How to find out how old a dog is in dog years?

How to find out how old a dog is in dog years? - briefly

To convert your dog's age from human years to dog years, follow this simple method: for the first year of your dog's life, consider it as 15 dog years; for each subsequent year, add 5 dog years. This calculation helps approximate your dog's age in a way that reflects their physiological development and lifespan.

How to find out how old a dog is in dog years? - in detail

To determine a dog's age in human years, also known as "dog years," follow these detailed steps:

  1. Understand the General Conversion: The common belief is that one dog year equals seven human years. However, this simplistic approach has been debunked by veterinary science, which recognizes that dogs age at different rates depending on their size and breed.

  2. Size Matters: Larger dog breeds tend to age more rapidly than smaller ones. This is because larger dogs have shorter lifespans overall. For instance, a Great Dane might live only 6-8 years, while a Chihuahua can live up to 15 years or more.

  3. Use the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Guidelines: The AVMA provides a more accurate conversion method based on size and breed:

    • For the first year of a dog's life, consider each human month as equivalent to 12.5 dog months.
    • After the first year, each additional human year is roughly equivalent to five dog years for small breeds, six dog years for medium-sized breeds, and seven dog years for large breeds.

  4. Calculate Specific Age: To calculate a dog's age more precisely:

    • First Year: Multiply the dog’s age in months by 12.5 to get the equivalent in human years.
    • Beyond the First Year: Add one human year for each subsequent year of the dog’s life, adjusted according to size:
      • Small breeds (up to 20 lbs): Add 4 dog years for every additional calendar year.
      • Medium breeds (21-50 lbs): Add 5 dog years for every additional calendar year.
      • Large breeds (51-90 lbs): Add 6 dog years for every additional calendar year.
      • Giant breeds (over 90 lbs): Add 7 dog years for every additional calendar year.

  5. Example Calculation: For a medium-sized dog that is 4 years old:

    • First year: 12 months * 12.5 = 150 dog months (or approximately 12.5 human years).
    • Additional three years: 3 human years * 5 = 15 dog years.
    • Total age in dog years: 150 + 15 = 165 dog months, which is roughly 13.75 human years.

  6. Consider Breed-Specific Longevity: Some breeds have specific lifespan traits. For example, a Labrador Retriever might live to be around 12-13 years old, while a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel may live up to 15 years.

  7. Consult with Your Veterinarian: Regular check-ups can help monitor your dog’s health and provide insights into their ageing process. Veterinarians can offer personalized advice based on the dog's breed, size, and overall health condition.

By following these steps, you can gain a more accurate understanding of how old your dog is in human years, which can aid in providing appropriate care throughout their lifespan.