Understanding Pet Health and Longevity: Insights for Dog Owners
As a dog owner, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our pets is a top priority. Recent research (Farrell et al) analysing the mortality of over 53,000 deceased dogs and cats in the United Kingdom provides valuable insights into factors affecting pet health and longevity. This article will summarise key findings from the study, focusing on socioeconomic disparities, breed-specific health risks, and the role of euthanasia in pet mortality. By understanding these aspects, we can make more informed decisions to enhance the quality of life for our pets. Unlike human medicine, there is no equivalent veterinary death register, so understanding causes of mortality is not straightforward.
The research used data from SAVSNET, covering a decade of veterinary consultations. SAVSNET is hosted by the University of Liverpool and harnesses electronic health and environmental data for rapid and actionable research and surveillance. The dataset includes over 140,000 dogs and 90,000 cats. Of these, the researchers extracted data on 28,500 deceased dogs and 24,500 deceased cats. It’s interesting to see a paper based on SAVSNET data rather than VetCompass which is a data source used for numerous other studies.
Socioeconomic Disparities and Pet Health
The socio-economic analysis used postcodes and whether owners lived in rural or urban areas. One of the striking (but probably unsurprising) findings from the research is the significant correlation between socioeconomic status and the risk of premature mortality in pets. Pets in households with higher economic wealth generally have better health outcomes. This disparity is partly due to differences in access to veterinary care, diet quality, and health insurance.
In wealthier households, pets are more likely to receive regular veterinary check-ups, preventive care, and advanced medical treatments. These pets also benefit from high-quality diets, which contribute to their overall health. On the other hand, pets in lower-income households may experience limited access to veterinary services, often due to financial constraints. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, increasing the risk of premature death.
Breed-Related Health Risks
The study also highlights that the risk of premature mortality varies significantly among different dog breeds. This is influenced by the breed’s genetic predispositions, physical characteristics, and common health issues.
Dogs with short, flat faces (e.g., Bulldogs, Pugs), are particularly vulnerable. These breeds often suffer from respiratory issues due to their facial structure, which can lead to Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS). This syndrome not only affects breathing but can also lead to other health complications, including heart problems and heat intolerance. The study found that brachycephalic breeds have a 36% higher risk of premature mortality compared to other breeds.
In contrast, mesaticephalic breeds (with medium head shapes) and dolichocephalic breeds (with long heads) generally have fewer respiratory issues. These breeds tend to have longer lifespans, with median ages at death of 12.51 and 12.46 years, respectively. However, they are not immune to other breed-specific health concerns, such as hip dysplasia in larger breeds like German Shepherds and Labradors.
The Role of Euthanasia in Pet Mortality
Euthanasia is a common outcome for many pets, especially as they reach the end stages of life due to severe illness or injury. The study reported that euthanasia accounted for 99.6% of the recorded pet deaths. This high percentage suggests that many pets are euthanised to prevent further suffering from incurable conditions.
Owners and veterinarians face challenging decisions regarding the timing of euthanasia. Factors influencing this decision include the pet’s quality of life, the progression of disease, and the potential for recovery. Financial considerations also play a role, particularly for owners who may not be able to afford extensive medical treatments. Discussions about end-of-life care and the decision to euthanise can be emotionally taxing for owners, but they are essential for managing grief and ensuring that pets do not endure unnecessary suffering. Difficult as it may be, we need to prepare for the possibility of making end-of-life decisions.
Are dogs living longer?
Another 2024 paper, a Viewpoint article by Sexton et al in the JAVMA publication, discusses how we can achieve more accurate reporting of dogs’ lifespans. The paper says there is a lack of veterinary consensus on the average lifespan/life-expectancy of the domestic dog. As with the SAVSNET paper, this is attributed partially to unavailable or inconsistent data collection on dog mortality.
This study examined several different dog ageing and mortality studies and they concluded that, contrary to what has appeared in the popular press, the median lifespan of domestic dogs has increased over the period 1981 to 2023.
There are many confounding factors that need to be controlled for in all these studies and probably the one that most people recognise is the variation in longevity depending on the size of the dog. In contrast to most of the animal world where bigger animals live longer, in dogs, it’s the small ones that live longer. A study by Da Silva et al in 2023 suggested that the decreasing lifespan for dogs with increasing body size is most likely because of selective breeding. Additionally, mutations that increase body size also increase the risk of cancer (Bartke 2020).
Conclusion
The health and longevity of your dog are influenced by a variety of factors, including breed, socioeconomic status, and access to veterinary care. By being proactive in managing these factors, we can significantly enhance our dog’s quality of life and potentially extend their lifespan. Remember, each dog is unique, and personalised care is key to ensuring a happy and healthy life for our canine companions.
References:
Farrell et al Premature mortality analysis of 53,000 deceased cats and dogs exposes socioeconomic disparities
Da Silva et al Dog lifespans and the evolution of ageing
Bartke Growth hormone and ageing
