Boston Terrier Lifespan

The lifespan of our pets is just one of those topics that we hate to talk about— but it’s also important to talk about at times so you can be an informed parent.

While life expectancy varies dog to dog, there are a few things you can do as a dog owner to help prolong their lifespan & increase their quality of life.

---

What is the lifespan of a Boston Terrier?

The average lifespan of a Boston Terrier is between 13 – 15 years.

This can vary dog-to-dog— some Boston Terriers might pass younger than 13 while others may live well beyond 15 years of age…

Table of Contents

• Average Lifespan
• Tips to Increase Lifespan
• Lifespan Factors
• Common Causes of Death

4 Tips for Prolonging Boston Terrier Lifespan

Here are the simple tips you can follow to prolong your Boston Terriers lifespan:

Help your Boston Terrier live longer by…

1. Feeding them a well-balanced diet
2. Provide sufficient exercise
3. Regular checkups at the vet

1. A well-balanced healthy diet

The best thing you can do as a dog owner to prolong your pet’s life is to feed the a healthy diet full of all the nutrients and vitamins they need.

You know what they say… you are what you eat!

This saying rings true for your Boston Terrier as well…

Boston Terrier Diet Tips

• Don’t share human food— not only is our food super high in calories, you might accidentally share food that is toxic to your dog!
• Don’t go overboard with the treats— be careful when training them & use a low-calorie treat during training sessions

Food just for your Boston Terrier

Many commercial dog foods are available in pet stores specifically designed for Boston Terriers.

If you are interested in preparing homemade food for your dog, then there are some easy recipes that you can follow.

These recipes typically include cooked chicken meat, boiled rice, and egg whites as well as contain all the essential nutrients dogs require to keep them happy & healthy.

Antioxidants are essential

Antioxidants are vital as they help in keeping your dog healthy and prevent diseases such as cancer.

Natural food items with antioxidants include blueberries, spinach, tomatoes, and raspberries.

2. Sufficient exercise

Physical activity is also significant for Boston Terriers to remain fit and fine throughout their life.

This activity keeps them active, which helps them stay away from boredom and depression.

If you are planning to keep your dog at home, then it is recommended that you provide enough space in your house where they can play around freely.

Regular exercise will help keep your Boston Terrier at a healthy weight.

3. Regular checkups at the vet

It is recommended that you should take your dog to a vet regularly (at least 1-2x a year as an adult) to ensure his health and well-being.

Sometimes health conditions can insidiously develop without any obvious symptoms— catching these issues early before the symptoms get severe is ideal.

Does your Boston Terrier seem “off” lately? They might not be feeling that great— take them to the vet ASAP!

5 Boston Terrier Lifespan Factors

There are several factors that affect a Boston Terrier’s lifespan… these include:

1. Genetics
2. Health conditions
3. Environmental factors
4. Lack of proper care
5. Diet & exercise

1. Genetics

A Boston Terrier’s lifespan is heavily dependent on their genetics.

If a dog has a short-lived parent, he will likely have a shorter life.

However, if both parents are long-lived, their offspring will probably live longer than expected.

It is essential to know your dog’s lineage and find out how long its parents lived to get an idea of how long your dog might live.

Note: When adopting/rescuing a Boston Terrier, you might not have as much insight into their parents’ health as you would when buying one from a breeder.

2. Health Conditions

Health conditions can also affect a Boston Terrier’s lifespan.

Dogs with health conditions may not be able to enjoy a full lifespan because of their condition.

Some conditions may also prevent your dog from living the healthiest lifestyle. For example, dogs with hip dysplasia often develop osteoarthritis later in life, which can cause pain and stiffness when walking or running.

Some dogs may not be able to walk when they develop osteoarthritis, so it is vital to take them to see a vet if you notice any signs of stiffness or pain when walking or running.

3. Environmental Factors

Environmental factors can also affect a dog’s lifespan.

Some examples of environmental factors that can affect your dog’s health are…

• Pollution in the air
• Second hand smoke exposure
• Extreme hot & cold weather

Extreme heat or cold can make your dog sick, especially if they are old or have health issues.

It is vital to keep your dog inside during extreme weather events so that they do not get heatstroke from being outside in hot temperatures for too long.

4. Lack of Proper Care

Neglect can shorten a dog’s lifespan.

Not giving your dog enough attention or feeding them a good diet can shorten their life considerably.

If you do not feel like taking care of your dog, it is best to rehome them with someone who will give them love and attention so they can live longer.

5. Diet and exercise

A Boston Terrier’s diet and exercise routine can also affect its lifespan.

Giving your dog enough food is essential, so they do not get hungry, but not too much, so they gain weight.

If you feed your dog more than necessary, they may have trouble losing weight when it becomes essential because of overeating.

Exercise is just as important as a healthy diet to maintain a good weight.

However, if your dog has health issues or cannot move around easily due to arthritis or other conditions, it is okay for them to be sedentary as long as they eat a healthy diet.

Common Causes of Death for Boston Terriers

Boston Terriers are prone to a handful of health issues— these are the most common causes of death:

1. Cancer
2. Heart disease
3. Infectious diseases

1. Cancer

The most common cause of death in Boston Terriers is cancer…

Cancer can be one of the most devastating diseases, which means uncontrollable growth and the spread of abnormal cells in some parts of the body.

Research has shown that up to 30% of all Boston Terriers will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime, causing death.

Common signs of cancers found in Boston Terriers include…

• Weight loss
• Decreased appetite
• Difficulty breathing
• Vomiting
• Limping
• Lumps or bumps
• Coughing
• Lethargy
• Diarrhea

2. Heart disease

Roughly 13% and 19% of Boston Terriers die of heart disease.

Common signs of heart diseases found in Boston Terriers include…

• Difficulty breathing
• Panting
• Coughing
• Passing out
• Loss of appetite

To avoid early deaths caused by heart diseases in Boston Terriers, you should provide them with a healthy diet rich in proteins and vitamins and regular exercise.

3. Infectious diseases

6% of Boston Terriers die due to infectious diseases.

The most common infectious disease found in Boston Terriers are…

• Parvovirus
• Rabies
• Heartworm disease
• Canine distemper
• Leptospirosis
• Lyme disease

To avoid early deaths caused by infections in Boston Terriers, you should regularly take them for vaccination against these contagious diseases.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

---

Conclusion

Although Boston Terriers can live up to 15 years, their lifespan can be affected by a number of factors like cancer and heart disease.

As a responsible pet owner, taking your dog in for regular checkups with your veterinarian is essential, and keeping an eye out for any symptoms that may indicate an underlying health issue.

Remember that your dog’s life is in your hands; it’s up to you to ensure they live as long and healthy a life as possible!