Canines and felines, tortoise and mice: Scott Reed DVM looks at the reasons why some animals live dozens of years longer than others. Usually, it's based off their size. However, scientists don't always understand why large dog breeds are prone to more health problems and live shorter lives than smaller breeds. Small dogs, like a miniature poodle or chihuahua, can survive up to twenty years. A big Bernese Mountain Dog or German Shepherd will often faces health complications before it hits its tenth birthday. Hopefully, science is catching up, and we may soon expect to have these beloved creatures in our lives more much longer.

1. Scott Reed DVM
Size Matters
Have you ever wondered what determines an animal’s
lifespan?
Scott Reed DVM examines how size influences the length of
some of our favorite animals’ lives.

2. Why does a giant tortoise live up to 100 years, but our beloved
pets are only with us for a small portion of our lives?

3. A study published in
Science examines the
development of animal
lifespan throughout evolution.

5. Why do large species live longer?
They’re not threatened by as many predators
Their bodies grow slower, thus capable of investing resources
toward a hardy immune system that will produce more
offspring

7. Rodents and other small species must focus on reproducing
quickly. Their metabolism tends to “burn out” faster.

8. So what about our pets? Why do small dog breeds outlast their
larger counterparts?

10. This is an anomaly that scientists are still unclear about!

11. However, with advances in veterinary medicine, the lifespan
for our beloved pets may soon increase. One day, we may
have our sidekicks for thirty to forty years.

12. Stay tuned for more from Scott Reed DVM!
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