Why You Shouldn’t Keep a Dog for More Than 10 Years
Explore the lifespan of a dog. Under normal circumstances, dogs typically live for 12 to 15 years. Without contracting serious illnesses, the average life expectancy of a dog is around 15 years; however, some exceptional dog species can live up to 20 years.
Regardless, compared to human lifespans, dogs have shorter lifespans. Our time with a dog is limited, so it’s crucial to cherish every moment we have with our canine companions each day.
Nevertheless, compared to human lifespans, dogs have shorter lifespans.
A dog’s age can be divided into four stages. The first stage is puppyhood, lasting from 0 to 6 months of age, equivalent to approximately 9 years in human terms. During this stage, puppies are often playful and adorable.
The second stage spans from 7 months to 2 years, representing adolescence, comparable to teenage years or early twenties in humans. This is the time when dogs develop rapidly and exhibit rebellious and difficult-to-control behavior.
The third stage occurs between 2 and 7 years of age, during which a dog’s physicality is equivalent to a human between 30 and 50 years old. It’s during this stage that dogs can experience various health issues.
As they reach this stage, dogs become weaker, their bodies gradually deteriorate, and their abilities diminish. They may become prone to weight gain due to reduced mobility, leading to age-related health problems such as arthritis, cancer, and cognitive decline.
As they age, a dog’s eyesight will also decline, and they may not respond as quickly as before.
As they age, a dog’s eyesight will also decline, and they may not respond as quickly as before. Diminished hearing and slowed movement are also signs of aging. Furthermore, a dog’s brain will also age, potentially leading to anxiety, forgetfulness, and in severe cases, even a lack of recognition towards their owner.
However, these factors alone are not the reason why a dog should not be kept for more than ten years, nor are they a reason to abandon the dog. After all, it has spent most of its life with its owner. The primary reason is still related to emotions.
For every family, the presence of a pet dog is significant. Apart from guarding the house, they can also be considered a companion. When a dog has been raised for more than ten years, the bond between it and its owner is no different from that of family members. Watching the dog enter old age and living in such pain can be unbearable for us.
After raising the dog day and night for over a decade, this bond becomes difficult to let go of. How can we bear to chase it away? Even if they fall ill, we will do our best to treat them, to prolong their life. Therefore, most people advise that when a dog reaches a certain age, around 8 to 9 years, owners should send their dog to nursing homes, so that both parties do not have to witness these heartbreaking moments.
Moreover, have you noticed that when a dog is about to die, it often leaves its owner and finds a place to die quietly? Many believe this is because they do not want their owner to see the process of their death. When they die, they will usually rot and breed bacteria, which will also attract natural enemies. For their owner’s safety, dogs will typically leave home in their final hours.
