: 8-10 years

Purebred Dogs vs Mixed-Breed Dogs

Inbreeding or pure breeding can reduce canines lifespans. Cross-breed dogs have a longer lifespan than purebred dogs due to greater genetic diversity. Purebred dogs are at risk of carrying genes for illnesses that are common to that specific breed. Further, mutts who have at least two breeds tend to have the fewest health problems and live longer than their purebred counterparts.

Not Sure Of Your Dogs Breed Mix?

If you are unsure of your dogs breed mix, try a DNA test kit to find out. Options like Wisdom Panel can give detailed insight into your pups breed as well as genetic health conditions. Learn more in our full Wisdom Panel review with personal experience.

Spayed Or Neutered

Spaying and neutering a puppy at a relatively young age can positively affect a dogs lifespan. Most studies recommend surgical sterilization before five months of age for small breed dogs and 12-15 months for larger breed house dogs.

Studies suggest that these surgeries can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer in dogs especially cancers affecting the ovaries, breast, and testicles.

Recent studies show that these benefits may or may not be completely accurate, but there is no question that your life will be easier without a litter of puppies, and this will be less stress on your pup, which could mean a longer life.

Canine Genetic Age Testing With A DNA Test

Do you want to find out your pets biological age? Embark makes it simple to determine your dogs true age with its Dog Age Test which measures your pups DNA methylation. As your dog ages, the level of DNA methylation changes in a predictable way.

Embark uses the amount and position of DNA methylation as a type of clock to estimate age. Order a kit, send in your sample, and get the results back in four to five weeks. Visit Embark DNAs website to learn more and buy a test.

Dog Breed Life Expectancy Chart: 20 Most Popular U.S Breeds

Below is a dog life expectancy chart sorted by the 20 most popular registered breeds in the US.

What Is The Longest Living Dog Breed?

Small breeds with long noses are generally the longest-lived. Chihuahuas are usually referred to as the breed with the longest lifespan. They average 15-20 years and are one of the smallest dog breeds. In 2023, Spike, a Chihuahua from Ohio, was given the title of oldest dog living at the ripe old age of 24.

The Australian Cattle Dog is known for having one of the longest life expectancies. There are records of Australian Cattle Dogs that have lived 20 years or longer. In fact, the longest-living dog verified, according to Guinness World Records, was a female Australian Cattle Dog named Bluey, who lived 29 years and five months.

10 Longest Lived Dog Breeds

Recent research published in the journal Scientific Reports in February 2024 examined the longevity of companion animals. The researchers studied over 580,000 companion pups. This study revealed a wealth of information on the differences in breed life expectancy. The ten dog breeds that are least likely to have an early death and their average life expectancy are listed below, according to this research.

10 Dogs With Short Life Expectancies

Youll notice that most dogs in this chart are larger breeds. As mentioned above, larger dogs tend to have shorter lifespans than smaller ones. Some believe this is because large breeds age more quickly. For example, a Great Dane can gain 100 pounds from its day of birth to its first birthday, whereas a Shih Tzu can weigh up to 15 pounds in its entire lifespan. Below is a table of 10 dogs with short lifespans.

Dog Breeds At Risk Of An Early Death

A breeds average lifespan does not determine how long any individual dog is going to live. Some breeds are at a higher risk of early death, even if they have a fairly long expected lifespan. French Bulldogs, for example, though highly popular, are one breed to be aware of. While an adorable and fantastic pet, the Frenchie is predisposed to poor health. Due to their flat faces, this and other brachycephalic breeds are prone to respiratory issues.

The Caucasian Shepherd, Presa Canario, Cane Corso, Mastiff, Saint Bernard, Bloodhound, Affenpinscher, Neapolitan Mastiff, and Bulldog are other breeds identified in recent studies as having a high risk of earlier death.

Common Causes Of An Early Death For Dogs

Unfortunately, expected and average lifespans are just estimates. Many things can cause a dog to live less than its breeds expected longevity. In dogs younger than two years old, infectious diseases, trauma, sudden illness, and congenital diseases are the leading causes of early death. Larger pups are more susceptible to cancer, which is the leading cause of early death in bigger breeds.

Canine obesity also affects lifespan and can cause early death. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates up to 59% of dogs in the United States, Canada, and Europe are overweight or obese. Research done by Banfield Pet Hospital shows that dogs can lose up to two and a half years of their lifespan if they are overweight.

How Can I Extend My Dogs Life?

If you could give your dog medication to help keep her in your life longer, would you buy it? Thats precisely whatLoyal is working on right now. Loyal is a team of vets, scientists, and dog lovers striving toward reducing underlying causes of aging in dogs and delaying disease by developing a drug.

Also, consider pet insurance for your pup to help extend their lifespan as much as possible by getting them vet care when needed without worrying about the cost. Insurance cannot directly increase your pups lifespan, but insured dogs often live longer because their owners take them to the vet when something pops up, which allows vets to diagnose and address a condition sooner. Read ourpet insurance reviewsto learn more and get a quote for your dog in our short form below.

There are other ways to help keep your dog healthy and help her live a longer life. The best thing you can do is give your dog adequate exercise daily and make sure youre feeding them a healthy, well-rounded diet. All-natural, fresh dog food is gaining in popularity, and perhaps its something youd like to consider for your pup. Weve tried and reviewed some of the best dog food delivery servicesto help you decide if youd prefer a more traditional kibble or fresh, homemade dog food.

Frequently Asked Questions

There are hundreds of questions about dog lifespan. Below, Ive covered a few of the most frequently asked. If I didnt get to yours, let me know in the comments.

Do female dogs live longer than male dogs?

In some cases, yes. Spayed female dogs live much longer than intact males. Spayed and neutered male and female dogs both live longer than those left intact. Among intact dogs, males tend to live a little longer.

Can a dog live 20 years?

In some cases, dogs can live 20 years, but that is a very old age for a dog. This leads to another question: Can dogs live 30 years? It is incredibly rare for a dog to live 30 years, but there have been claims of such. To date, none of these claims have been verified.

Does having puppies really shorten a dogs lifespan?

This is a widespread theory but not necessarily true. Simply becoming a mother dog and carrying puppies does not shorten a female dogs lifespan. Pregnancy comes with risks, and having puppies too early or too late in life can further the complications and risks. Learn more about dog pregnancy tests here. Older dogs are at a much higher risk of complications and even death during pregnancy. A dogs overall health and care at the time of pregnancy are also factors.

An Active Pup Is A Healthy Pup

Regardless of breed, keeping your pup active will help them live a healthy and happy life. All breeds, regardless of size, need daily exercise. A daily walk is a special bonding time, keeps you active, and is good for your health, too. Learn more in our guide about how often and how long to walk your dog. We also cover step-by-step instructions on how to teach your dog to fetch. A simple yet timeless game, chasing after that ball never gets old and is top-notch canine exercise.

Why Trust Canine Journal

Danielle has shared a special bond with dogs since childhood. She has over 30 years of experience with breeds of all sizes and dogs with special needs. Danielle is a dedicated professional researcher and pet product reviewer. She spends countless hours researching the latest pet care, health, food, and training developments to help owners learn whats behind the label.