Having a Boston Terrier is an amazing experience, and I wouldn’t trade mine for anything in the world. The only downside of having one of these amazing pups is that eventually, it will come to an end. Other than old age, you may wonder what do Boston Terriers die from.
The leading cause of death in Boston Terriers is cancer. In older Boston Terriers, the most common cause of death is heart disease caused by valve deterioration. Additional causes of death include neurological issues, metabolic issues, and infectious diseases.
You should continue reading if you are interested in learning more about the potential causes of death for a Boston Terrier. I will also cover steps you can take to reduce the risk of death for cancer, heart disease, some metabolic issues, and infectious diseases.
The Leading Cause of Death in Boston Terriers Is Cancer
Cancer is the number one cause of death in Boston Terriers. The disease is often related to lifestyle aspects and genetic predispositions; however, there are many times when it is unknown why cancer develops. Common signs and symptoms of cancer include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Lumps
- Weight loss
- Seizures
- Circling in one direction
- Lethargy
As you can see, many of these are common symptoms of various conditions, so it is important to have a veterinarian evaluate your Boston Terrier when they present themselves.
To treat cancer, early detection is crucial. There are many options available, including chemotherapy, that could extend your dog’s life.
You can also reduce the risks of cancer through certain steps:
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Maintain a healthy weight – partner with your veterinarian for your Boston Terrier’s ideal weight
- Spay or neuter early if you are not breeding your dog
- Visit the veterinarian immediately if you notice any lumps or bumps
Heart Disease Is a Leading Cause of Death in Older Boston Terriers
A leading cause of death in older Boston Terriers is heart disease which leads to heart failure. 75% of the cases of heart disease are caused by valve deterioration. This condition is one in which a valve slowly becomes deformed, causing it to no longer close correctly. Blood will then leak back around, putting undue strain on the heart. Dogs with this condition also have a heart murmur.
There are supplements and care plans, including dental treatments, that can help prevent heart disease. Also, when the condition is caught early enough, there are management plans available to help prolong the life of your beloved dog.
Several symptoms of congestive heart failure include the following:
- Easily tiring from exercise
- Passing out
- Panting
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Decreased activity
- Weight loss
You can reduce the risk of heart disease through a healthy diet and exercise. Maintaining the ideal weight for your Boston Terrier can go a long way toward keeping him healthy, as obesity can increase his risk for heart disease.
Boston Terriers Also Have a High Rate of Death from Neurological Issues
Neurological issues are conditions of the brain and spinal cord. There are several neurological conditions that your Boston Terrier could suffer from, leading to an early death:
- Stroke
- Seizure disorders
- Disc disease that leads to paralysis
- Tumors
Having any of these conditions diagnosed early would give you the opportunity to manage them, making your Boston Terrier able to live a longer, fuller life. It’s important to have routine veterinary checkups to ensure your dog is at his peak health.
Metabolic Issues Can Be a Cause of Death
Boston Terriers may also suffer from certain metabolic disorders, which can include kidney, endocrine, and liver disease. The most common metabolic issues dogs face are diabetes and Cushing’s disease.
If you notice any of the following signs, your Boston Terrier may have diabetes and should be taken to the veterinarian:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Increased appetite
- Weight loss
- Vision problems
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Vomiting
If your Boston Terrier develops diabetes, there are treatment options to ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. You can administer insulin as necessary. Maintaining the ideal weight for your dog is also essential, so you may need to put him on a special diet while continuing with his regular exercise.
Infectious Diseases Are Also a Common Cause of Death
Infectious diseases are a common cause of death in younger Boston Terriers. The most prevalent infectious diseases include the following:
- Parvovirus
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Leptospirosis
- Lyme disease
- Heartworm disease
While that list might seem scary and overwhelming, it is very easy to protect your dog from most of these conditions. Vaccinations are critical to your Boston Terrier’s well-being. At a minimum, your puppy should be vaccinated against parvo, rabies, and distemper. Your veterinarian may also recommend leptospirosis and Lyme disease vaccinations depending on where you live and your dog’s regular activities.
You can help prevent heartworm disease with a monthly preventative medication. This medication will keep your dog safe if an infected mosquito bites him. Prevention goes a long way as heartworm treatment can take several months to completely remove all the offending pests. Additionally, the use of flea and tick preventatives will help protect against Lyme disease.
If you go into heavily wooded areas, always check your dog for ticks, removing them as quickly and efficiently as possible. Doing this will prevent the possibility of your dog contracting Lyme disease. Always ensure that you get the head when you remove the tick, and if you are uncomfortable with the process, do not be afraid to go to the veterinarian.
Final Thoughts
Prolonging the life of your Boston Terrier is an important part of being a dog parent. While they have a generally long lifespan, you can ensure they reach it by doing the right things to keep them healthy. Taking steps to reduce the risk of and getting quick treatment for the most common causes of death will help keep them healthy longer.
Boston Terriers most commonly die from heart disease, cancer, and infectious diseases. They can also die from neurological and metabolic issues. Maintaining a healthy weight and keep vaccinations up to date are an excellent way to keep your dog healthy longer.
While it can be daunting to think of all the problems your Boston Terrier could face, it is important to take the steps necessary to keep him as healthy as possible. Feeding him the right diet and keeping him on an exercise plan that is proper for him is a step in the right direction. Regular veterinary checkups will also help identify problems early on so that steps can be taken to manage and treat conditions that develop.