How long- Realistically ?

Jalapee

Just looking for some advice really!

I have a black lab cross dalmation- he is nearly 14 now to me he still acts like a puppy, only ever had two major things wrong with him. which do not affect him now.

I know this sounds so horrible and i feel so bad for asking this, but because he is getting older i keep thinking 'what if'. How long is the normal life span for this type dog? Or is this a stupid question? I am sorry if people think im mean for thinking and asking this! Its all crept up on me since i watched 'Marley & Me!'


Silly i know!:(

Raksha

My first dog was a Lab cross and went slowly down hill from the age of about 15, he was pts aged 17. He still managed to jump on my bed on his last night though, but his quality of life was slipping away - he was doubly incontinent for about 6 months, losing weight and generally sleeping more.

At nearly 14 he's got a few years left in him yet I should think. but when the time comes, it's better a day too soon than a day too late.

Tropez

Life expectancy is generally 10 to 14 years but there is no reason to get yourself into a panic over it because there are always exceptions to the rule.

If your dog is behaving normally then there is absolutely no reason to start worrying unnecessarily. Just enjoy yourself with him. You'll know when it is time to consider other options.

paulsad

Agreed as long as the dog has a decent quality of life - my dalmation is 13 and has to be helped to stand and stumbles a bit as well as being a bit incontinent as mentioned above; but she still eats ok and tries to be playful so not quite ready to go yet! If she were in obvious pain though or deteriorates too far with her stumbling we'll have to face the decision to have her PTS. Dreading it really, just hope she passes in her sleep one night.

Sagz_2

I'd say the average life span of a dog that size and cross is around 12 - 14 years - but remember that an average is made up of lower and higher figures, hopefully your lad will be the one that higher ones xx

1sue23

Sadly my lovely springer died on Sunday aged 14 ,he had been bunding around like a much youger dog just hours before ,he was fit right up to the last hour of his life ,no sign of illness at all,he ate his dinner came into the living room and out of the blue he started to stagger as if drunk called the vet and by the time the vet saw him he had collapsed and was pts .
Although very shocking and upsetting he had had a lovely life right to the end and he died with dignity in our arms .If I was you stop worrying and enjoy your life with your dog ,dont think about what may happen because what will be ,will be just love him while you have him .
I have lovely memories of Bob and was so lucky to have him in my life .