Blackdogs Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Genetics aside, what do you think is the single most important environmental factor affecting canine longevity? I used to think it was nutrition, until I met several healthy aged dogs who were fed 'substandard' food. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vehs Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I'm hoping love and my sheer willpower :smurf: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosmolo Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Levels of stress. Nutrition. (though i do think genetics will overpower most things in this regard) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdogs Posted May 30, 2013 Author Share Posted May 30, 2013 Levels of stress. Nutrition. (though i do think genetics will overpower most things in this regard) Yeah, in the human population it seems to be the people who have a purpose, keep themselves busy, enjoy life and are content that live the longest. Stress levels would definitely play into this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Staffyluv Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Having a dog diagnosed with a terminal illness and being told that dogs with his disease at that stage live on average 12-18 months, I can tell you sheer willpower on the humans behalf to keep them healthy and happy make a big difference. I changed Ollie's diet, added holistic treatment, walked him every day (even if all he could manage was to get out of the car and sit at the park in the sun). He was a happy boy and I truly believe that caring for them and keeping them happy makes all the difference in the world. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackdogs Posted May 30, 2013 Author Share Posted May 30, 2013 Having a dog diagnosed with a terminal illness and being told that dogs with his disease at that stage live on average 12-18 months, I can tell you sheer willpower on the humans behalf to keep them healthy and happy make a big difference. I changed Ollie's diet, added holistic treatment, walked him every day (even if all he could manage was to get out of the car and sit at the park in the sun). He was a happy boy and I truly believe that caring for them and keeping them happy makes all the difference in the world. Certainly loving someone and being loved must have an impact. It sounds like you loved Ollie a lot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bjelkier Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dory the Doted One Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 The single most? A happy, active, interesting life. But I think everything together adds too. Genetics, nutrition, activity etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) Genetics mainly, other than that I think it comes down to quality of life. Edited May 30, 2013 by Aussie3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackC Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 So to sum it up there is no single most important environmental factor to effect longevity in a dogs life, just treat with respect & love, feed them, wash them, cuddle them, play with them and fate will decide the rest :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Starkehre Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) Exercise - (physical and mental)... type, quantity and regularity. Still think genetics possibly plays the biggest roll, but you did say genetics aside :) Edited May 30, 2013 by dyzney Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Some part has to be genetic as its a breed thing and the health of the parents and grandparents impact too, but I believe its about the immune system. Stress, chemicals and nutrition,exercise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandgrubber Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 After spending many hours looking up cause/age of death for various breeds on the Finnish KC's database, I'd say temperament and care. The dominant cause of early mortality for many breeds is accidents. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diva Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) Setting genetics aside, regular exercise and weight management would be my picks. Plus, as sandgrubber said, good management and care to avoid accidental death, and also to catch health issues early. Edited May 30, 2013 by Diva Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little Gifts Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I'm going with weight management as overweight dogs are prone to illnesses that can shorten their lives. Large overweight dogs might also suffer mobility problems that shorten their lives. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salukifan Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 I think it's a combination of genes and good husbandry. You'd expect dogs from long lived breeds/parents to live longer. But keeping your dog fit and in good health and things like regular chiro also assist IMO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
raineth Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 hard to pick one, but my top three would be: fulfilling life (social and mental needs met). Being physically fit. Having access to a place that they feel safe enough and comfortable enough to fully relax and go to sleep. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westiemum Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 hard to pick one, but my top three would be: fulfilling life (social and mental needs met). Being physically fit. Having access to a place that they feel safe enough and comfortable enough to fully relax and go to sleep. Good list Raineth - and I add human grade unprocessed food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loving my Oldies Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 Levels of stress. Nutrition. (though i do think genetics will overpower most things in this regard) I know you said aside from genetics, Blackdogs, but I feel the same as Cosmolo. When you've been associated with rescue and seen some of the most comprised dogs you can imagine, you'd think it would have to be good genes pulling them back from the brink once they have access to medication, good food, safe and loving surroundings, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Diva Posted May 30, 2013 Share Posted May 30, 2013 (edited) I agree genetics is number 1. But it is interesting that some people mention diet and human grade food - I used to think so but like the OP I have known some very long lived healthy dogs who had been fed low quality diets their whole lives. Really, really crappy diets for some of them. But still lived well passed average age. The only common denominator amongst them was very regular exercise, and not being allowed to get fat, which has become something I rate more highly as a result. I still feed a good diet of course, but I am not sure it is as important as exercise in helping them live longer? Not for the big dogs anyway. Edited May 30, 2013 by Diva Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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