Despite the differences between cats and dogs, both pets are living longer than ever before. Dog life expectancy has doubled in the past 4 decades, and housecats now live twice as long as their feral counterparts. The reasons can largely be chalked up to better health care and better diet.
Did dogs used to live longer?
Recent studies have shown that our pets are living longer than ever: the average life expectancy of dogs increased from 10.5 years to 11.8 years between 2002 and 2016. This is partly due to a shift in perspective in how people think of their furry friends.
How long did dogs live in 1900?
An Aside on Lifespans In 1901, the average human lifespan in the United States was 49 years; today it is 77. Similarly, today's dogs live much longer lives than their century-old ancestors (less than 20% of dogs lived past age six in 1900, as opposed to 44% in 2010).
How long did dogs live in the 1970s?
Back in the 1970s, Golden Retrievers routinely lived until 16 and 17 years old. Golden Retrievers are now living from 10 to 14 years old. Golden Retrievers die mostly of bone cancer, lymphoma and a cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed in the country.
Could dogs ever live as long as humans?
Even if you helped your dog stay as healthy and disease-free as possible, it's a wretched truth that they simply cannot live as long as the average human.
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