Border Collie lifespan is naturally from 9 years to 17 years. The average lifespan for a Border Collie is 12 years. The leading cause of death for these dogs are cancer at 23.6%, old age at 17.9% and cerebral vascular afflictions at 9.4%.

What Items are dangerous for a Border Collie?

  • chocolate
  • onions
  • dish washing detergent
  • laundry detergent
  • home cleaning products
  • bleach
  • bait traps for ants or mice
  • ethanol
  • carbon monoxide
  • mushrooms
  • grapes
  • chemicals in flea and tick sprays such as organophosphates and carbamates
  • small items like coins and little balls that could be a choking hazard
  • marijuana, heroin, cocaine and other narcotic drugs
  • lead
  • arsenic
  • fertilizers
  • certain dangerous house plants for dogs
  • some outdoor plants
  • ibuprofen
  • ivermectin for cattle
  • antifreeze
  • snakes, rats, toads
  • ticks
  • mothballs
  • prescription medication and over-the-counter medication
  • acid
  • insect bites
  • garbage
  • Cars and other motorized vehicles

Dogs are small animals and therefore a small amount of a toxic substance can have severe consequences. Think about this it only takes 16 ounces of chocolate to kill a 20 pound dog. In event of accidental consumption induce vomiting and contact/visit your vet immediately.

Border Collie Dreaming
Border Collie Laying Down

Border collie veterinary medicine and study focuses on the main ailments which plagued the breed. Most common is hip dysplasia, epilepsy and the eye diseases known as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA).