As a dog parent, you understand how challenging it can be to determine your pup’s age. Even vets cannot always give an exact figure. But don’t fret — there are some telltale signs you can look for that will give you some insight.
Grey Hairs
Your dog’s fur can give you an indication of their age, especially if they have grey or white fur on their muzzle. This usually indicates they’re growing older but could also indicate genetic issues.
Teeth
Examining your dog’s dental growth is another useful method to determine their age. You can tell if they have teeth that appear worn and chipped (or even missing). If you’ve had your pup before, take a look at their photos to notice any subtle changes in the appearance of their chompers.
Teeth are an integral part of your dog’s health and can be an indicator for their overall well-being. To keep their mouths healthy, brush regularly; if you notice tartar accumulation or that their chompers appear dull or chipped, take them to the vet immediately.
Barking
As dogs age, their vocal box begins to lose the capacity for making loud sounds. While this won’t be an issue if your pup is healthy and free of medical conditions, you should be on the lookout if your pup suddenly begins experiencing issues with their voice production.
Aging is an inevitable part of your dog’s life, and the physical changes that take place are normal. However, you should still be wary if your pup appears to be experiencing behavioral changes or appears lethargic.
Embark’s DNA Test
If your dog has a veterinary-issued DNA test, it can be an invaluable tool in determining their true age. Unfortunately, the company selling these tests states that the test only provides genetic age estimates and not calendar or biological ones; so if your pup is adopted, you won’t have access to this data and must rely on other clues in order to ascertain their actual age.
Age Calculator
Thanks to modern technology, it’s now simple to find the correct formula for calculating your dog’s age in human years. Researchers from the University of California in San Diego developed a science-backed calculator that uses factors like breed, size, and other characteristics to calculate your pup’s age in human years.
They calculated that a 1-year-old dog is roughly equal to one human year in terms of mental and physical maturity; after those first two years, however, the ratio slows down to one to five. This is because dogs mature faster than humans do during the first two years of their lives, meaning dogs’ ages are equivalent to human ones in terms of mental and physical maturity.
