Introduction
Introduction
As a pet science blog author, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricacies of our furry friends’ lives. One such curiosity is understanding how to determine a dog’s age, which can often be a bit of a puzzle. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of canine chronology and explore some of the methods used to gauge the age of our beloved pets.
Determining the Age of a Dog
When it comes to figuring out how old your dog is, it’s important to remember that it’s often more of an educated guess than an exact science. This is especially true for dogs that are no longer puppies.
For Puppies Under 7 Months
The age of puppies can be determined by looking at their teeth. Both temporary and permanent teeth can give us a clue about their age. This is a straightforward method that doesn’t require any fancy tools or equipment.
For Young Dogs Up to One Year
For dogs that are a bit older, up to about one year, the presence or absence of growth areas in the bones can help us estimate their age. This is done using radiographs, or x-rays. However, it’s worth noting that this method isn’t commonly used just for determining age.
For Older Dogs
When it comes to older dogs, the wear on their teeth can give us a general idea of their age. However, this method isn’t foolproof, as several factors can influence the wear on a dog’s teeth. These factors include the size and breed of the dog, their diet and chewing habits, the shape and positioning of their jaws, and the amount of dental care they’ve received.
It’s also worth mentioning that graying hair isn’t a reliable indicator of age. Some dogs may start to gray as early as 3 or 4 years old.
Dog Years in Human Terms
The old saying that one dog year equals seven human years is a bit of a simplification. The size of the dog plays a significant role in determining their relative age in human years. The table below provides a more accurate representation of this relationship.
Adult Size in Pounds
| Age | 0-20 | 21-50 | 51-90 | Over 90 |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 6 | 40 | 42 | 45 | 49 |
| 7 | 44 | 47 | 50 | 56 |
| 8 | 48 | 51 | 55 | 64 |
| 10 | 56 | 56 | 61 | 71 |
| 11 | 60 | 60 | 66 | 78 |
| 12 | 64 | 69 | 77 | 94 |
| 13 | 68 | 74 | 82 | 101 |
| 14 | 72 | 78 | 88 | 108 |
| 15 | 76 | 83 | 93 | 115 |
| 16 | 80 | 87 | 99 | 123 |
| 17 | 84 | 92 | 104 | ‘Senior’ – ‘Geriatric’ |
| 18 | 88 | 96 | 109 | ‘Senior’ – ‘Geriatric’ |
| 19 | 92 | 101 | 115 | ‘Senior’ – ‘Geriatric’ |
| 20 | 96 | 105 | 120 | ‘Senior’ – ‘Geriatric’ |
The table above shows the relative age of your dog in human years. It’s important to remember that these classifications are somewhat arbitrary and not set in stone.
Personal Experience
As a pet owner myself, I’ve had to estimate the age of my dogs on more than one occasion. One of my dogs, a mixed breed, started showing signs of aging around 10 years old, which according to the table, would be equivalent to 61 human years for a dog weighing between 51 and 90 pounds.
Conclusion
Determining a dog’s age can be a bit of a guessing game, but it’s a fascinating process that helps us better understand and care for our pets. By considering factors such as their teeth, bone growth, and size, we can get a general idea of their age. And while the old adage of one dog year equaling seven human years is a bit simplistic, the table provided offers a more accurate representation of a dog’s age in human years.
Remember, the oldest recorded age of a dog is an impressive 29 years old. So, there’s still plenty of time for your furry friend to break records and create more memories with you.
Article Credits
This article was originally written by the Veterinary & Aquatic Services Department at Drs