World's Oldest Dogs Live More Than Twenty Years
How to Help Old Dogs Stay Healthy and Live a Long Life
Chanel, the dog who held the Guinness World Records title, "World’s Oldest Dog", passed away on August 28, 2009, as reported by USA Today. Belonging to Karl and Denice Shaughnessy of Port Jefferson Station, New York, the blonde wirehaired Dachshund mix had turned 21 back on May 6th. While other senior dogs, some claiming to be even older than Chanel, are vying for the title, documents must first be verified.
World’s Oldest Dog
The dog on record as the longest living ever, is Bluey, an Australian cattle dog who lived from June 7, 1910 to November 14, 1939. Surviving 29 years, he reportedly was a working sheep herder and cattle herder.
How to Help Dogs Live Longer
As much as we’d love to have them with us forever, not all dogs can live into their twenties. While most dogs live an average of 10 to 15 years, quality health care and responsible dog ownership can help our geriatric dogs live comfortably and happily into their golden years.
Weight control should be a lifelong endeavor. A 14 year study conducted at the University of Pennsylvania and published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association May 2002 issue indicated that consuming a calorie-restricted diet can help dogs to live almost 2 years longer.
Exercise appropriate for the aging dog’s ability will help to avoid obesity. The dog’s veterinarian can recommend an individualized exercise program.
Quality food formulated especially for senior dogs is important, as older dogs have a slower metabolism and different nutritional needs. Most experts recommend smaller feedings twice a day for elderly dogs.
Mobility aids such as ramps up to vehicles and furniture make life easier for the arthritic dog and can help prevent further injury.
A soft, warm bed out of drafts in winter also keeps achy joints feeling more comfortable. On the other hand, older dogs are at higher risk for heat stroke and need to be kept cool in hot weather.
Fresh water should be kept in several different places for easy access. Staying hydrated is important however, many older dogs with aches and pains may put off going for water if it is not convenient. Various levels of cognitive dysfunction may also affect their ability to find the water bowl.
A quiet place to rest should be available for the older dog. Respect his need to escape a hectic household now and then.
Daily attention from the dog owner provides love and comfort for the geriatric dog as well as early detection of any lumps, bumps or conditions in skin or coat. These and other changes such as in eating or drinking habits, urination and defecation habits, bleeding, vomiting, digestive upsets, stiffness, tremors, bad breath or inflamed gums, confusion or other behaviors out of the ordinary should be noted and reported to the veterinarian.
Twice-yearly checkups with the veterinarian are recommended even for the senior dog who appears healthy. Early detection and treatment of illnesses can mean a better prognosis.
How Long Will My Dog Live?
Typically smaller dogs have a longer lifespan than larger dogs and dogs with pointed muzzles have been reported to average a slightly longer life than dogs with flatter faces. However, dogs on average these days are living longer, healthier lives due to better health care, better nutrition, and advances in veterinary medicine.
Although their eyesight dims and hearing fades, the bonds of love grow only stronger. Not all dogs can live as long as Chanel and Bluey but our senior dogs deserve the very best care to carry them gracefully into old age.
BNC101
Source:
Small Dogs Average Longer Lifespan
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