I’ve been lucky enough to own Boston Terriers my whole life. What’s even better is that they’re small dogs and have a relatively long life compared to larger breed dogs.
Boston Terriers have a general life span between 11 and 13 years. Some have lived as long as 15 years. Genetics, environment, diet, and health can affect their life span. Owners can make positive influences on these factors to increase their life span.
If you want to know more about the factors that affect a Boston Terrier’s life span, you should continue reading. I will also cover how you can improve your dog’s life span, giving him his best and longest life.
The Average Life Span of a Boston Terrier
You’re thinking long and hard about getting a new dog, or you just got one, and now you need to know, what is the life span of a Boston Terrier? The general life span for one of these dogs is between 11 and 13 years. However, there are documented cases of dogs living to 15.
What Factors Affect the Life Span of Boston Terriers?
Four factors will affect your Boston Terrier’s general aging: environment, health, diet, and genetics.
Genetics
Due to irresponsible breeding, Boston Terriers are prone to suffering from various genetic diseases. These include glaucoma, hemivertebrae, and cataracts. Additionally, their large heads often require cesarean delivery or, at minimum, vet assistance.
Health
Because they are brachycephalic, Boston Terriers often have difficulty breathing and overheating. Additionally, due to their prominent eyes, they frequently have complications with ocular conditions. The main problems you will come across with this breed include:
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Patellar luxation
- Hemivertebrae
- Cherry eye
- Keratitis sicca
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
Environment and Diet
Your Boston Terrier’s diet and environment can severely impact his life span. Feeding him too many processed foods, obesity, lack of exercise, exposure to toxins, and drinking chlorinated water cause harmful side effects, potentially decreasing his life span.
What Can You Do To Extend Your Boston Terrier’s Life Span?
While you cannot control your dog’s genetics, you can help change his health, environment, and diet. What you do in these areas can have a positive, long-lasting effect on his life span, allowing him to live the longest possible life.
Choose a Puppy Bred From Healthy Parents
If you haven’t already selected your dog, do some research. Find a Boston Terrier breeder that’s both reputable and forthcoming with information about the dogs they breed. You’ll want as much information about the parents as possible.
Chances are, if they are healthy, your puppy will be, too. Avoid breeders with questionable practices that might peddle sick puppies or use unethical breeding practices. This is especially true of backyard breeders, who should be avoided at all costs.
Make Your Own Food
Use a fresh food diet to avoid complications from using processed food. Did you know that a processed food diet can lead to cancer? That’s why it’s best to prepare your own food so that you know exactly what’s in it.
Saving a few dollars now on cheap food will cost you more in the long run. It will lead to sickness that could even be life-threatening.
Alternatively, you can purchase whole foods. You have to pay special attention to the ingredients and ensure you are not feeding your Boston Terrier a significant amount of fillers. Quality fresh whole foods are available on the market.
Stay Up-To-Date on Boston Terrier Health
There are advancements in science and medicine all the time. To ensure you know as much as possible, stay up-to-date on all the new information. This way, you can provide the best care possible for your pup.
Avoid Obesity
Along with an all-natural diet, ensure your Boston Terrier is getting enough exercise. The combination will prevent him from becoming overweight. An overweight dog is not healthy, and the excess weight can actually decrease his life span.
Set a routine where you walk your dog daily, twice if possible. This will ensure that he works out any pent-up energy and burns excess calories he does not need to store.
Ensure Your Boston Terrier Is Hydrated
Dehydration can lead to any number of health problems. In extreme cases, it can lead to organ failure and death. It is important to ensure that your Boston Terrier has access to clean, fresh water at all times to remain fully hydrated.
Visit Your Vet Regularly and Keep Vaccinations Up-To-Date
Your veterinarian will be a great asset to your dog’s longevity. They can identify problems early, providing treatment before they become severe. Preventative medicine can go a long way toward keeping your Boston Terrier healthy and living his best life.
Additionally, you’ll need to keep his vaccinations current. This can prevent worst-case scenarios from happening. Exposure to deadly illnesses can be terrifying, but having current vaccinations can mean survival for your pup.
Maintain Good Dental Hygiene
Did you know that dental disease can lead to other health problems? That’s why it’s so important to maintain good dental hygiene. You’ll need to find good quality chews that remove tartar and plaque buildup from your dog’s teeth.
Clean teeth and gums will help prevent more serious conditions from developing, so it’s important not to forget this step when caring for your dog’s well-being.
Avoid Long-Term Steroid Use
Your veterinarian may prescribe steroid use for conditions like allergic rashes. Bear in mind that this treatment method comes at a price. It has the potential to shorten your dog’s life span. So, you must ensure it is used as sparingly as possible.
Have Your Dog Altered
Having your dog neutered is essential unless you are breeding him. A neutered male is less likely to develop prostate disease, while a spayed female will be less likely to develop a uterine infection.
Final Thoughts
Boston Terriers are excellent pets because of their longer-than-average life spans. Because of their small size, they have longer life spans than larger dogs. This allows their owners more time to enjoy their company and quirky attitudes.
Boston Terriers live for an average of 11 to 13 years, with some living as long as 15 years. The actual life span of each dog is affected by their health, genetics, diet, and environment. You can take steps to impact your dog’s life span positively.
Through efforts such as proper diet and exercise, altering your Boston Terrier, and seeking regular veterinary care, you can help extend his life. You will be providing him with the nutrients he needs and maintaining his health at its peak level.