Beagle Lifespan: How Long Do Beagles Live?

As any dog owner knows, our furry friends live in our hearts forever. However, have you ever wondered how old your beagle is in dog years and how long he’s likely to live? 

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the old trick of multiplying by seven isn’t accurate. Your dog’s first year equals 15 human years; your dog’s second year equals nine human years, and each subsequent dog year equals five human years.¹

Read on to learn how you can help your Beagle live a long and healthy life.

The average beagle’s life expectancy is 10 to 15 years, the same as most smaller canine breeds.^2,3 In general, smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, whose average lifespan is typically 8 to 12 years (while certain small dog breeds can reach 18 years).

Beagles are officially classified as a small dog breed by the AKC, although some varieties can reach near-medium heights and weights.⁴

A variety of genetic and environmental factors may impact your beagle pup’s lifespan.

Certain genetic and inherited traits impact how long your dog will live. This is why responsible breeding is so important—inherited disorders are often perpetuated through inbreeding, which is why mixed-breed dogs tend to outlive purebreds.^5,6 Before adopting a Beagle, research the breeder to ensure they’re following the best breeding practices.

A well-balanced diet is crucial to your beagle’s overall health and wellness. Check with your vet about the right food for you beagle. Recommendations for beagle diet include⁷:

• 35% real meat
• 25% veggies
• 25% starch
• 15% healthy fats and/or fruit

Beagles should eat two meals per day. Feed the right amount of food to help your pet avoid obesity, which helps prevent cancer, diabetes, heart disease, bladder stones, and other life-threatening conditions.⁸

A typical meal for a beagle should have a total of 55 calories per pound of body weight (for growing puppies) or 45 calories per pound of body weight (for adults).

Exercise is also key to your beagle’s well-being. These high-energy pups need at least an hour and a half of walking and/or running each day, along with playtime and a space to roam free.⁹

Not only does exercise boost your pup’s physical health, but it can also¹⁰:

• Enhance mental health
• Lower blood pressure
• Prevent constipation and urinary tract infections.

Regular movement and mental stimulation are great boredom busters, especially for beagles, who crave stimulation and thrive best with a “job” or hobby.

The vet shouldn’t just be a place to bring your pet when something is wrong. Regular wellness exams are vital to overall health and longevity.¹¹

Scheduling an annual check-up (perhaps more frequently depending on your pet’s breed and age) can help detect serious health issues early, leading to better outcomes in treating them (and even a smaller vet bill). 

Staying up to date with vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm prevention can literally save your pet’s life.

Like any breed, beagles are predisposed to certain beagle health issues. Staying on the lookout for early warning signs can significantly increase your pup’s longevity.

Beagles’ precious floppy ears come with challenges. Since your beagle’s ears cover the ear canal, airflow is restricted, which can create a moist, dark breeding ground for bacteria.¹² Not to worry—regular cleaning of your pup’s ears can spare her from infection and other beagle ear problems, and most infections are treatable with regular cleanings and oral or topical medications.

Beagles are prone to obesity, so watch your beagle’s weight and ask your vet about starting a diet and exercise routine. 

Beagles’ bottomless tummies lead to eating things that are not meant for them, which can cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Pancreatitis
• Intestinal blockage

Call your vet immediately if your pup has eaten something he’s not supposed to or is showing signs of stomach upset like low energy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Beagles are prone to certain eye conditions, including¹³:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Distichiasis (extra eyelashes that irritate the eye surface)
• “Cherry eye” (the third tear gland slips out of place)

Contact your vet if your beagle’s eyes are noticeably red, cloudy, watery, or tinted blue.

Epilepsy, a condition that causes repeated seizures, tends to affect beagles starting between the ages of two and five. 

Pets with epilepsy might experience short (30 to 60 seconds) or long (5 to 10 minutes or more) seizures, which involve involuntary body movements, loss of consciousness, thrashing, urinating, and/or defecating. 

Seek immediate veterinary help and ask your vet about anti-seizure medications and other treatments if these symptoms occur.

Hypothyroidism, which commonly affects beagles, happens when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This slows the affected dog’s metabolism, leading to low energy, poor coat, and weight gain. 

Hypothyroidism is treatable but requires consistent daily medication and regular vet check-ins, so consult your vet immediately if you notice symptoms.

Affecting 80% of all dogs by age two, dental disease is common in beagles. It occurs when tartar builds up on the teeth and affects the gums and teeth. 

If left untreated, dental disease might cause your pup to lose her teeth or even threaten her kidneys, liver, heart, or joints, decreasing her lifespan. The best defense is brushing your dog’s teeth daily, and annual dental cleanings by your vet.¹⁴

Beagles are at increased risk for diabetes, a problem with the hormone insulin. While it’s treatable, treatment is a serious commitment (daily insulin injections), and early intervention is crucial. 

Call your vet if you notice increased eating, drinking, and urination, combined with weight loss—these are often the first signs.

Bladder and kidney stones are painful medical emergencies that may occur in beagles. Your vet will likely periodically test your beagle’s urine for signs of bladder or kidney problems. You can help by looking out for such symptoms as:

• Painful or strained urination
• Inability to urinate
• Blood in the urine

Regular veterinary exams and the proper diet will help prevent these. Talk to your veterinarian about the best diet for your beagle buddy. 

Environmental and food allergies affect beagles, causing about contributing to ear infections and painful, itchy skin irritation. 

If you suspect your pet might be having an allergic skin or ear reaction, consult your vet about allergy testing and/or an elimination diet.

This rare, beagle-specific form of meningitis may be caused by genetic and environmental factors. Symptoms result from inflammation, irritation, and possibly infection of the small arteries of the spinal cord, neck, and heart.¹⁸

 Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Depression
• Severe neck pain

It typically affects beagle puppies aged 5 to 10 months old. The condition can be treated with steroids; however, symptoms will likely come in waves over several weeks, and ongoing treatment is needed.

While a variety of health issues affect beagles, they’re also naturally predisposed to certain health advantages. They enjoy exercise, crave “jobs,” and excel at sports. 

The physical and mental stimulation beagles seek may help fend off dementia, improving the quality of their senior years.15 Finally, these dogs’ background as hunters makes them tough and adaptable. Their AKC Breed Standard describes them as possessing a “wear-and-tear look of hound that can last in the chase.”¹⁶

The best way to help your beagle live a long and healthy life is to provide a high quality of life. Serve a well-balanced diet, make time for walks and play sessions, and enroll your beagle in a sport. 

Watch for symptoms of common beagle health issues, clean your beagle’s eyes, ears, and teeth regularly, and provide lots of hugs and tummy rubs. 

Above all, commit to regular veterinary care and follow your vet’s recommendations to promote health, prevent and treat problems. 

Boost Your Beagle’s Health With Vetericyn

Beagles have been humans’ best friends since their origins in Ancient Greece,¹⁷ and it’s our responsibility as their caregivers to ensure their lives are long, happy, and healthy. 

Vetericyn is here to help. It’s our mission to help people care for the animals that are such a big part of their lives.

Vetericyn® ALL-IN Dog Supplements offer a holistic health boost, with natural ingredients to support your pup’s happy, healthy life. Vetericyn has your beagle’s wellness needs covered, so you can get back to making the most of her dog years. 

Visit our catalogue to learn about the many pet wellness tools you can use to help your Beagle stay happy, comfortable, and healthy for as long as possible.