Longevity
Life expectancy
Its lifespan generally ranges between 12 and 16 years. A controlled diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring help preserve its quality of life.
Build
A robust breed?
The Burmese has good overall robustness. Its short coat and simple maintenance do not, however, exempt it from regular monitoring of body condition, the mouth and the ears.
Watch points
What to watch for
No specific hereditary condition is detailed in the reference sheet. General vigilance remains recommended, with veterinary consultation in case of changes in appetite, weight, activity or behavior.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy : Some feline lines are predisposed to this heart muscle disease, hence the value of monitoring and, depending on origins, screening.
Chronic kidney disease : Common in older cats, it warrants monitoring appetite, thirst, and regular blood tests.
Periodontal disease : Tartar and gingival inflammation are common and require ongoing oral hygiene.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Burmese generally lives very well indoors. Avoid excessive heat and provide cool spots; cold is only a concern for individuals with very short hair or hairless.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
Greedy, the Burmese can gain weight if its portions are too generous. Its rations must be measured, given at set times and adjusted to its weight, its age and its activity level.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Follow the vaccination schedule defined with the veterinarian.
- Regularly monitor weight and body condition.
- Brush the coat once a week with a soft brush.
- Frequently inspect the ears and care for the teeth.
Vaccination
Burmese vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Burmese? Like all dogs, the Burmese receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Burmese is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Burmese vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Burmese?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Burmese
Veterinary follow-up must include vaccinations adapted to the lifestyle, notably against typhus, coryza and leukaemia, as well as rabies when it is indicated. Regular checking of the teeth and ears completes this prevention.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
