Scientists discover why small dogs outlive larger ones – and it’s NOT because they’re more susceptible to disease
Scientists have discovered why small dogs live longer and that it is not due to them being more susceptible to disease.
Researchers from the University of Washington found that both groups suffer from the same amount of diseases, but the diseases that plague smaller canines are not nearly as severe.
They looked at 238 different breeds and found that larger dogs were more susceptible to cancer, gastrointestinal problems and infections.
While those with smaller stature were prone to eye diseases, liver problems and breathing problems.
Researchers from the University of Washington found that both groups suffer from the same amount of diseases, but the diseases that plague smaller canines are not nearly as severe.
Researchers looked at 238 different breeds and found that larger dogs were more susceptible to cancer, gastrointestinal problems and infections.
The researchers surveyed 27,541 dog owners who were asked to complete a web-based health and life experience survey through the Dog Aging Project.
Owners were asked to provide their dog’s age, exact weight, any health problems or conditions and their location, including whether they lived in an urban, suburban or rural area.
They were also asked about any previous medical diagnoses in 13 disease categories.
The team emphasized that more research is needed to clarify the links between age, size and disease prevalence.
Researchers from the University of Washington looked at 238 different breeds and found that larger dogs, such as the Japanese warrior dog tosa inu, were more susceptible to cancer, gastrointestinal problems and infections.
The results showed that dogs weighing more than 44 pounds suffered from the more extreme diseases, while smaller dogs had breathing problems, liver or pancreas diseases and eye and heart problems.
Researchers divided the dogs into subcategories based on the dog’s health status and sex, location and whether it was a pure or mixed breed.
The study found that the difference in sex and purity of the dog versus mixed breed made no difference in the results, but said the “results are consistent with shorter lifespans in larger dogs for most disease categories.”
Lead author Yunbi Nam said: ‘This study does not confirm any causal link between the dog’s size, age and disease.
‘However, the findings may help lead to a better understanding of the types of conditions that may underlie the shorter lifespans of larger dogs.
‘For example, within the disease categories examined in this study, future research could focus on age and size patterns associated with specific conditions.
‘These results provide insight into the disease categories that may contribute to shorter lifespans in larger dogs and suggest several avenues for further research.’
According to the Dog Aging Project (DAP), the study results could help veterinarians treat dogs in the future by highlighting some of the most common medical conditions that affect large breeds.
“This information is also useful in helping dog owners think about some of the health issues their dogs may face throughout their lives,” the DAP said.