We all would love our furry friends to live forever, but what is the average realistic life expectancy of a Cavapoo dog? Thankfully you can breathe a sigh of relief. Research suggests that mixed-breed and smaller-sized dogs such as your Cavapoo (Cavoodle) benefit from a longer life span.
A Cavapoo’s average lifespan is between 10 and 15 years, with some living up to 20 years of age. Each dog’s unique genetic makeup, exercise routine, diet, and stress levels all play a role in influencing its life expectancy.
Does genetics influence Cavapoo life expectancy?
Cavapoos are generally a healthy dog breed with typically long lifespans and low health costs.
Nevertheless, a mixed breed such as the Cavapoo can exhibit health problems that ordinarily affect both their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and the Miniature or Toy Poodle parents. Cataracts or inherited eye diseases, ear issues, and rarely epilepsy are some health problems that are common to both breeds.
Fortunately, crossbreeding usually gives rise to dogs that are more disease resistant and better able to cope with environmental stresses than their purebred parents. Hybrid Vigor or Heterosis are terms given to the crossbreeding of unrelated parent breeds, which usually result in offspring with better health and life expectancy.
If genetics fascinate you and you want more details on Heterosis, Science Direct has some interesting reading.
Choosing a responsible dog breeder and ensuring that the breeder has done genetic health testing on the doggie parents before breeding will help prevent the adoption of a Cavapoo that has inherited medical conditions.
How does size affect my Cavapoos lifespan?
Extensive research on the effect of dog size and lifespan has been carried out through the years. Professor Mark Elgar, an evolutionary biologist, determined through his research that larger dogs appear to age significantly faster and die younger than smaller dogs.
The toy and miniature poodles commonly bred with the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel pretty much guarantee that the Cavapoo will be a small breed. The Miniature Poodle usually has a height of approximately 11 to 15 inches (27 – 38 cm), and the Toy Poodle is generally even less than 11 inches (27cm) in height.
Cavapoos whose parent is a Miniature Poodle have been known to live up to 15 years of age. While those with the smaller Toy Poodle parent have been known to live up until 18 years of age or longer.
Consequently, the smaller the Cavapoo, the higher the likelihood of a longer life. Nonetheless, their lifespan is also shaped by their genes and environment.
How to help increase your Cavapoos lifespan
Although genetics and size all play a role in the lifespan of your Cavapoo, there are also several things that you can do to ensure your Cavapoo is living its healthiest and happiest life. A physically and mentally fit and happy Cavapoo will have a better chance of living a longer life.
Physical exercise for your Cavapoo
Regular exercising should be one of the most important routines for your Cavapoo. It is excellent for their body, heart, and health and helps to reduce any stress they may be experiencing.
Cavapoos have loads of energy and are happiest when playing fetch or going for a walk or run in the park. By maintaining a daily exercise routine, you will most definitely be helping in keeping your dog fit and healthy.
Mental exercise for Cavapoos
Mental exercise is as essential for a Cavapoo as physical exercise. Keeping your Cavapoo active with toys or games that make them think or performing basic training routines with them will help in keeping their minds occupied and healthy.
Like people, Cavapoo’s also get bored, which may lead to feelings of irritation and stress. A correlation between stress and anxiety in your Cavapoo and the development of health problems or a reduced lifespan has been identified.
Sign your Cavapoo up for some local training classes, or find some basic fun training ideas online to keep your furry friend occupied.
Numerous brain-stimulating doggie toys are also available. These are a few great options to keep your Cavapoo engaged and active.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Dog Twister Interactive Treat Puzzle Dog Toy. This toy comes in various difficulty levels and is both easy to clean and safe. With numerous compartments to hide treats, it will give your Cavapoo hours of fun.
Outward Hound Hide A Squirrel Plush Dog Toy Puzzle. So adorable, your kids might want to steal it. Stuff the trunk with squirrels and wait for your Cavapoo to find a way to get the squeaky toys out. A significant challenge for your furry friend.
Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball. A popular food dispensing choice to keep your Cavapoo entertained. Great for keeping them mentally and physically active, and a bonus is it is easy to use and clean.
Cavapoo diet
As with people, diet plays a massive role in the health of our bodies and minds. Choosing a high-quality dog food rich in protein, nutrients, and vitamins is very important in keeping your Cavapoo healthy and fit.
Be sure to read the quantity guidelines on the food’s packaging to ensure that you are not overfeeding their tiny tummies. Avoiding too many treats and human food will also help reduce any chances of obesity which can negatively affect their health. Treats should form 10% or less of your Cavapoo’s daily dietary consumption.
A nice trick to try is to offer your furry friend veggies as a substitute snack. Cavapoos are fond of crunchy veg, and it is much kinder on their furry waistlines.
Cavapoo hygiene and health
Regular grooming and cleaning of your Cavapoo’s teeth, ears, nails, and fur can help keep them healthy. Cavapoos can inherit teeth and ear problems, so keeping them well maintained from an early age can help avoid any unnecessary developing issues.
Keeping a close eye on your Cavapoo for any changes in behavior or health and taking them for regular checkups and vaccinations is essential. The ability to pinpoint a medical condition early on can make treatment easier and avoid long-term health complications.
Remain mindful of safety for your Cavapoo
Training and socializing your Cavapoo at an early age will help avoid any unnecessary confrontations that may harm them. Similarly, keeping your Cavapoo on a lead when walking in new or dangerous terrain is also the best way to keep them safe.
Lastly, but not less important, is safeguarding your Cavapoo from any poisons or dangerous cleaning solutions around your home. Keeping your Cavapoo safe should be one of your top priorities to ensure they live a long, fully healthy, happy life.
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