How Long Do Greyhounds Live?
If you're trying to decide whether you want to add a greyhound to your family, you're bound to have questions, and one of the more common ones is probably how long do greyhounds live.
If you're asking about full-size greyhounds, the answer is usually between 10 and 14 years. But there are a few other things you need to know about the lifespan of greyhounds.
How Long Do Italian Greyhounds Live?
The next thing you need to know when you're asking how long greyhounds live is that there's a difference between the lifespan of full-size greyhounds and Italian greyhounds.
In fact, Italian greyhounds usually live a little longer, at about 12 to 15 years. That's common among all dog breeds. In most cases, smaller breed dogs will live a little longer than larger breeds, although in this case, the gap is not as large in other cases.
What Is the Leading Cause of Death in Greyhounds?
One of the leading causes of death in greyhounds is cancer, which they are slightly more inclined to get than some other breeds. In fact, like many other large breed dogs, they're most likely to get bone cancer.
Greyhounds, like other dogs, tend to develop cancer when they are older, but they can also develop cancer at a younger age, and if they do, treatment will usually include surgery and possibly chemotherapy.
Greyhounds, like another large breed, deep-chested dogs, are also a little more prone to bloat or torsion as it's sometimes caused. This is a potentially fatal condition that occurs when the stomach twists on its own axis, trapping gasses and contents. It's always a medical emergency that requires surgery.
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What Age Do Greyhounds Slow Down?
It's not uncommon to ask what age you can expect your greyhound to slow down! They're pretty speedy dogs, after all.
However, the answer to this question is less about age and more about conditions and lifestyle.
A greyhound that is in good health and has been getting regular exercise can be active well into their golden years, much like any other dog breed.
Often, dogs that are in good health will stay active for their whole lives, and some will never stop being active - although they will certainly appreciate naps and breaks more!
What's the Oldest Greyhound?
While most dog age records aren't breed specific, there was a greyhound named Myka who lived in Oklahoma that made the news for being 19.5 years old in 2012. As far as we know, they were the oldest greyhound out there.
Is Arthritis Common in Greyhounds?
Unfortunately, arthritis is something that many greyhounds will develop as they get older. Some might have much milder symptoms than others, but some might be quite stiff, especially in the morning or when they get up from a nap.
This is known as osteoarthritis, and it's simply caused by the padding in joints wearing out with age and the bones (hence the osteo) rubbing together a little more.
Your dog does not have to suffer with arthritis, though, and your veterinarian can definitely recommend medications and lifestyle changes that can help.
How Can You Extend Your Greyhound's Life As Much As Possible?
If you've got your heart set on adding a greyhound to your family, you naturally want to know how to help them live as long and healthy a life as possible.
Sometimes, there are things you can't help, like genetic conditions or cancer, but there are some things you can do to give your greyhound the longest, happiest, and healthiest life possible. These include:
- Never skip veterinarian checkups - just like humans, the sooner any health conditions that could be a problem are caught, the better the chance your greyhound will make a full recovery - so make sure you go to all your annual checkups and keep their vaccinations up to date
- Don't forget dental health care - there are so many new studies that show that a dog's dental health has a direct correlation with their lifespan, so make sure your greyhound's teeth are in top condition!
- Watch your greyhound's weight - being overweight or obese is bad for any dog and any breed, but dogs with narrower frames like a greyhound, will feel the effects even more.
- Keep them active - greyhounds are bred to run, and they don't do well with a sedentary lifestyle.
Now that you know how long greyhounds usually live and what you can do to extend their life as long as possible, we hope that you won't make longevity your only consideration when choosing a dog breed for your family.
There are no guarantees when you bring any dog home, and it's far more important that you love the breed - and the dog - for as long as they are with you. So let your heart tell you which breed, type or dog you should get!