As pet owners, we all want to ensure our furry friends live a long and happy life. While not able to remain with us as long as we would like them too, understanding the age of your pup in human years helps develop healthy care plans tailored towards their needs at different stages of life. From playful puppies full of energy to elderly dogs needing some extra TLC - knowing how old they are according to this scale can provide invaluable insight into providing quality nutrition and exercise options for better well-being over time. Keep reading find out everything you need know about translating canine ages into human ones – even use our calculator below!
Complete Health Daily Dog Multivitamin
The age of your dog in human years can help you understand how your dog might be feeling based on their age. If your dog is 8 years old, they may be experiencing joint pain due to arthritis just like a human in their 60s might.
In the past, a dog’s age in human years was often calculated by multiplying the dog’s age in years by 7. For example, if you have an adult dog that is 3 years old, you would multiply 3 by 7 to get 21 years of age. Therefore, your 3-year-old adult dog is 21 years old in human years.
Scientist have developed a revised approach to determining a dog's age based on the chemical modifications to a creature's DNA over a lifetime. This creates an epigenetic clock - a biochemical test that can be used to measure age.
READ ALSO:
10 Reasons Why Your Dog is Eating Poop
9 Solutions for Relieving Pain in Dogs
9 Ways to Help Your Pup Live a Longer Life
The researchers found that this function showed strong agreement between the approximate times at which dogs and humans experience common physiological milestones during both development and lifetime aging, such as when infants, juveniles, and adolescents reach different stages. This translates into a seven-week-old pup equaling that of a nine-month-old child - by the time deciduous teeth erupt in both pups and babies. They did find that dogs and humans do have similar age-related methylation of certain genomic regions, especially during aging in both species.
The new formula for a dog’s age requires a little more math than multiplying by seven. The minimum age is 1. You multiply the natural logarithm of a dog's age by 16, then add 31 [human_age = 16ln(dog_age) + 31].
According to the formula, a year 1 year old dog is the equivalent of a 31 year old human, and a 2 year old dog is the equivalent of a 42 year old human, an 11 year jump. Things slow down after that. A 5 year old dog is the equivalent of a 57 year old human, and a 6-year-old dog is the equivalent of 60 year old person. Only a 3 year jump. The clock slows even more as they age more.
This makes sense when you think about a 1 year old dog (human age 31) is independent, can breed and raise the puppies, perform and learn complex task and survive on their own. With the old calculation, would a 7 year dog (human age 7) be able to do the same, physically or mentally?
Dogs mature faster than humans due to differences in the lifespan and developmental processes between the two species. While human childhood and adolescence can span two decades, a dog's growth trajectory is significantly accelerated.
In the first year of a dog's life, they go through infancy, childhood, adolescence, and even reach adulthood.
While the traditional calculation of a dog's age in human years is still widely used, the new epigenetic clock formula provides a more accurate way to determine a dog's age.
Have you calculated your dog's age in human years using the new equation? Use the calculator below.
My Healthy Dog Age Calculator
9 Quick tips for a Long, Fulfilling, and Happy Life for Your Pup
-
Nutrition: A Balanced Diet is Key Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy life for your dog. Providing a balanced diet that meets their specific needs is essential. Add a comprehensive health multivitamin to their daily routine to fill any nutritional gaps and support their overall health. Look for high-quality dog food with the right mix of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
-
Exercise: Keep Your Pup Active Regular exercise is crucial for keeping your dog physically fit and mentally stimulated. Tailor the activity to your dog's breed, age, and health condition. Daily walks, playtime, and interactive toys can help keep them in shape and prevent weight gain, which can lead to various health issues.
-
Hydration: Always Keep Fresh Water Available Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water. Proper hydration is vital for their overall health and well-being. Keeping them hydrated helps maintain healthy organs, aids digestion, and supports their immune system.
-
Parasite Control: Prevent Infestations Parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms, can harm your dog's health. Regularly use veterinarian-recommended preventive treatments to keep these pests at bay and protect your pup from potential infections and diseases.
-
Skincare: Keep Your Dog's Coat Healthy Maintaining good skin health is essential for your dog's overall comfort. Regular baths with a premium shampoo and conditioner suitable for their coat type can help keep their skin clean, moisturized, and free from irritations.
-
Foot Care: Don't Forget the Paws Your dog's paws deserve attention too! The paw pads are sensitive and can be prone to cracking and dryness. Consider using paw balm regularly to moisturize and protect their paws from harsh surfaces and weather conditions.
-
Dental Care: Promote Oral Health Dental health is crucial for your dog's overall well-being. Establish a dental care routine that includes regular brushing, dental chews, or treats to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
-
Preventing Trauma: Keep Them Safe Protect your dog from potential hazards and accidents. Secure your home and yard, keep them on a leash during walks, and avoid situations that could lead to injuries.
-
Happiness: Embrace the Power of Love Never underestimate the impact of happiness on your dog's life. Spend quality time with them, offer mental stimulation through games and puzzles, and shower them with love and affection. A happy dog is a healthy dog!
Share the Article with Friends so they can calculate their pups age too!
Do you have a recommendation, questions or insight? Share in the comments
