Scott Reed DVM

Size Matters

Have you ever wondered what determines an animal’s lifespan?

Scott Reed DVM examines how size influences the length of some of our favorite animals’ lives.

Why does a giant tortoise live up to 100 years, but our beloved pets are only with us for a small portion of our lives?

A study published in Science examines the development of animal

lifespan throughout evolution.

Why do large species live longer?

They’re not threatened by as many predators

Their bodies grow slower, thus capable of investing resources toward a hardy immune system that will produce more

offspring

Rodents and other small species must focus on reproducing quickly. Their metabolism tends to “burn out” faster.

So what about our pets? Why do small dog breeds outlast their larger counterparts?

This is an anomaly that scientists are still unclear about!

However, with advances in veterinary medicine, the lifespan for our beloved pets may soon increase. One day, we may

have our sidekicks for thirty to forty years.

Stay tuned for more from Scott Reed DVM!

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