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Have you ever wondered how old your dog is in human years? A lot of people have. However, calculating the age may be more complex than one would think. This is because there are two different ways to calculate their age depending on what type of breed they are. This blog post will go over both types so that you can get an idea of how old your is my dog in human years!
How To Calculate Your Dog Age In Human Years?
Knowing your dog’s age is important for a few reasons. For one, it can help you determine their maturity level and behavior patterns based on what they’re developmentally capable of. By knowing their age, you will know how old they were when they learned some new skills.
Similarly, you will know about any signs that something might be wrong with them, like health issues that may require veterinary attention sooner rather than later because some diseases only affect certain ages groups, often before puberty starts (or sometimes after). Ultimately knowing this will give you all peace of mind seeing your pup developing into an adult.
The Easy Way To Calculate Dog Age
To calculate a pup’s age, take their dog years and multiply by 7. This can be done assuming that dogs live about ten human years while humans averagely live 70. For example, if your dog is six years old, it means he is 42 years old in human years. This way to calculate dog age helps us that dogs and children have many similarities, but there are also some key differences. For example, dogs need more care because they can’t take care of themselves as humans do; this is why most pet owners give their dogs food multiple times per day.
Now, if your dog is getting older, he needs more attention. Small dogs can be considered seniors when the average lifespan of a small dog reaches seven years old, while giant breed animals like mastiffs often become seniors between five to six years old.
If you wonder, this method to calculate a dog’s age is incorrect. Well, it turns out that one year of their life is not exactly equivalent to seven human years. When using this method to accurately assess your pup’s developmental milestones or aging process, there are many mistakes. There are other scientific methods that are more accurate.
The New Way To Calculate Your Dog Age
Suppose you want to calculate your dog’s age in human years, then you should use this new way developed by scientists. This method is designed for small, medium, and large dogs less than 100lbs. According to this method
- The first year of your dog life equals 15 years of human life.
- The next or second year of dog life is equal to almost nine-year of humans.
- After that, every new year of their life is equal to four to five human years.
Dogs grow exponentially faster than humans, so a dog’s life is worth 15 human years in just one year. So it must come to your mind why this method is more accurate that one year of dog life is equal to seven years. Here is the chart that can help you calculate dog age in human years.
Dog Age In Human Years Chart
| Dog size | Small dogs | Medium dogs | Large dogs | Giant dogs |
| Dog age in years | Age in human years | Age in human years | Age in human years | Age in human years |
| 1 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 12 |
| 2 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 31 |
| 4 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 38 |
| 5 | 36 | 36 | 36 | 45 |
| 6 | 40 | 42 | 45 | 49 |
| 7 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 |
| 8 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 64 |
| 9 | 52 | 56 | 61 | 71 |
| 10 | 56 | 60 | 66 | 79 |
| 11 | 60 | 65 | 72 | 86 |
| 12 | 64 | 69 | 77 | 93 |
| 13 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 100 |
| 14 | 72 | 78 | 88 | 107 |
| 15 | 76 | 83 | 93 | 114 |
| 16 | 80 | 87 | 99 | 121 |
According to this method, every dog breeds ages differently. The way they age depends on their breed and size, so it makes sense for an old Great Dane to be considered “senior” at the age of seven years compared with a Pug of the same age.
Scientists don’t exactly have any reason why smaller dogs live longer than the giant breeds. But if we look at the data of the American kennel club, “one of the main reasons why smaller dogs live longer than larger ones could be because they don’t get as many diseases. Larger dogs, on the other hand, get more age-related problems.
Larger dogs grow much faster than smaller ones; they get to adulthood much quicker, meaning they are more likely to develop cancer and other diseases. This means that larger dog breeds might need frequent checkups at the vet or face health problems later in life. This is also one of the reasons why the one dog year to seven human year formula is not accurate.
What Are The Primary Signs Of Aging In Dogs?
The best way to determine your dog’s age is by looking at their behavior and physical clues. This includes things like how they react when people come into the room or any physical signs of being older, such as gray hair on an elderly pet. Generally, teeth are one of the best indicators of dog age. Dogs usually get their permanent teeth around seven months of age; by the age of 2 years, their teeth might get duller and yellow; around the age of seven to eight years, they will start showing signs of wear and tear. Other signs that indicate your dog is getting into senior age are
- Poor eyesight
- Cloudy eyes
- Grey hair
- Difficulty in hearing
- Lethargy
- Arthritis or muscle stiffness
- Anxiety and confusion
If you’re not sure how old your dog is, then call up their veterinarian. They will consider factors like teeth and body shape to give an estimate with the best precision possible!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): How Old Is My Dog In Human Years?
Is the “7 dog years = 1 human year” calculation accurate?
No, this traditional calculation is an oversimplification. Recent studies suggest that the correlation between dog years and human years varies based on factors such as breed, size, and overall health.
How do I determine my dog’s age in human years?
While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer due to variations between breeds and sizes, veterinarians and researchers offer more nuanced conversion charts based on recent studies. It’s best to consult these or speak with your veterinarian for an accurate estimate.
Do small and large breeds age at the same rate?
No, generally, smaller breeds tend to age slower initially but can be considered “seniors” earlier in life, while larger breeds may mature faster and have shorter overall lifespans.
How often should I take my dog to the vet for check-ups?
It’s recommended to take puppies for check-ups every few months. Adult dogs (1-7 years) should have yearly check-ups, and senior dogs (7 years and up) should visit the vet twice a year or as recommended.
What are some signs that my dog is aging?
Common signs include graying hair, decreased activity levels, vision and hearing loss, joint issues, weight changes, and dental problems.
Can diet and exercise influence how my dog ages?
Absolutely! A balanced diet, regular exercise, mental stimulation, and regular veterinary care can all contribute to a dog’s overall well-being and potentially impact how they age.
Are there tests to determine a dog’s biological age?
While there’s no definitive test to pinpoint a dog’s biological age, certain DNA tests can give insights into breed, potential health concerns, and genetic age markers.
Conclusion
Dog owners care about knowing their dog’s age because it determines many things, including the type of food they should be eating. Knowing your dog’s age also helps you understand how much exercise to give them and what kind of health problems may arise in the future. Pet parents need to have this knowledge to better care for their furry family members.
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