How to calculate your dogs age

March 16, 2022
We Know Pets

In the past, we have roughly measured our dog's age in comparison to human years with an equation of 1 dog year being the equivalent of 7 human years. This calculation came to light back in the 1950's & is no longer an accurate tool to calculate your dog's age. Companion dogs age approximately seven to ten times faster than humans do. Researchers today have concluded that the process of calculating our dogs' age in human years is not so simple. Several influencing factors come into play in this calculation.

Breed
Environment, lifestyle & diet
Healthcare

In fact, according to a recent publication from The Dog Aging Project, "Big dogs tend to age the fastest -- maybe 10 times faster than humans -- while little breeds may live to be 20 years old, with "dog years" about five times human years".

What is your dog's lifespan?

Current guidelines now conclude the following :

15 human years equals the first year of a small-large sized dog’s life.
A 2-year-old dog is equivalent to 9 human years.
And after that, each human year would be approximately five years for a dog.

Although this is general, other factors will influence this calculation, for example, larger breeds tend to have a shorter life expectancy than smaller breeds. A Great Dane has an average lifespan of 7-10 years. This would see a 4-year-old Great Dane calculated as 38 human years.

How can I help my dog live as long as possible?

There are several things you can do to help your dog live as long as possible:

Provide a healthy diet: Feeding your dog a balanced and nutritious diet is one of the most important things you can do to promote a long and healthy life.
Regular exercise: Dogs need regular exercise to maintain good physical health, and it also provides mental stimulation which can help prevent behavioural problems.
Regular veterinary checkups: Regular checkups with your veterinarian can help identify health problems early on, and this can lead to better treatment outcomes and a longer lifespan.
Keep your dog at a healthy weight: Obesity is a common problem in dogs, and it can lead to a host of health problems. Keep your dog at a healthy weight by feeding them the appropriate amount of food and giving them plenty of exercise.
Provide mental stimulation: Keeping your dog mentally stimulated can help prevent boredom and anxiety, which can lead to behavioral problems. Activities such as training, puzzle toys, and playtime can help keep your dog's mind active.
Practice good dental hygiene: Regular dental cleanings and good dental hygiene can help prevent dental disease, which can lead to other health problems.
Support healthy cognitive function: Ensure you feed your dog with a premium dog food to support cognitve health, especially as they age. Foods made from natural ingredients and that include Omega-3 & -6 fatty acids will be of benefit. The proprietary blend of ingredients is precisely balanced to support brain function for older pets, interaction with others, and overall energy throughout the day.
Provide plenty of love and attention: Dogs are social animals, and they need plenty of love and attention from their owners to thrive.

By following these guidelines, you can help your dog live a long and healthy life. Of course, keep in touch with your dogs veterinarian and ensure that you visit them on a regular basis.

For further information, call in & see us in the store, or email us: admin@weknowpets.com.au