What Is A Great Pyrenees?
The Great Pyrenees is a breed of medium-sized dogs that are very majestic and stylish. These are medium size dogs that are longer than tall. They have thick coats that help them to survive in all weathers. The waterproof coat is all white or white with markings of grey, reddish brown or tan shades. The Great Pyrenees aim is to protect sheep, goats, people and children. It means that they are loving and friendly dogs. The expressions of Great Pyrenees are graceful and impressive.
How Long Do Great Pyrenees Live?
The average lifespan of the Great Pyrenees is 10 to 12 years. Some dogs may live 2 years more than the expected lifespan.
If you own or plan to adopt a Great Pyrenees, it is important to take proper care of them. It is the only way to reach their average lifespan. Otherwise, there is a chance of early death of your dog.
Common Health Problems That Reduce Great Pyrenees Lifespan
The Great Pyrenees are prone to many health problems that can reduce their lifespans.
Gastric Torsion:
Gastric Torsion is also known as “Bloat”. It is a serious and life-threatening condition. In this disease, the stomach is filled with gas and then twisted. The dog is unable to vomit in this condition. It is very common in the Great Pyrenees. They are not able to remove excess air from their stomach. The blood pressure drops and sudden death of the dog can occur.
The common symptoms of Gastric Torsion in Great Pyrenees are:
- Restlessness
- Weakness
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Weakness
It is one of the main reasons that can cause early death of the Great Pyrenees. They require immediate treatment in this condition that saves their lives.
Patellar luxation:
Patellar luxation is commonly known as “slipped stifles”. The patella is the kneecap while luxation means dislocation. Patellar luxation is the condition in which the knee joint is dislocated from the main position and causes severe pain. If the symptoms are severe, surgery is the best option to treat this condition.
Cataracts:
Cataracts are more common in older Great Pyrenees. In this disorder, the dog’s lenses of eyes become opaque and cloudy that can lead to blindness. Surgery is the only option to treat this condition in dogs.
Entropion:
Entropion is an eye condition in which a dog’s eyelid rolls inward. It is an extremely painful condition that can lead to blindness. Great Pyrenees are at the great risk of developing this disorder. It can be treated surgically.
Hip dysplasia:
It is an inherited disease in which a dog’s hip joint develops improperly and can also lead to arthritis. It is important to treat arthritis to minimize the pain. The common symptoms can be lameness and pain in one or both legs.
If you are planning to adopt a Great Pyrenees, it is necessary to check the proof that your dog is free of this disease. Hip dysplasia can reduce the lifespan of your Great Pyrenees.
Addison’s disease:
Addison’s disease is a condition in which a dog’s adrenal gland cannot produce enough adrenal hormone. So, it disturbs the salt and potassium level in the body. Addison’s disease can be fatal if not treated on time.
The common symptoms of Addison’s disease are:
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Poor appetite
- Heart arrhythmia
Tips To Help Great Pyrenees Live Longer
Here are some tips that can help your Great Pyrenees to live longer.
Diet:
A Great Pyrenees diet isn’t so complex, you have to just buy good quality food for them. They require longer time to mature than other dogs. So, in early ages, they require proper nutrition that makes them healthy. Diet also helps to increase life expectancy by preventing nutritional deficiencies. Chicken and salmon oils can be very effective for Great Pyrenees’s good health.
It is also important to divide their meals into two, it prevents them from gaining weight. Otherwise, they become obese. Moderate quantity and high-quality food are best for your Great Pyrenees health.
Care:
The Great Pyrenees can live outside in cold weather but they love to live indoors with their family. Crate training is also effective because your dog can take a nap. You have to take care of them, which can help to enhance the life expectancy of the Great Pyrenees. Also, do not leave them at home alone for a longer period because they can ruin your household.
Grooming:
It is important to brush your dog’s coat with a bristle brush once a week. They require slightly more care and need to trim the eyebrows, ears, feet, forelegs and hocks. You should always use a high-quality dog shampoo for bathing.
You should brush your Pyrenees’s teeth two to three times a week. It can help to remove tartar buildup and bacteria from the mouth. Daily brushing can help to get rid of bad breathing.
Trim his nails once a month. It is also an important part of his grooming.
Exercise:
The Great Pyrenees require at least 30 minutes of exercise daily that can keep them healthy. These dogs love cold weather and like to go on long walks or hike in this weather. Exercise can help to keep them fit and prevent them from different types of diseases. So, it helps to increase the life expectancy of the Great Pyrenees.
You should take your Great Pyrenees to the park for exercise. Also, you can play with them to make them happy.
Final Words on Great Pyrenees Life Expectancy:
The Great Pyrenees is a medium sized breed that are muscular and strong. They will be happy with those owners whom they can feel safe with. The Great Pyrenees average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. They need healthy food and adequate exercise that keep them healthy. It also helps to increase the life expectancy of the Great Pyrenees.
You should treat them like a family member and show them your love. If you give them love, warmth and take care of them, they will live a longer life than the expected lifespan.
