Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Irish Wolfhounds Live. Irish Wolfhound Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Irish Wolfhound, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Irish Wolfhounds
- How Old is Your Irish Wolfhound in Human Years
- How Long Do Irish Wolfhounds Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Irish Wolfhound Live Long
- Conclusion on Irish Wolfhound Life Expectancy
How Long Irish Wolfhounds Live. Irish Wolfhound Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound is from 6 to 8 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 112 pet Irish Wolfhounds lived.
From the study, it was found that Irish Wolfhounds have a average lifespan of 7.04 years. Furthermore, the study found that Irish Wolfhounds can live for as long as 11.8 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Irish Wolfhounds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Irish Wolfhounds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
- Respiratory Disease: Problems with lungs and breathing
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Irish Wolfhound to make your Irish Wolfhound live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Irish Wolfhound have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Irish Wolfhound is in human years? Then, check out our Irish Wolfhound age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Terrier Lifespan | 15.40 |
| Collie Lifespan | 12.60 |
| Pointer Lifespan | 12.40 |
| Sealyham Terrier Lifespan | 12.20 |
| English Springer Spaniel Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Australian Cattle Dog Lifespan | 11.60 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Airedale Terrier Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Chesapeake Bay Retriever Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Alaskan Malamute Lifespan | 10.70 |
| German Longhaired Pointer Lifespan | 10.50 |
| Wirehaired Vizsla Lifespan | 9.83 |
| Bernese Mountain Dog Lifespan | 8.00 |
| Leonberger Lifespan | 7.08 |
| Irish Wolfhound Lifespan | 7.04 |
| Mastiff Lifespan | 6.83 |
| Chinese Shar-Pei Lifespan | 6.29 |
| Pyrenean Shepherd Lifespan | 5.79 |
| Dogue de Bordeaux Lifespan | 3.83 |
Common Causes of Death in Irish Wolfhound, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Irish Wolfhound, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Irish Wolfhound.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 31.8 percent of all deaths in Irish Wolfhounds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Irish Wolfhound
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Irish Wolfhounds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Irish Wolfhounds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Irish Wolfhounds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Irish Wolfhounds is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Irish Wolfhounds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Irish Wolfhound. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Irish Wolfhound`s gums look pale.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 22.1 percent of all deaths in Irish Wolfhounds.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Irish Wolfhound
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Irish Wolfhounds are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Irish Wolfhounds can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
One way that you can help improve your Irish Wolfhound`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Irish Wolfhound joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Irish Wolfhound to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Irish Wolfhounds a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Irish Wolfhound`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Irish Wolfhound eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Irish Wolfhound is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Irish Wolfhound is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Irish Wolfhound on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 14.7 percent of all deaths in Irish Wolfhounds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Irish Wolfhound
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Irish Wolfhound eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Irish Wolfhound stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Irish Wolfhound is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Irish Wolfhound has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Irish Wolfhound`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Cardiovascular Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.
Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 13.4 percent of all deaths in Irish Wolfhounds.
Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Irish Wolfhound
Heart disease in Irish Wolfhounds may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).
How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
You can prevent heart problems in your Irish Wolfhound by exercising your Irish Wolfhound regularly and feeding your Irish Wolfhound a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Irish Wolfhound. The supplement is not only good for your Irish Wolfhound`s heart, but it is also good for your Irish Wolfhound`s overall health.
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Respiratory Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Respiratory diseases includes asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions. May also be related to left-sided heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.
Respiratory Disease is responsible for 12.0 percent of all deaths in Irish Wolfhounds.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Irish Wolfhound
Some lung conditions can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Other lung conditions, such as asthma, can be related to allergies and genetic conditions. Some breeds (called brachycephalic breeds) are more susceptible to breathing problems. These breeds appear to have their noses and snouts kind of squished into their faces. Although they are very cute, these breeds can have serious breathing problems throughout their lives which may require surgery. Additionally, dogs and cats can often get colds and other upper respiratory infections because of stress. Common causes of stress in dogs include separation anxiety, thunderstorms and other loud noises, the introduction of other animals into the home, and more.
How to Prevent Respiratory Disease in Irish Wolfhounds
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Irish Wolfhound, by making sure you feed your Irish Wolfhound a good, nutritious dog food brand, give them plenty of exercises, and help them live in a stress-free environment. There are several options for supplements and therapies that can help reduce stress in your Irish Wolfhound. Some Irish Wolfhound do really well with thundershirts, which are snug shirts that swaddle the dogs and help them calm down during thunderstorms and other stressful events. Furthermore, Irish Wolfhounds that are anxious with loud sounds might also benefit from calming supplements, such as Anxiety TFLN. For general anxiety, the supplement Composure or Composure Pro might help calm your Irish Wolfhound`s nervousness. Some Irish Wolfhounds do really well with supplements, but just like with people, supplements do not work for everyone. If you are not seeing results after a few weeks of putting your Irish Wolfhound on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Irish Wolfhounds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Irish Wolfhound is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Irish Wolfhound`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Irish Wolfhound`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Irish Wolfhound offsprings by only breeding Irish Wolfhound that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Irish Wolfhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Irish Wolfhound breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Irish Wolfhound has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Irish Wolfhound for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Irish Wolfhound a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Irish Wolfhounds for:
How Old is Your Irish Wolfhound in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Irish Wolfhound. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Irish Wolfhound is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound is 7.04 years.
Irish Wolfhounds are giant-sized dogs. Irish Wolfhounds weigh 115 to 180 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Irish Wolfhound in converting Irish Wolfhound age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Irish Wolfhound`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Irish Wolfhound`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Irish Wolfhound`s human age. If you do not know your Irish Wolfhound`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Irish Wolfhound is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Irish Wolfhound`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Irish Wolfhound`s up-to-date human age.
Irish Wolfhound Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Irish Wolfhound age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Irish Wolfhound`s human age based on your Irish Wolfhound`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Irish Wolfhound`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Irish Wolfhound Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 20 |
| 2 | 26 |
| 3 | 31 |
| 4 | 37 |
| 5 | 42 |
| 6 | 47 |
| 7 | 51 |
| 8 | 56 |
| 9 | 61 |
| 10 | 66 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 77 |
| 13 | 83 |
| 14 | 89 |
| 15 | 96 |
| 16 | 103 |
How Long Do Irish Wolfhounds Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Irish Wolfhound is 7.04 years. In human years, the Irish Wolfhound lives for 52 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Irish Wolfhound in Human Years?
A 2-year old Irish Wolfhound is 26 years old in human years.
How Old is 3-year-old Irish Wolfhound in Human Years?
A 3-year old Irish Wolfhound is 31 years old in human years.
How Old is 4-year-old Irish Wolfhound in Human Years?
A 4-year old Irish Wolfhound is 37 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Irish Wolfhound in Human Years?
A 5-year old Irish Wolfhound is 42 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Irish Wolfhound Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Irish Wolfhound live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Irish Wolfhound fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Irish Wolfhound does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Irish Wolfhound will have a shorter lifespan than a Irish Wolfhound that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Irish Wolfhound high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Irish Wolfhound. Check out our Irish Wolfhound feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Irish Wolfhound from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Irish Wolfhound existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Irish Wolfhound has access to clean water whenever your Irish Wolfhound needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Irish Wolfhound. See our Irish Wolfhound water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Irish Wolfhound.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Irish Wolfhound might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Irish Wolfhound.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Irish Wolfhound is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Irish Wolfhound’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Irish Wolfhound teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Irish Wolfhound Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Irish Wolfhound`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.