EN 
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FR How old do dogs and cats get?
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By
Dr. med. vet. Sabina Büttner - May 29, 2018
We all wish, of course, that we never have to say goodbye to our beloved pets. But unfortunately, it's a fact that the life expectancy of dogs and cats is significantly shorter than that of humans. How long a pet lives is influenced by many different factors, which we will discuss in today's newsletter.
Dogs: Size Matters
Small dogs generally live a few years longer than large dogs. The average life expectancy for small dogs is between 10 to 15 years, medium-sized dogs live to be 10 to 13 years old, and large dogs live an average of 8 to 12 years. Why these differences exist is still not known for certain. However, it is suspected that the rapid growth of large breeds could increase their susceptibility to tumors.
Breed also plays an important role in how long a dog lives on average. For example, the life expectancy of Bernese Mountain Dogs is 8 years, mixed breeds 11, and Poodles 13 years.
Cats: Lifestyle Influences Life Expectancy
For cats, the living environment is the decisive factor that determines how long their lives last on average. While cats kept exclusively indoors have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, outdoor cats typically live only 6 to 8 years. This doesn't mean that outdoor cats can't also reach a respectable age. Outdoors, cats are exposed to many dangers, which results in a relatively high proportion of them dying at an age of 1 to 2 years, thus lowering the overall average life expectancy.
The Average is Rising
Fortunately, dogs and cats today live longer on average than in the past. 15-year-old dogs and 18-year-old cats are no longer a rarity! The primary reasons for this increasing life expectancy are that our pets are now better cared for and looked after, they receive better food, and veterinary diagnostic and treatment options have made great strides in recent years.
Tips for a Longer Life
Just like with us humans, it's often a matter of luck whether our pets reach a ripe old age in good health or not. Nevertheless, we can do a lot to support the health of our pets into old age:
- Feed a balanced diet appropriate for your pet's needs.
- Avoid obesity.
- Ensure even older animals get enough exercise to maintain muscle, mobility, and coordination for as long as possible.
- Have your pet regularly examined by a veterinarian.
- Have your pet regularly vaccinated and dewormed according to current recommendations.
We wish your four-legged friends a long, happy, and healthy life!
Useful information at a glance
How old do small dogs get on average?
Small dogs have an average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. However, this can vary depending on the breed and individual health factors.
Why do outdoor cats live shorter lives than indoor cats?
Outdoor cats are exposed to many dangers outdoors, which leads to a relatively high proportion of them dying at an age of 1 to 2 years. This lowers the average life expectancy to 6 to 8 years, while indoor cats live an average of 12 to 15 years.
What factors influence the life expectancy of dogs?
The life expectancy of dogs is influenced by size, breed, and individual health factors. Small dogs generally live longer than large dogs, and mixed breeds often have a higher life expectancy than purebred dogs.
How can I support my pet's health into old age?
To promote your pet's health, you should offer a balanced food, avoid obesity, ensure sufficient exercise, and carry out regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and deworming according to current recommendations.
Why do dogs and cats live longer on average today than in the past?
Dogs and cats live longer today because they are better cared for, receive higher quality food, and veterinary diagnostic and treatment options have made great progress in recent years.
