Adopting a dog is a hugely rewarding activity. We are loyal to a fault, immensely loving, and can be your companions for life. Well, for as long as our lives last. It is heartbreaking, but dogs die earlier than humans. Many dog owners live in fear of the inevitable death of their beloved pets. Spending 8 to 18 years of your life with someone can make them feel like a family member. When we die, the pain is similar to that of losing a close person.
Statistics
On average, a dog’s life span is about 12 years and 8 months. Only 8% of dogs live beyond the age of 15 years. 64% of us die early due to a medical condition or were euthanized due to a disease or accident. 16% of dogs die because of cancer, and almost 8% due to heart failure.
While nobody can predict how long a person or a dog will live, it is possible to get an estimate. After conducting surveys and doing extensive research, a list of various dog breeds and their life expectancy has been compiled. According to the list, New Guinea Singing dog can live for 18 years, Chihuahua for 17 years, Jack Russel Terrier, Toy Poodle, and Cockapoo can live for 16 years. Thes longs are some of the longest living dog breeds.
Dachshunds can die in between the period 12-14 years of age. Chanel was the world’s oldest living dachshund. She lived in the US with her owner Denice Shaughnessy and lived to be 21 years old. Chanel died at home in 2009 of natural causes.
In general, it has been observed that small dogs tend to live longer than their bigger counterparts. Hence, a miniature dachshund will live for longer than a standard one. Moreover, when both parent dogs are from the same species, then illnesses common in those species get carried forward through the pup. Hence, purebred dogs die faster than crossbred dogs.
Many of us dachshunds die young due to infections or a congenital disease. A high percentage of dachshunds die due to a neurologic disorder. Another common cause of death amongst many smooth dachshunds is heart failure.
Signs That Your Dog is Getting Old and Dying
You need to start looking for signs that your dog is aging to make their farewell comforting and filled with love. The hair of some dogs even starts greying as they get older. However, most signs are not visible. There are some signs that you might see in a dying or aging dog:
- Unclear Vision: As we age, our eyes get weaker. Cloudy or wet eyes could be a sign that we are having trouble getting a clear vision.
- Inactiveness: We are a naturally energetic breed of dogs. However, as we get old, we get weaker. We might not be as enthused about playtime or a walk in the park as we used to be. Our sleeping time and quality of sleep can also get impacted.
- Frequent Urination: If a dog urinates more frequently than they used to, then it could be caused by a weakened control over their bladders. Lack of power on the bladder can lead to a lapse in their housetraining. You might have to deal with stained bedsheets and frequent in-house peeing, yet again.
- Labored Breathing: As we get weaker, our heartbeat becomes slow, and our breathing becomes labored.
- Skin: As a sign of dehydration, our skin becomes dry and pale.
If you want your dog to live a longer life, you need to take care of us. Balanced diets, regular exercise, and a happy environment can go a long way in keeping us healthy.
Balanced Diet
Make sure that we do not overeat and become obese. Dachshunds are genetically and structurally prone to suffer from back issues, and our weight must be regulated to protect us from Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). In addition, we will need changes to our diet as we get older. Some additional supplements that contain certain vitamins and minerals can keep our bones healthy. Likewise, feeding us curd and yogurt can keep our digestive systems strong.
Spaying and Neutering
Getting us neutered or spayed can reduce the risk of certain diseases and illnesses, such as ovarian cancer and pyometra in females, and testicular cancer in males.
Regular Visits To the Vet
Getting your dog vaccinated and taking him for regular checkups can keep medical conditions at bay. Getting infected by parasites like ear mites, heartworm, roundworm, and bugs can be a painful experience for your dog. Moreover, infections are a common cause of death among dachshunds. We love to dig, and even the possibility of getting dirty cannot stop us from unintentionally ruining your backyard garden. Keep a check on our health by cleaning us thoroughly, brushing us regularly, and routinely taking us to the vet.
Death
As our end comes near, we start losing control of most of our senses. We often suffer for hours before we die as our organs start shutting down. You need active muscles to be able to open and close your eyes, which is why we die with open eyes.
Can Dogs Die Due To Distress?
If we were separated from our mother unexpectedly, we developed anxiety. Moreover, we are sensitive creatures who get easily distressed. Death from trauma is not uncommon among dogs younger than two years of age. Just like you protect your kids from harm, you need to take care of your dog’s physical and mental health to ensure safety and a longer lifespan.
Can Crying Be A Cause Of Death?
A puppy can cry himself to death. Unfamiliarity with his surroundings and separation anxiety can make a small puppy scared. Once he starts crying, you must come to his rescue and comfort him. If you leave a newly-adopted puppy at home for long hours and he starts crying, then he can die from the level of stress. Likewise, leaving a small puppy inside his crate and letting him cry is cruel and can also lead to death.
Can Dogs Sense Death’s Arrival?
There are many instances in which dogs have shown understanding when a loved one or animal is dying around them.
When someone in our owner’s family or an animal friend is about to die, we sense that their end is near. However, I’m not sure that we come to know that we’re about to die. Whether it’s because of our declining health, or a premonition of death that makes us act in strange ways, is a mystery. Vets have said that many dogs hold on to life until they’ve met all their family members before they take their last breath. During their last days, they can sometimes demand too much attention or withdraw altogether.
Whether he knows it or not, if your dog is getting old and you’re scared that he might die soon, try to showering him with all your love to help him go happily.
Conclusion
Losing your dog can feel like losing a family member. To heal, you need to process your emotions and talk about your loss, no matter how ridiculous it may seem to society.
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