Identifying causes of death of companion dogs in Japan using data from pet cemeteries

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the causes of death in dogs that were buried at pet cemeteries. Using data obtained from a questionnaire completed by 5,118 dog owners from 1 April 2016 to 31 March 2017, we estimated the life expectancy and the odds ratio for principal causes of death using multiple logistic regression analysis with potential risk factors as independent variables. The life expectancy determined at birth was 13.98 years. The commonest cause of death was senility. The odds ratios of dying of senility being significantly higher in Labrador Retrievers and Shiba breeds and aged dogs, and significantly lower in Chihuahuas, dogs living indoors and neutered dogs.