Rottweiler life span - Page 1

Hi,
I hope someone can help. I have a rottweiler bitch approx 5-6 years old. I have her about year a year. Shortly after getting her she lost the pigment in her nose and the skin of her mouth. The vet said it is an auto immune problem possibly caused by the trauma of being rehomed. She now takes steroids on a daily basis to help with the pigment as she will get sunburn on her nose otherwise.
So, that addressed, everything seemed ok, untill this last cold snap of weather.
It's as if she's aged overnight, she has gotten really stiff and wants to lie be the fire all the time, she struggles to get into the car and i can't walk her as far as she used to.
How long do rotties tend to live, is it normal for them to go like this. I grew up with sheep dogs which lived forever...well 17-18, and gsd, of which I have one now, which should get to about 12-15.

Most that Ive been around have lived a good 8-10 years old. Weight has a big factor on them just like a GSD. Hip problems tend to be a big issue. My friend had 1 that passed away at 8  and the other at 9. Both had cancerous tumors.
I never worry how long their lifespan is, We just have to cherrish each day we have each other.

Forgot to add, did the vet check to see if your Rott has arthritis.

I haven't had her checked for arthritis, but will try and get it done shortly. I think I should address her weight. She has sensitive digestion and the only food that suits her is one called flatazor activ, I don't overfeed her but shr does carry a little weight. when she sits on her back legs they do stick out to the side. Should I give her oil, I heard you need to be careful with vitamin A.

Your food should have enough vitamin A in it. Vitamin C is really good. I give my dogs ester C
Salmon oil  is good. Kelp is good for digestive issues and if your dog has arthritis, Alfalfa powder is good.

thanks, thats been good advice.

My Rottie girl will be 13 in 3 weeks, she doesn't hear so well these days but she still has some spunk in her.  She is slower to get up, but doesn't seem to have any problems with going up and down the stairs, however it is getting harder for her to get in and out of the back of my Tahoe when I try to take her to the vet and to visit friends.

since your dog has lost pigment have your vet check for Lupus. This is an auto immune problem and it makes the joints painful. There are three test they must do to actually confirm Lupus.