Highlights:
Toy poodles are a favorite dog among small-breed lovers. Weighing in between four and six pounds when fully grown, these pint-sized balls of curly-fur cuteness are intelligent, get along well with family members, and have a long life expectancy. They are perfect for families but also do well with individuals, forming close bonds with their owners.
As an extra-small breed, toy poodles have one of the longest life expectancies of all dogs. Toy poodles may live up to 18 years of age, with an average life span between 10 and 16 years. Most toy poodles will not be considered “senior citizens” until they are between 12 and 13 years old.
Ensuring toy poodles can live healthfully and comfortably as seniors means paying close attention to their diets and activity levels and supporting their bodies with a valuable supplement that their dog food could be missing.
Toy poodles have a lengthy lifespan. Most dogs have an average lifespan between 10 and 16 years. A dog’s size and breed are the most important factors in determining how long a dog will live.
Typically, the larger a dog is, the shorter their lifespan will be, which is great news for toy poodle owners. Toy poodles are in the top five smallest dog breeds, giving them a much higher life expectancy than their much larger counterparts.
However, just because they have a long lifespan does not mean they are without problems. Toy poodles can experience serious health issues as they get older, which could make their senior years problematic and uncomfortable. If you own a toy poodle, here are some of the most common health concerns your dog could experience.
Small dogs like toy poodles may be predisposed to vision issues. Progressive retinal atrophy is a genetically inherited condition known to affect toy poodles. This condition causes an atrophy of the rod and cone cells in the eye, which, over time, can lead to blindness.
As a toy poodle ages, joints and bones may begin to wear out. Toy poodles are prone to patellar luxation. This condition causes the kneecap to become dislodged, creating pain and instability in the knee. Dogs that suffer from this condition may limp or lose partial mobility.
Toy poodles are prone to ear infections due to long ear canals and an excess of thick, curly hair in the ear. Ear infections occur when an excess of bad bacteria forms in the ear canal and causes inflammation.
Combatting ear infections usually requires a combination of professional and at-home grooming care, and occasionally treatment with antibiotics. If your dog gets repeated ear infections, their veterinarian may suggest more invasive treatments.
Many small breeds suffer from dental issues, and toy poodles are no exception. Toy poodles may develop periodontal disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to serious health issues system-wide.
Unfortunately, about 80% of dogs over age three have gum disease, but few of their owners know about it. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to decay, pain, tooth loss, and even organ failure.
As a toy poodle ages, their windpipe may flatten due to weak cartilage that surrounds the neck. This can lead to severe breathing problems that require medication. Sometimes, surgical intervention is necessary.
Toy poodles may be genetically predisposed to developing this condition. To reduce the risk, consider using a no-pull collar when leashing your pet or using a body harness. Although numerous health issues could affect your dog, there are ways to support your toy poodle and help them live a longer, healthier life.
Toy poodles have lower exercise needs than larger breeds. You won’t need to walk a toy poodle for long periods. Instead, short walks or brief periods of play usually support your dog enough to meet their physical activity requirements. It’s important to be gentle when playing with your toy poodle, as they are more susceptible to injury due to their tiny size.
In addition, giving your toy poodle food that meets their needs is key to supporting their overall wellness. Just like humans, dogs have nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for their bodies to thrive. Essential means they must have them, but their bodies cannot readily make them on their own. Instead, they must get these nutrients from food or supplements.
While most dog food contains the ingredients your toy poodle needs to thrive, many are completely void of one key, essential fatty acid known as pentadecanoic acid, or C15:0 for short.
C15:0 helps mammals’ bodies maintain baseline health, but dogs can’t produce it on their own. This means that they must get these good fats from diet or dog longevity supplements like Longevity15.
Researchers have discovered that animals with higher circulating levels of C15:0 have fewer age-related illnesses than those with lower levels of this nutrient.
C15:0 works by supporting your dog’s cells by:
Your dog needs C15:0, but chances are they aren’t getting it in their food. Because C15:0 is only found in trace amounts in full-fat dairy products (like whole milk) and some fish, it can be hard to ensure your dog is getting enough, especially when their kibble may not contain it.
A solution? Longevity15.
Longevity15 helps support your dog’s overall health so they can live as long as possible and maintain their health. Inside each packet of Longevity15 is FA15™, the sustainably-sourced version of pentadecanoic acid. This simple fatty acid has been shown to reduce the number of age-related illnesses in populations of mammals that have higher circulating levels of it.
Your toy poodle brings you so much joy. You owe it to them to protect their ability to age healthfully and enjoy their senior years. Giving your dog Longevity15 is one of the easiest and smartest ways to support your toy poodle’s health and protect their longevity.
Sources:
Why Do Small Dogs Live Longer Than Large Dogs? | American Kennel Club.org
Toy Poodle Dog Breed Health and Care | PetMD
Relation between periodontal disease and systemic diseases in dogs | ScienceDirect
Updates, coupons, deals, and more!
Type anything...
We use cookies to provide you the best possible experience on our website. You consent to the usage of cookies by continuing to view our website. See our Privacy Notice for more information.
