Generally speaking, the law of nature is that the larger a mammal is, the longer its lifespan is. For example, elephants in their natural habitat can live to be 60 years old, while squirrels only live about 6 years.

However, this rule does not apply to dogs.

On the contrary, small dogs live longer than large dogs. For example, Yorkshire terriers can live 13 to 16 years, while Great Danes live only about half.

Why is this? What can we do to extend their lifespan as much as possible?

Large dogs vs small dogs

A 2013 study showed that large dogs live shorter lives because they grow faster and thus age faster, putting them at greater risk of death as they age. Typically, a large dog can gain 4.4 pounds in one month. The study also suggested that it may be due to "natural selection", which is the long-term selection of dog breeds by humans, which has led to the evolution of "fast growth" characteristics in today's large dogs.

And research from Colgate University brings us a deeper explanation. They looked at the levels of free radicals associated with aging in both large and small dogs. The results showed that adult large dogs and small dogs had the same free radical levels, but young large dogs had excess free radicals in their cells that were unable to be neutralized by antioxidants, causing them to begin suffering oxidative damage earlier than small dogs. , and also start aging earlier.

Free radicals and antioxidants

So, what do free radicals and antioxidants, these two seemingly too technical terms mean? Free radicals are a group of unstable molecules. They need to find stable molecules in our bodies to steal electrons and make themselves stabilize, while otherwise intact cells become damaged. In this process, new unstable molecules will be produced, creating a vicious cycle. Free radicals are inevitable, both in humans and canines, as they are generated during our daily activities. Diet, stress, strenuous exercise, pollution, and even sun exposure can all contribute to the formation of free radicals.

Free radicals can erode intact cells in the body, leading to disease

Antioxidants are powerful weapons against free radicals. It counteracts the effects of free radicals and helps protect body organs from damage. But when antioxidants are insufficient to fight free radicals, the body will experience oxidative stress, causing cell damage, accelerated aging, and leading to diseases such as cancer.

Antioxidant supplement

From this point of view, starting from childhoodStarting to supplement large dogs with sufficient amounts of antioxidants can eliminate excess free radicals, thereby delaying the aging of dogs and extending their lifespan. So, what channels can provide dogs with rich antioxidants?

In terms of ingredients, vitamin E, vitamin A, vitamin C, carotenoids and selenium are all powerful antioxidants. You can usually pay attention to the ingredient list on dog food and buy dog ​​food with high antioxidant content; in addition to dog food, experts also recommend providing natural diet for dogs. Fresh meats, vegetables, and fruits can all provide your dog with a rich source of antioxidants. Here, I will list a few for you:

Vitamin A and carotenoids: Found in liver and brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, broccoli, carrots and pumpkin

Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits and strawberries, as well as green peppers, broccoli and other vegetables

​Vitamin E: Found in nuts and seeds

Selenium: Found in protein-rich foods such as nuts, fish, chicken and beef

In fact, whether it is a large dog or a small dog,

Antioxidants can help delay their aging.

While everyone pays attention to sun protection and antioxidants,

You should also pay attention to giving your dog antioxidants,

Let each other’s company last longer~

Reference:

Kraus, C.et al. (2013). The Size–Life Span Trade-Off Decomposed: Why Large Dogs Die Young. The American Naturalist, 181(4), 492-505. doi:10.1086/669665

Choi, C. Q. (2013). “Why Small Pups Outlive Large Dog Breeds.” Live Science. Retrieved 29th May 2019, from https://www.livescience.com/27676-why-small-pups-outlive-large-dogs. html

Dr. Becker. (2017). “New Study about Animal Longevity Turns Up Weird Anomaly.” Healthy Pets. Retrieved 29th May 2019, from https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2017/03/22/large-dogs-die-younger .aspx

Dr. Becker. (2018). "Nature's Answer to Inflammation, Help Safeguard Your Pet's Health and Longevity." Healthy Pets. Retrieved 29th May 2019, from https://healthypets.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/archive/2018/ 07/08/antioxidants-benefit-pets-health-longevity.aspx

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Article source: Mars Petcare Academy