Dogs are our adorable companions, but have you ever been curious about how they calculate their age?
There are many ways to calculate a dog’s age based on signs such as teeth, skin, muscles, eyes, and personality. Let’s explore DailyPets.net to understand better how to calculate dog age in an accurate and fun way.
How to calculate dog age to human age
Have you ever wondered if your adorable dog could talk? Would it say how old it is? Although dogs and humans age at different rates, we can still try converting dog ages to human years to get a clearer view of our time together.
Here’s how some animal experts have suggested to change a dog’s age to a human’s basically:
Falling in months of age:
- Puppies (0-2 years old): Corresponding human years: 0-24 months.
- Adult dog (3-5 years old): Corresponding human age: 28-40.
- Old dog (6-9 years old): Corresponding human age: 42-56.
- Old dog (10-14 years old): Corresponding human age: 60-84 years old.
- Very old dogs (15+ years old): Each dog year equals about 90 human years.
However, this calculation is only a reference method because each dog has its aging rate. For example, some small dog breeds live longer than large dog breeds. In addition, nutritional factors, living environment, and care regimen also affect the aging process of dogs.
How to calculate dog age through skin and muscles
A dog’s skin and muscles are important factors in appearance and can also help us judge the dog’s age. Although not an accurate method, we can still rely on these expressions to get an overview of the time we have shared with our four-legged friends.
Skin changes
The skin becomes sagging and loses elasticity: This often happens when the dog has passed middle age or old age. The skin will lose its firmness and elasticity, as seen on the face, neck, and body.
Loss of muscle
Softer muscles: As dogs age, muscles often decrease, making the body appear softer. This often occurs due to decreased mobility and increased muscle loss.
However, it should be noted that skin and muscle changes are not always correct for all dogs, as other factors such as breed, nutrition, and health status can also affect the appearance of dogs. You should always monitor your dog’s development and changes through each stage for a more accurate assessment.
How to calculate a dog’s age through teeth
A dog’s teeth not only help them eat and drink but can also indicate their age. Dogs go through the same teething process as humans, and observing changes in your dog’s teeth can help you predict their age quite accurately.
- Baby Teeth (0 – 6 months): In the early stages of life, puppies will grow their first baby teeth. These teeth are often very sharp and grow quite quickly.
- Canine teeth (6 – 12 months): Canine teeth will usually begin to grow. These are large teeth located behind the front teeth. Canine teething usually lasts for this period.
- Molars (1 – 2 years): When dogs enter adulthood, their teeth will begin to change. Molars will gradually replace baby teeth and become rounder and smoother.
- Teeth Worn (2 – 7 years): Their teeth gradually wear as dogs grow. This can cause the dog’s biting surface to change and may lead to the loss of some teeth.
How to calculate a dog’s age through eyes and personality
A dog’s eyes are not only the window to the soul but can also indicate their age. Along with the dog’s eyes and personality, we can see changes over time and roughly predict the age of our four-legged friend.
- Calm eyes: As dogs get older, their eyes often become calmer. This may be due to lower dynamism and spirit compared to youth.
- Dark skin around the eyes: Dark skin around the eyes can appear when the dog ages.
- Personality changes: A dog’s personality can also change over time. Young dogs are often active, hyperactive, and curious. As the dog matures, the personality may become more stable, and the dog may become more friendly, honest, and patient. As dogs age, they often prefer to rest more and exhibit more tranquility.
On sharing life with our four-legged friend, guessing a dog’s age through signs such as teeth, skin, muscles, eyes, and personality can help us better understand the time we spent together. Although not an accurate method, daily care and love is still the most important thing to ensure the health and happiness of your companion on the path of life.
