How Long Will My Dog Live?
Calculate your dog's life expectancy and discover how to add years together
Free personalized health optimization plan based on your dog's breed, age, diet, and lifestyle
Tell Us About Your Dog
Why Use This Calculator?
Evidence-Based
Built on veterinary research from universities and pet health studies showing proven correlations between lifestyle factors and longevity.
Actionable Plan
Get prioritized recommendations ranked by impact, with specific actions you can take today to extend your dog's life.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
See exactly how much each improvement costs and how many months it adds, helping you make informed decisions about your dog's care.
More Time Together
Most users discover they can add 1-3 years to their dog's life with simple, affordable changes to diet, exercise, and preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate is this calculator?
Our calculator uses data from veterinary research and considers 10+ scientifically-proven factors. While individual dogs vary, the model accurately reflects statistical trends shown in peer-reviewed studies. Think of it as a roadmap rather than a guarantee - following the recommendations significantly improves your dog's odds of a longer, healthier life.
Can I really add years to my dog's life?
Absolutely! Research consistently shows that lifestyle factors have enormous impact on canine longevity: • Weight management: Maintaining ideal weight can add 1.8 years (Purina 14-year study) • Premium nutrition: Quality diet adds 6-12 months • Dental care: Reduces heart/kidney disease risk by 60% • Regular vet care: Early disease detection is crucial Combined, these factors can add 2-4 years to your dog's life.
What if my dog is already senior?
It's never too late! Senior dogs benefit enormously from optimized care. Even starting at age 10, improvements to diet, dental care, and weight management can add months to years of quality life. The calculator provides age-appropriate recommendations.
How much does it cost to implement the recommendations?
Most recommendations are affordable. Weight management costs $0 (often saves money on food). Exercise is free. Premium food costs $40-80/month more. Dental care is $300-500/year. The calculator shows cost-per-extra-year, typically $300-800/year for multiple years of added life - an invaluable investment.
What factors affect lifespan most?
The top 5 factors are: 1. Weight - Obesity reduces lifespan by 20% (2+ years for most breeds) 2. Breed genetics - Mixed breeds live 12% longer on average 3. Dental health - Periodontal disease damages heart and kidneys 4. Spay/neuter - Reduces cancer risk, adds ~1.5 years 5. Preventive care - Regular checkups catch diseases early
Is premium dog food really worth it?
Research suggests yes. Premium foods (40%+ protein, named meat sources, no fillers) provide better nutrition that supports organ function, immune health, and reduces inflammation. Studies show dogs on premium diets have 8-12 months longer average lifespans. At $40-80/month extra, that's $480-800/year for 6-12 months of extra life - a worthwhile investment for most owners.
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