Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Norwegian Elkhounds Live. Norwegian Elkhound Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Norwegian Elkhound, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Norwegian Elkhounds
- How Old is Your Norwegian Elkhound in Human Years
- More Ways to Make Your Norwegian Elkhound Live Long
- Conclusion on Norwegian Elkhound Life Expectancy
How Long Norwegian Elkhounds Live. Norwegian Elkhound Life Expectancy
The lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound is typically from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 71 pet Norwegian Elkhounds lived.
From the study, it was found that Norwegian Elkhounds have a average lifespan of 13.1 years. Furthermore, the study found that Norwegian Elkhounds can live for as long as 17.1 years.
Furthmore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Norwegian Elkhounds.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Norwegian Elkhounds are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Infectious Disease: Problem caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
- 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 Norwegian Elkhound to make your Norwegian Elkhound live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Norwegian Elkhound have a longer than average lifespan.
Lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Norwegian Elkhound compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Tibetan Spaniel Lifespan | 14.40 |
| Bearded Collie Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Fox Terrier Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Dalmatian Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Chihuahua Lifespan | 12.40 |
| Puli Lifespan | 12.40 |
| Labrador Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| German Shorthaired Pointer Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Australian Terrier Lifespan | 12.00 |
| Kerry Blue Terrier Lifespan | 11.50 |
| Pekingese Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Rhodesian Ridgeback Lifespan | 11.00 |
| Alaskan Malamute Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Curly-Coated Retriever Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Japanese Chin Lifespan | 9.25 |
| French Bulldog Lifespan | 9.00 |
| Leonberger Lifespan | 7.08 |
| Grand Bleu de Gascogne Lifespan | 4.54 |
Common Causes of Death in Norwegian Elkhound, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Norwegian Elkhound, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Norwegian Elkhound.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 37.4 percent of all deaths in Norwegian Elkhounds.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Norwegian Elkhound
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 Norwegian Elkhounds
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 Norwegian Elkhounds (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Norwegian Elkhounds is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Norwegian Elkhounds is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhounds with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Norwegian Elkhound. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Norwegian Elkhound`s gums look pale.
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Urogenital Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.
Urogenital Disease is responsible for 16.0 percent of all deaths in Norwegian Elkhounds.
Causes of Urogenital Disease in Norwegian Elkhound
Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound`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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Norwegian Elkhound from urinating. If you see your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Norwegian Elkhounds, just like in humans.
How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Norwegian Elkhound spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound 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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Gastrointestinal Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 11.5 percent of all deaths in Norwegian Elkhounds.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Norwegian Elkhound
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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Norwegian Elkhound is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhounds
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 Norwegian Elkhound`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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Infectious Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
There are many types of infectious diseases: bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections.
Different diseases have different causes and they affect different parts of the body. For example, E. coli causes an infection in the intestines which can cause diarrhea in humans and dogs, whereas Demodex is a parasite on dog skin.
Infectious Disease is responsible for 10.7 percent of all deaths in Norwegian Elkhounds.
Causes of Infectious Disease in Norwegian Elkhound
All infectious agents fall into two categories: the ones that invade the body from the outside, and the ones that are living in or on the body that experience an overgrowth.
For example, staphylococcus aureus is a normal bacteria found on the skin; however, it can cause skin infections if its growth gets out of hand.
Both types of infectious agents can be stopped by the body`s immune response. Internal infectious agents can also be prevented by probiotics.
How to Prevent Infectious Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
If your Norwegian Elkhound seems like they are not doing well, you should take them to the veterinarian so they can decide if your dog needs antibiotics, fluids, a dewormer, or other therapies.
When your Norwegian Elkhound is well, you can support their immune health through nutrition, probiotics like this and vitamins.
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Respiratory Disease in Norwegian Elkhounds
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 10.3 percent of all deaths in Norwegian Elkhounds.
Causes of Respiratory Disease in Norwegian Elkhound
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 Norwegian Elkhounds
Respiratory diseases can be prevented by supporting the immune health of your Norwegian Elkhound, by making sure you feed your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound. Some Norwegian Elkhound 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, Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound`s nervousness. Some Norwegian Elkhounds 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 Norwegian Elkhound on a supplement to calm anxiety, you should talk to your veterinarian about behavioral therapy and stronger medications.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Norwegian Elkhounds
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Norwegian Elkhound is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Norwegian Elkhound`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Norwegian Elkhound`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Norwegian Elkhound offsprings by only breeding Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Norwegian Elkhound for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Norwegian Elkhound a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Norwegian Elkhounds for:
How Old is Your Norwegian Elkhound in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Norwegian Elkhound. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Norwegian Elkhound is in human years here.
| Norwegian Elkhound Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 21 |
| 3 | 26 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 37 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 46 |
| 8 | 50 |
| 9 | 54 |
| 10 | 58 |
| 11 | 62 |
| 12 | 66 |
| 13 | 71 |
| 14 | 75 |
| 15 | 80 |
| 16 | 85 |
| 17 | 90 |
| 18 | 96 |
| 19 | 103 |
| 20 | 110 |
More Ways to Make Your Norwegian Elkhound Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Norwegian Elkhound does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Norwegian Elkhound will have a shorter lifespan than a Norwegian Elkhound that is of normal weight.
Therefore, it is important that your feed your Norwegian Elkhound high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Norwegian Elkhound.
Learn how you can prevent your Norwegian Elkhound from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Norwegian Elkhound existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Norwegian Elkhound has access to clean water whenever your Norwegian Elkhound needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Norwegian Elkhound. See our Norwegian Elkhound water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Norwegian Elkhound.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Norwegian Elkhound might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Norwegian Elkhound.
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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 Norwegian Elkhound is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Norwegian Elkhound’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 Norwegian Elkhound 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 Norwegian Elkhound Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Norwegian Elkhound`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.