Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Siberian Huskys Live. Siberian Husky Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Siberian Husky Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Siberian Husky, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Siberian Huskys
- How Old is Your Siberian Husky in Human Years
- How Long Do Siberian Huskys Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Siberian Husky Live Long
- Conclusion on Siberian Husky Life Expectancy
How Long Siberian Huskys Live. Siberian Husky Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Siberian Husky is from 12 to 15 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Siberian Husky. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 129 pet Siberian Huskys lived.
From the study, it was found that Siberian Huskys have a average lifespan of 12.5 years. Furthermore, the study found that Siberian Huskys can live for as long as 18.0 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Siberian Huskys.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Siberian Huskys are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Infectious Disease: Problem caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Siberian Husky to make your Siberian Husky live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Siberian Husky have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Siberian Husky is in human years? Then, check out our Siberian Husky age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Siberian Husky Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Siberian Husky compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Lakeland Terrier Lifespan | 15.40 |
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| Schipperke Lifespan | 13.00 |
| Manchester Terrier Lifespan | 12.80 |
| Belgian Sheepdog Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Dalmatian Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Siberian Husky Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Lancashire Heeler Lifespan | 11.70 |
| Irish Red & White Setter Lifespan | 11.40 |
| Bouvier des Flandres Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lifespan | 10.70 |
| Cocker Spaniel Lifespan | 10.30 |
| Boxer Lifespan | 10.20 |
| Hamiltonstovare Lifespan | 10.10 |
| Estrela Mountain Dog Lifespan | 9.75 |
| Polish Lowland Sheepdog Lifespan | 9.58 |
| Komondor Lifespan | 9.13 |
| Borzoi Lifespan | 9.08 |
| Greenland Dog Lifespan | 8.46 |
Common Causes of Death in Siberian Husky, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Siberian Husky, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Siberian Husky.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Siberian Huskys
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 29.5 percent of all deaths in Siberian Huskys.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Siberian Husky
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 Siberian Huskys
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 Siberian Huskys (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Siberian Huskys is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Siberian Huskys is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Siberian Huskys 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 Siberian Huskys with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Siberian Husky. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Siberian Husky`s gums look pale.
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Infectious Disease in Siberian Huskys
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 13.2 percent of all deaths in Siberian Huskys.
Causes of Infectious Disease in Siberian Husky
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 Siberian Huskys
If your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky is well, you can support their immune health through nutrition, probiotics like this and vitamins.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Siberian Huskys
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 12.5 percent of all deaths in Siberian Huskys.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Siberian Husky
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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Siberian Husky is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Huskys
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 Siberian Husky`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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Neurologic Disease in Siberian Huskys
These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.
Neurologic Disease is responsible for 11.9 percent of all deaths in Siberian Huskys.
Causes of Neurologic Disease in Siberian Husky
Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.
How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Siberian Huskys
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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Trauma in Siberian Huskys
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 11.5 percent of all deaths in Siberian Huskys.
Causes of Trauma in Siberian Husky
One of the most common causes of trauma in Siberian Huskys is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Siberian Huskys
The best way to keep your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky from traumatic accidents.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Siberian Huskys
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Siberian Husky is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Siberian Husky`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Siberian Husky`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Siberian Husky offsprings by only breeding Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Siberian Husky for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Siberian Husky a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Siberian Huskys for:
How Old is Your Siberian Husky in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Siberian Husky. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky is 12.5 years.
Siberian Huskys are medium-sized dogs. Siberian Huskys weigh 35 to 60 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Siberian Husky in converting Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Siberian Husky`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Siberian Husky`s human age. If you do not know your Siberian Husky`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Siberian Husky is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Siberian Husky`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Siberian Husky`s up-to-date human age.
Siberian Husky Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Siberian Husky age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Siberian Husky`s human age based on your Siberian Husky`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Siberian Husky`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Siberian Husky 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 |
How Long Do Siberian Huskys Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Siberian Husky is 12.5 years. In human years, the Siberian Husky lives for 68 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Siberian Husky in Human Years?
A 2-year old Siberian Husky is 21 years old in human years.
How Old is 6-year-old Siberian Husky in Human Years?
A 6-year old Siberian Husky is 42 years old in human years.
How Old is 9-year-old Siberian Husky in Human Years?
A 9-year old Siberian Husky is 54 years old in human years.
How Old is 11-year-old Siberian Husky in Human Years?
A 11-year old Siberian Husky is 62 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Siberian Husky Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Siberian Husky does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Siberian Husky will have a shorter lifespan than a Siberian Husky that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Siberian Husky high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Siberian Husky. Check out our Siberian Husky feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Siberian Husky from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Siberian Husky existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Siberian Husky has access to clean water whenever your Siberian Husky needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Siberian Husky. See our Siberian Husky water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Siberian Husky.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Siberian Husky might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Siberian Husky.
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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 Siberian Husky is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Siberian Husky’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 Siberian Husky 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 Siberian Husky Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Siberian Husky`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.