Some say yes, others say no, it is in the Genes? What do u think?

well it depends.. some breeds have a life span depends on how you take care of them..

Originally Posted by shermanf

Some say yes, others say no, it is in the Genes? What do u think?

Genetics? Yes
Nutrition? Yes
Exercise? Yes

Just as with humans, it's a balance between genetics and environment that affect our overall lifespan as well as the quality of the life we live.

There's a term, "hybrid vigor" which speaks to the fact that inappropriate breeding and overbreeding can lead to genetic defects which equate to health problems. Thus, genetics most definite plays a role. Perhaps the AKC should place more emphasis on genetic health than on appearance. Perhaps breeders should spend less time worrying about keeping their show dog's hair from breaking and more time breeding out genetic defects.

But, within that genetic pool, the dog's environment (food, water, exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional health) will also make a difference between whether the dog lives to be 8 or 16. Genetic traits are often triggered by nutrition, for example. Feed a dog chemicalized food-like substances and those triggers are more likely to be tripped.

One big issue for dogs as well as their humans is obesity. There is a huge pool of research that demonstrates that reduced body fat lengthens lifespan. As America fattens up so does American dogs and it is shortening the lifespan of both. (Go to PubMed Home and search for "calorie restriction" and see what you get....)

You know what I wish? I wish the governing agency overseeing the marketing of pet foods would start having caloric labels put on the packages, and issue a general caloric requirements guidline for dogs, based upon "optimal size," age, and activity level. I would be sooo much better at regulating my dogs' caloric intake, than I am at regulating my own.

Originally Posted by Mydogiscute

You know what I wish? I wish the governing agency overseeing the marketing of pet foods would start having caloric labels put on the packages, and issue a general caloric requirements guidline for dogs, based upon "optimal size," age, and activity level. I would be sooo much better at regulating my dogs' caloric intake, than I am at regulating my own.

It really surprises me that they don't go by calorie rather than "medium dogs get this many cups". I recently found a website that has a EDG as well. They have a spreadsheet that you can use to calculate your dog's calorie and nutrient needs based on their goal weight and activity level. This makes so much more sense. The spreadsheet is based on the 2006 recommendations of the NRC (National Research Council). This is both empowering because you have the tools to actually figure out a healthy diet for your dog and challenging because it takes some time to learn how to put together a healthy diet for your dog. Not easy but worth it.

I think, unfortunately, that for most Americans, it is easier to measure a cup or so of kibble than to think about calories and nutrients. I think the pet food industry capitalizes on that laziness.

(Oh, the website is The Possible Canine. The EDG is at yahoo groups.)

[lil mutt]

yes, like humans, our pet also need good nutrition...

[wishbone]

Originally Posted by shermanf

Some say yes, others say no, it is in the Genes? What do u think?

Definitely, and also it matters on compatibility of food to dog. Some dogs may tend to live longer when they are eating that are just enough for their energy and nutrition content rather than those food that contains higher nutrients yet the dog don't need much.

yeah I think the food you give to your pet and the proper nurturing can extend the life span of the pet.

I agree that if you feed your pets properly, they will live longer. Just like humans, proper nutrition and care is important in order to keep them in good shape.

I think so... Have you looked at the junk they put in commercial dog food?? Meat by product is horrible it left over remains of animals.... I think it is so wrong to feed our animals that garbage. All it is is a filler. Switch to organic or start cooking for your dog. You would be surprised at how healthy he will be.

[Smartdogs]

Feeding a dog well & properly will certainly ensure,
a healthier longer life for your dog.
Regular exercise is also beneficial.

[Yogi]

one thing I did not see noted in here and as one that has had and raised as well as bred for over 48 years, is stress. Undue stress just like with humans can shorten a dogs life or even a cats. Stress plays heavily with the mental state of any animal and avoiding stress is also one of the issues in conjunction with genetics, exercise and nutrition that comprise a longer healthy life.
Majority of my dogs as well as cats have lived to ripe old ages primarily because I generally never force handle them. Instead let them come to me on their terms for any attention they want at that moment and it has worked fine. They still respond to their names and come when called including my cats, but I am not one who believes grabbing them and picking them up to put them on ones lap is in anyway helping them. More so, letting them be dogs and cats is important and creates a situation with little stress.