Just realized during conversation the other day that Dixon & Jake are almost 7 yrs old! What's the average lifespan of a GSD? Found something online that said average is 9 1/2 yrs, but that seems kind of difficult to believe... on the other hand my bf lost two dogs to cancer around the 6/7 yr mark

I've noticed that sometimes Dixon has trouble jumping on the bed when I invite him to watch tv so we're keeping an eye on the type of activity he does and trying to make jumping in and out of the car easier. So far the only other thing I've noticed is that they seem to be calming down a tiny bit, lol. What else do I look out for now that they're getting a bit older? or is it too soon to worry about any of that?

In case it helps anyone else, we finally realized that by backing into a parking space at the park (so that the tailgate is over the curb), the ground is 6" closer and the dogs jump onto turf instead of asphalt. Seems to be easier for dixon anyway-

Thanks all-

Are they trim? No extra weight sneaking on?

In some mature large-breed dogs (particularly males), some extra weight can sneak on around the neck/ruff area.

So with seniors, it's probably best not just to watch the waistline and the tuck-up behind the ribs and never let the dreaded pickle shape start, but also stop by the vet's office regularly, run in, and weigh the dog. (It's also a good neutral or positive vet's-office visit.)

I agree that I've read mostly 9 1/2 years average, but have known 15-year-old GSDs.

Some things you can do easily: keep them trim, keep their teeth* in good shape, give them daily structured exercise, feed species-appropriate food, give fish oil and E, know the symptoms of bloat, make sure they never roam, and do your own regular "exams."

A regular exam at home for me involves sniffing in the mouth and ears, flashlight in the ears, palpating all over, checking paws, checking skin everywhere .... and of course that check of the figure/waistline.

JMO!





*Some vets think that avoiding bacteria from gum disease circulating throughout the bloodstream can increase lifespan by years. I think they are probably right.

10-12 sometimes 14 years old. There may also be some lucky owners that get to have their companions for a year or 2 longer.

Alot depends on the dogs overall general health & physical conditioning.

Other factors that will have some bearing was the laterlife overall health & longevity of parents & grandparents of the dog.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fd7PJ4Au84

My girl friends German shepherd lived to a ripe old age of 18.

my last shepherd, who was malnourished until she was 6 months old, lived till she was about 13. I kept her trim and her teeth in good condition which really helped, I believe.

My last two managed 12 years but now I am feeding raw, hope to beat that.
Why not get a small ramp for the car,all types available incuding telescopic.
I also feed Cortaflex which I personally take as did my horses.
My GSD is a young fellow so I give him Cortaflex Joint Care,designed to help maintain them.

The more we learn the more we see that age of death is probably programmed shortly after egg and sperm meet. Obviously, things like overweight, poor diet, infectious disease, obesity contribute, but depending on the line of the dog, some will be old at 8 and some not really "old" until 12-13.

 Quote: Betty Landercasp

The more we learn the more we see that age of death is probably programmed shortly after egg and sperm meet. Obviously, things like overweight, poor diet, infectious disease, obesity contribute, but depending on the line of the dog, some will be old at 8 and some not really "old" until 12-13.

I believe all this, too, of course -- having seen longevity that had no other explanation (as we all have), but also believe strongly in our power against poor diet, some chronic infectious disease, obesity, etc.

And it's mostly pretty simple prevention --- and quality-of-life enhancing.

So I go for it.

Well that's all good news! The idea that they'd only be around for another +/- 2 years was really, really depressing.

Sounds like the gap I need to close is in dental care. I'll do some more research and go from there.

Thanks all- and have a good weekend!