This is another second blog post that I contributed to blogthatdog site. I enjoy researching and sharing with you the dog's lifespan as people do want to know how long their lovely pet will survive and also they do want to learn how to take good care of them. That's what motivate me to keep contribute in this guest post.
What Is A Whippet?
Whippet belongs to breed of medium size dogs that descended from Greyhounds. Due to their great speed, whippets are also called "Poor Man's Racehorse". Whippets are calm and gentle dogs and people take them around their children. They have long legs, deep chest, narrow body and the whole fog is muscular. Due to lack of body fat, they are heat-seeking missiles that want to cuddle for warmth. They are kind, non-aggressive and like to be with their owner. Moreover, they are very sensitive and do not like to be separated from their families.
How Long Do Whippets Live?
Whippet's average lifespan is 12 to 15 years. However, some dogs die before and after the average life span. Whippets are a healthy breed but few things can affect their health. Like other dog breeds, they are also prone to certain diseases that can reduce their lifespan.
Common Health Problems That Reduce Whippet's Lifespan
There are several health aspects that can affect the whippet's lifespan. If some diseases can be treated on time, it will reduce the risk of early death of your beloved whippet. This is the reason I am raising this section so that as pet owner, you are aware of these risks.
Vision problems:
Vision problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy and progressive retinal atrophy have an impact on whippet's lifespan. In these diseases, dogs start losing their eyesight. Cataracts is the eye problem in which eyes look cloudy instead of clear. It can be treated with surgery and restore the sight.
Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease in which the eyes progressively go blind. It is not painful disease but also not curable. There is a genetic test available for checking this disease.
Heart problems:
Heart problems are the main cause of early death in whippets. It includes heart murmurs and mitral valve diseases.
Mitral valve disease is a condition in which heart valves weaken and allow blood to come back into the heart. It is a serious condition and reduces the whippet's lifespan. Basically, heart murmurs are due to mitral valve disease. So, if mitral valve disease is diagnosed earlier, there are some medications that can prolong the lifespan of your dog.
Allergies:
Whippets are prone to allergies that commonly affect feet, belly, ears and folds of the skin. Skin allergies also known as "atopy". The symptoms may appear in the age between 1-3 and getting worse with time.
The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Itchy skin
- Ear infections
- Licking the paws
- Rubbing the face
- Chronic diarrhea and vomiting (An allergy due to food)
Cancer:
Cancer is also a cause of death in whippets. Sadly, cancer is something that could happen to our dear pets as well. These dogs are very prone to certain types of cancers in their young age. Some cancers can be treated by surgery while others can be treated with chemotherapy. Mast cell tumors are common in whippets and cause red swelling on the surface of the dog's skin.
Hypothyroidism:
It is a disease in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
If you notice these symptoms in your whippet dog, you have to visit a veterinarian for proper examination.
Tips To Help Your Whippet Live Longer
Oh well, just like us human, if you are taking good care of your pets, you are helping them to live a longer and happy life. Here are some activities that you can do to improve their lifespan.
Exercise:
Exercise is important for whippets. Your whippet needs at least 60 minutes of exercise or activity per day. Exercise helps whippets to keep them in shape and also prevent them from obesity. So, if you want your whippet to live longer, you have to take care of his physical activities. Exercise is essential for your dog's physical as well as mental health. Your whippet also needs play with you, training sessions and new spaces to explore.
Diet:
The diet depends upon the whippet's age. They need a balanced diet to keep them healthy and slim. You can feed them a healthy, good quality food dog that can fulfill all the nutrition requirements. A good diet is important for the longevity of a whippet's life.
A high protein diet is also recommended that makes their muscles strong and big. A good quality diet can make your dog fit and prevent them from many diseases.
Grooming:
Grooming plays a significant role for your whippet's health. Whippet has short fur, so it is enough to brush it at least one time in a week to keep him in good condition. You should use a soft brush because whippets have sensitive skin. It is important to clean your whippet's coat because some dirty soil, insects and other things go to his system through his paws. You should also check your dog's paw to make sure that there are no critters in the paws.
Dental hygiene and nail care are also essential for whippets. You should brush your dog at least 2-3 times a week to remove tartar and bacteria from his teeth.
Genetic tests:
If you are ready to obtain a whippet from a breeder, it is important to make sure that both parents of the dog underwent genetic testing. These tests are essential to ensure that there is no disease passed down to their puppies.
A breeder has the responsibility to provide you with the genetic tests which are registered with an organization such as Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). It will reduce the risk of inherited diseases.
Final Words on Whippets Life Expectancy:
The average lifespan of whippets is 12-15 years. They can live longer if you properly take care of them. There are many ways to help your whippet live a happier and longer life. You have to ensure that your whippet has a good and healthy diet. Sixty minutes of exercise is also essential for his good health.
You should also train your whippet with tolerance, praise and positive reinforcement. Reward them with food and never be harsh with them. If you provide your whippet a friendly environment and take care of him, it will help your whippet to live a longer life.
Last update on 2021-09-06 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
