Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Lhasa Apsos Live. Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Lhasa Apso Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Lhasa Apso, and how to Prevent Them.
- How Old is Your Lhasa Apso in Human Years
- How Long Do Lhasa Apsos Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Lhasa Apso Live Long
- Conclusion on Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy
How Long Lhasa Apsos Live. Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Lhasa Apso is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Lhasa Apso. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 84 pet Lhasa Apsos lived.
From the study, it was found that Lhasa Apsos have a average lifespan of 14.3 years. Furthermore, the study found that Lhasa Apsos can live for as long as 18.4 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Lhasa Apsos.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Lhasa Apsos are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Lhasa Apso to make your Lhasa Apso live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Lhasa Apso have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Lhasa Apso is in human years? Then, check out our Lhasa Apso age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Lhasa Apso Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Lhasa Apso compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Swedish Vallhund Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Lhasa Apso Lifespan | 14.30 |
| Italian Greyhound Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Shih Tzu Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Border Collie Lifespan | 12.20 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Pekingese Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Boston Terrier Lifespan | 10.90 |
| Boxer Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Lowchen Lifespan | 10.00 |
| Wirehaired Vizsla Lifespan | 9.83 |
| Estrela Mountain Dog Lifespan | 9.75 |
| Newfoundland Lifespan | 9.67 |
| Great Pyrenees Lifespan | 9.58 |
| Greenland Dog Lifespan | 8.46 |
| Cesky Terrier Lifespan | 8.42 |
| Saint Bernard Lifespan | 7.00 |
| Mastiff Lifespan | 6.83 |
| Bulldog Lifespan | 6.29 |
Common Causes of Death in Lhasa Apso, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Lhasa Apso, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Lhasa Apso.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Lhasa Apsos
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 17.1 percent of all deaths in Lhasa Apsos.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Lhasa Apso
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 Lhasa Apsos
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 Lhasa Apsos (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Lhasa Apsos is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Lhasa Apsos is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Lhasa Apsos 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 Lhasa Apsos with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Lhasa Apso. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Lhasa Apso`s gums look pale.
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Neurologic Disease in Lhasa Apsos
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 16.5 percent of all deaths in Lhasa Apsos.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Lhasa Apso
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Lhasa Apsos
Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.
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Urogenital Disease in Lhasa Apsos
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 14.9 percent of all deaths in Lhasa Apsos.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Lhasa Apso
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Lhasa Apsos is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Lhasa Apso`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Lhasa Apso is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Lhasa Apsos is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Lhasa Apso from urinating. If you see your Lhasa Apso lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Lhasa Apsos, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Lhasa Apsos, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Lhasa Apsos
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Lhasa Apso spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Lhasa Apso is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Lhasa Apso will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Lhasa Apso is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.
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Trauma in Lhasa Apsos
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 11.8 percent of all deaths in Lhasa Apsos.
Causes of Trauma in Lhasa Apso
One of the most common causes of trauma in Lhasa Apsos is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Lhasa Apsos
The best way to keep your Lhasa Apso from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Lhasa Apso from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Lhasa Apso from traumatic accidents.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Lhasa Apsos
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 10.5 percent of all deaths in Lhasa Apsos.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Lhasa Apso
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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Lhasa Apso is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apsos
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 Lhasa Apso`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
How Old is Your Lhasa Apso in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Lhasa Apso. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso is 14.3 years.
Lhasa Apsos are tiny-sized dogs. Lhasa Apsos weigh 12 to 15 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Lhasa Apso in converting Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Lhasa Apso`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Lhasa Apso`s human age. If you do not know your Lhasa Apso`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Lhasa Apso is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Lhasa Apso`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Lhasa Apso`s up-to-date human age.
Lhasa Apso Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Lhasa Apso age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Lhasa Apso`s human age based on your Lhasa Apso`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Lhasa Apso`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Lhasa Apso Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12 |
| 2 | 18 |
| 3 | 24 |
| 4 | 30 |
| 5 | 35 |
| 6 | 39 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 51 |
| 10 | 55 |
| 11 | 58 |
| 12 | 62 |
| 13 | 65 |
| 14 | 69 |
| 15 | 73 |
| 16 | 77 |
How Long Do Lhasa Apsos Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Lhasa Apso is 14.3 years. In human years, the Lhasa Apso lives for 70 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Lhasa Apso in Human Years?
A 2-year old Lhasa Apso is 18 years old in human years.
How Old is 5-year-old Lhasa Apso in Human Years?
A 5-year old Lhasa Apso is 35 years old in human years.
How Old is 7-year-old Lhasa Apso in Human Years?
A 7-year old Lhasa Apso is 44 years old in human years.
How Old is 12-year-old Lhasa Apso in Human Years?
A 12-year old Lhasa Apso is 62 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Lhasa Apso Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Lhasa Apso does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Lhasa Apso will have a shorter lifespan than a Lhasa Apso that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Lhasa Apso high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Lhasa Apso. Check out our Lhasa Apso feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Lhasa Apso from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Lhasa Apso existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Lhasa Apso has access to clean water whenever your Lhasa Apso needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Lhasa Apso. See our Lhasa Apso water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Lhasa Apso.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Lhasa Apso might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Lhasa Apso.
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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 Lhasa Apso is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Lhasa Apso’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 Lhasa Apso 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 Lhasa Apso Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Lhasa Apso`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.