A study released in July further helped dispel the myth of using simple math when determining a dog's age. Often referred to as an urban myth, multiplying your dog's age by 7 was loosely accurate for some based on overall generalities of aging. Some say the myth used the 7:1 ratio because on average, humans live to be 70 and dogs live to be 10. Thus, the 7:1 ratio was determined.
This new study confirms what veterinarians already believed: dogs age faster in the first few years of their life, then plateau as they age. While the old way may still be acceptable in general, this new tool helps pinpoint more accurately, the exact age of your dog. This information will help veterinarians know when to help with the aging process of your dog.
While the findings are interesting, the bottom line is still true: our dogs do not live as long as we would like. Read on to see how the study compares to other ideas on a dog's age.
The study from the University of California San Diego School of Medicine illustrates four main areas of age for humans and dogs: juvenile, adolescent, mature and senior. The study charts out aging progression and uses some fun imagery, comparing it to the aging process of the actor, Tom Hanks. And just as you may be surprised this study labels Tom Hanks as a senior at the age of 64, your dog ages 40 years in the first two years of their life.
These determinations are a little different than what the AKC and the American Veterinary Medical Association find in the aging of dogs. They summarize the aging of dogs like this:
- The first year of a dog’s life equals 15 human years.
- The second year of a dog's life equals 9 human years.
- And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog.
Dogs age quickly in the beginning, for years one and two. Thankfully, their aging process slows down. Of course, there are many factors that impact the aging process for a dog. The size and breed, the life they live, and how active they may or may not be.
What is your dog’s age?
We have compiled the latest data from these resources in this easy chart that can help you determine the approximate age of your dog. This chart uses the data available from AKC.
Preventative Health Care Tips Dogs
As our dogs age, health problems start to progress more quickly. Some common illnesses associated with dogs as they age are osteoarthritis (OA) or arthritis in dogs, periodontal disease, diabetes and cancer. Here are action items you can do to help your dog age as gracefully as you are aging:
- Regular well check visits with your veterinarian.
Just like humans, as dogs age, they have more health problems. It is much easier to be proactive and work ahead, then to wait for something to happen. Consult your veterinarian to discuss what you should be aware of for your dog. Most recommend seeing your veterinarian twice a year.
- Keep your dog’s weight in check.
Your dog’s weight has a bigger impact on their health as they age. Dramatic changes in weight, either gaining or losing, can be an early indicator of illness.
- Start a joint supplement such as Glyde™ Mobility Chews.
When you were 20, you were able to jump higher and run faster. Now at age 40, not as much. Your dog feels the same way. Many pet parents add joint supplements and Glyde Mobility Chews has great results. If you have seen your dog slowing down, consider adding Glyde to help relieve the signs of arthritis and promote better joint health in all ages of dogs.
- Continue playing with your dog.
Keep your dog active throughout their lives, so they stay happy and healthy. Take your dog on a walk, play tug-of-war or fetch to keep your dog acting like the puppy they once were. If you see less interest in playing, and more interest in sleeping, take the initiative to change this pattern.
We all know our dogs are beautiful, fulfilling, wonderful additions to our family. Just as we have always said, the only problem is they don’t live nearly long enough. While we reflect on how our dog ages, let's do our part to make sure they live their best lives while they are here with us and keep them as happy and healthy as possible!
Resources:
- AKC, "How to Calculate Dog Years to Human Years"
- People Magazine, "Study Finds a Dog Year Doesn't Equal 7 Human Years"
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, "How Old is Your Dog in Human Years?"
