Bringing home a furry four-legged friend often translates to having a best bud by your side for life! But have you ever wondered about your dog’s age in human years?
This is one of the most common questions that pet parents often find themselves asking, and it’s an important one for better understanding how we can provide our dogs with the best care as they age. It’ll help you better understand their health concerns and curate a healthier diet and lifestyle plan to keep your furry friend around for longer!
So, in this article, we’ll explore how dogs age and the most common and accurate methods to determine your pet’s age in human years.
Understanding Dog Years
Before we explore how you can calculate your dog’s age in human years, let us first understand the concept of dog years.
Dogs age much faster than humans, and their lifespans are much shorter. You’ve probably heard it said many times how one dog year is the same as seven years for humans. Well, that’s not entirely true, but dogs do age more rapidly than humans.
Essentially, a dog’s first year of life is equivalent to about 15 human years, while its second year is equivalent to about 9 human years. After that, each year of a dog’s life is equivalent to about 5 human years.
This is perhaps the simplest way to understand your dog’s age in relation to human years. And this assessment is important as it helps you understand your dog’s health needs better so you can provide better care for your best bud.
“Knowing your dog’s age in human years can help you understand their health needs better, such as when to start preventive care, switch to a senior diet, and monitor for age-related conditions.” — PetMD
The Myth of 7 Dog Years to 1 Human Year
The idea that one dog year equals seven human years has been a common myth for many years. However, this is not an accurate way to determine a dog’s age in human years.
“The 7:1 ratio is a myth. The rate at which a dog ages depends on various factors, such as breed, size, and overall health.” — American Kennel Club (AKC)
So, what is a dog’s age in human years?
As we discussed earlier, a dog’s first year of life is equivalent to about 15 human years, not 7.
In fact, the 1:7 ratio does not accurately reflect how dogs age. The ratio was originally based on the average lifespan of humans and dogs, which is no longer accurate due to advancements in healthcare and nutrition for both species. Additionally, different dog breeds age at different rates, so a one-size-fits-all approach does not work.
Instead of relying on the 1:7 ratio, it’s better to use breed-specific methods or a more general method, such as the one we discussed earlier, where a dog’s first year of life equals nearly 15 human years and its second year is the same as about 9 human years.
It’s also important to keep in mind that while determining your dog’s age in human years can be a fun way to understand your dog’s lifespan, it’s not an exact science. Factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, and healthcare can all affect how quickly a dog ages, so it’s best to focus on keeping your dog healthy and happy rather than worrying too much about its age in human years.
Methods to Calculate Dog’s Age in Human Years
While there are various methods to calculate your dog’s age in human years, none are 100% accurate. However, these methods can give you a rough estimate of your dog’s age in human years.
Method 1: The 1:7 Ratio
While the 7:1 ratio is a myth, using a ratio to calculate your dog’s age in human years can still be helpful. Instead of the 7:1 ratio, use a 1:7 ratio.
This means that the first year of a medium-sized dog’s life is roughly 15 human years, the second year is about 9 human years, and each year after that is around 5 human years.
To calculate your dog’s age in human years, multiply their age by the appropriate factor:
1 year = 15 human years
2 years = 24 human years
3 years = 29 human years
4 years = 34 human years
Method 2: The Breed-Specific Method
Different breeds have different aging processes. Some breeds may age faster or slower than others. So, when calculating your dog’s age in human years, it’s essential to consider its breed.
To use the breed-specific method, you need to know your dog’s breed and life expectancy. You can find this information from your veterinarian or online resources.
Once you know your dog’s life expectancy, divide it by the average lifespan of humans, which is around 79 years. Then, multiply the result by your dog’s age to get their age in human years.
For example, if your dog is a Jack Russell Terrier with a life expectancy of 13 years and is four years old, their age in human years would be:
Life expectancy divided by the average human lifespan = 13/79 = 0.164
Multiply 0.164 by 4 (your dog’s age) = 0.656
Round the result to the nearest whole number = 1
Therefore, your Jack Russell Terrier is approximately 1 human year old.
Method 3: The DNA Test Method
DNA testing is a relatively newer answer to how to calculate a dog’s age in human years. Some companies offer DNA tests that not only identify your dog’s breed but also provide an estimate of their age in human years based on their DNA. While this method may be more accurate than the other methods, it can also be more costly.
Factors Affecting a Dog’s Age
The methods explained above can help provide an estimate of your dog’s age in human years, but it’s important to keep in mind that various factors can affect how quickly a dog ages.
Consulting your vet will also help you understand how your dog is aging and what you can do to ensure your pet’s optimum health and happiness.
“While the 1:7 ratio and breed-specific method can provide a rough estimate of your dog’s age in human years, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian to ensure the information you use is accurate.” — Rover
Here are some major factors that impact a dog’s age.
Breed
Different dog breeds have different life expectancies and aging processes, with smaller dog breeds living longer than larger breeds. Chihuahuas, for example, live for nearly 15 years, whereas Great Danes have a life expectancy of about 8 years.
Genetics
Just like humans, dogs can inherit genes that can affect their health and lifespan. Some breeds may be prone to certain genetic conditions that can reduce their overall lifespan. It’s thus crucial to maintain regular vet check-ups so any genetic condition your dog may have can be detected early.
Diet
A dog’s diet plays a major role in its health and lifespan. Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet can help them live longer and healthier lives. Make sure you choose balanced meals with enough protein and fiber. Check out Sundays -by The Upper Pawside to learn more about how you can curate a nutritious diet for your pet.
Exercise
Regular exercise is essential for a dog’s physical and mental health. Lack of exercise can lead to obesity and other health problems that can shorten a dog’s lifespan.
Environment
The environment a dog lives in can also affect their lifespan. Dogs who live in stressful or unhealthy environments tend to have shorter lifespans than those who live in healthy and stress-free environments.
Healthcare
Regular veterinary check-ups, preventive care, and prompt treatment of illnesses and injuries can help dogs live longer and healthier lives.
Conclusion
Determining your dog’s age in human years is essential to ensure they receive the proper care as they age. While you can use any of the methods listed here, make sure you also consult with your veterinarian to check that the information you use is accurate. By knowing your dog’s age in human years, you can provide them with the appropriate care to help them live a healthy and happy lives.
