Often known as the French Mastiff, the Dogue de Bordeaux lives an average of 5 to 8 years which is the shortest compared to other dog breeds. In some other cases, dogs of this breed may be stricken with various diseases at an early age, therefore, making it harder to enjoy a long and healthy lifespan. However, with the right care from an informed owner, a huge difference can be seen in the life expectancy of the Dogue de Bordeaux.
We understand that you want your pet to live not just a fulfilling life, but a lengthy one as well. The given range of his life years is just a guesstimate, so it’s still possible that he surpasses the marks.
Learn more about why Dogue de Bordeauxs live fewer years compared to other dogs and find out what you can do to lengthen his life.
Big Dog, Short Lifespan
To explain it simply, big dogs such as the Dogue de Bordeaux have shorter life expectancies due to the fact that they age quickly. Since they are predisposed to mature at a faster rate than they would with Pugs or Chihuahuas, their bodies, in turn, have a higher chance to experience the abnormal growth of cells seen in various types of cancers.
Another possibility is that because the French Mastiff develops at a fast pace, age-related illnesses occur sooner.
There is a system in the body as well that contributes to rapid aging. With the French Mastiff gaining weight and getting taller right away in his first year, the body reacts by producing more free radicals in the body. Free radicals highly damage the substances cells need to properly function. This, later on, results in mutations which, therefore, churn out more free radicals.
As we all know, the causes made by the presence of free radicals accelerate the aging process.
Common Causes of Early Deaths
If you think the average lifespan of the Dogue de Bordeaux already sounds unfortunate, French Mastiff owners should also know that their four-legged dogs can experience early deaths. Here are what you should be aware of:
Genetic Health Issues
Some French Mastiffs may have genetic health issues. Meaning, certain illnesses run strong in the family. If the French Mastiff puppy has parents who have cancer histories, he is likely prone to it as well. Ideally, you have to ask your breeder about the puppy’s parents and grandparents. Thorough background checking can save you from getting a sickly dog.
Do not succumb to ridiculously low-priced French Mastiff puppies. Go for reputable breeders who offer reasonable prices as this increases your chance of obtaining a healthy young dog.
Road Accidents
Around 1.2 million dogs die yearly in the United States due to being hit by a dashing car. This unfortunate event can be avoided by taking appropriate precautions that would ensure your French Mastiff’s safety:
- Avoid walking him out off-leash. Instead, purchase a high-quality rope like the MayPaw Rope Leash to control his whereabouts every time you and your Mastiff roam the dog park.
- Never leave your French Mastiff in an open yard, especially when nobody can monitor him.
- Invest in a durable dog collar such as that of Hikiko so he can be identified and returned immediately in case he gets lost.
- Commit yourself to train your French Mastiff not to run away. This may be challenging at the start, but this process is rewarding and totally worth it!
Cancer
The number one killer of the Mastiff breed is cancer, particularly osteosarcoma or bone cancer. This typically develops anywhere between teenage and young adulthood which are considered to be sensitive life stages. Generally, there is no sure-fire way to dodge this cancer, but you can help your French Mastiff prevent it from worsening by bringing him to the vet for early diagnosis and treatment.
The common signs and symptoms that your dog has bone cancer are:
- Bone tenderness or pain
- Development of tumors
- Redness around the lump/tumor
- Limping
- Limited movement
- Having a broken bone at the slightest movement
- Unexplained fever
Do know that one primary reason why the Dogue de Bordeaux is at high risk of developing bone cancer is due to rapid bone growth.
Bloat
Gastric dilatation-volvulus or simply referred to as bloat can be a life-threatening condition if left untreated. Any dog, including your French Mastiff, can suffer from this condition. Such happens when his stomach is filled with food, fluid, or gas and, later on, twists. This can happen anytime without obvious warning signs, so most owners may end up not knowing that their dogs have bloated stomachs. As a result, this may progress quickly.
In a study published in 1996 by the Veterinary Surgery, about 40,000 to 60,000 dogs have experienced bloat. Around 33% of them reportedly died.
Does Poor Lifestyle Make Dogue de Bordeauxs Age Quickly?
Absolutely. Owners have a significant contribution regarding how long their French Mastiffs live. Even the healthiest pup may end up having a series of health problems due to a bad lifestyle which can eventually lead to early death. When the needs and requirements of the French Mastiff are not met and the quality of his lifestyle is poor, then this will badly affect his overall health.
Fortunately, there are various ways you can lengthen his life expectancy. We’ll discuss it further below.
5 Ways to Grant Him a Longer Life
Food & Nutrition
Giving your French Mastiff the right meal positively impacts his health. Puppies who are given age-appropriate dog food will have enough nutrients to strengthen their immune system and aid them in properly developing both mentally and physically.
Since their food needs will start to vary every time they reach a certain age, invest in high-quality commercial dog food or plan a home-prepped meal suggested by the vet.
Daily Exercise
Daily exercise strengthens the bones and joints of the French Mastiff. This energizes him a lot as well as improves his immune system. With a robust body, he can highly likely fight off certain health issues compared to a couch potato.
A minimum of an hour of exercise every day can improve his circulation, strengthen his heart, and lower his risk of heart disease.
Socialization
Encouraging your French Mastiff to interact with other dogs has too many-to-count benefits. One of the major advantages of socialization is keeping his pent-up energy released. When a dog is bored, this can lead to behavioral problems. When nothing is done about it, this can reflect on his physical health.
Regular Vet Check-UPS
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of working with your vet toward ensuring that your French Mastiff pet lives healthily. Having a medical practitioner who specializes in treating dogs can save you and your dog from the worst. Since the French Mastiff breed is susceptible to various complications, bringing him to the clinic on a set schedule can detect early signs and symptoms of health problems.
As a result, the vet can prescribe medications that can either cure the problem or prevent it from getting severe.
