Have you ever thought of how old your dog is in terms of human years? If you are curious about it, then you are not alone. When you put your dog’s age in human age perspective, you gain more understanding about your dog’s life span and also about their basic needs. Also, the popular myth that “one dog year is equivalent to seven human years” is not completely true. When it comes to the ageing process of the dogs, factors like breed, size and age matter a lot.

In this blog, you will find the ideal way to calculate the dog’s age in human years. So, let us get started,

How to Calculate a Dog’s Age?

To determine your dog’s age in human years, researchers from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine have designed a more apt method. By observing how DNA changes over a period in humans and Labrador Retrievers, they understood that dogs age much faster in the early years than previously thought. This also explains why the standard belief “1 dog year equals 7 human years” fails.

The researchers have created a formula to convert dog years to human years. All you need to do is multiply the natural logarithm of the dog’s age by 16, then add 31. Simply put, the formula is human_age = 16ln(dog_age) + 31.

If you feel this is complicated, then you don’t have to worry. You may use a dog age calculator to determine the equivalent age. It will significantly help you to understand your dog’s life stage and manage their care accordingly.

Use the Dog Age Calculator Chart

There are a lot of ways to find out about your dog’s actual age in human years. Factors like your dog’s weight and their dog’s size play a vital role, as smaller dogs tend to age more slowly than larger breeds. To make things easier, you can use the dog’s age chart given below, which considers your pup’s size for more accurate calculation.

Why Dogs Age Differently?

Dogs are different from humans since their bodies develop and age comparatively at a faster rate, especially in their formative years. Although a lot of factors play a vital role in determining how they grow are stated below,

1) Dog’s Size

The size and weight of the dog have a significant impact on how they age compared to humans. Large breed dogs tend to age faster than smaller and medium breed dogs. For example, when a small dog breed like pug turns 7 years old, it is almost equal to 44 human years, while a large breed like German Shepherd is closer to 50.

Although the exact reason for this is not completely ascertained, researchers do believe that large dogs face age-related problems. The fast-paced growth from puppyhood to adulthood may result in quicker cellular ageing, which in turn might contribute in abnormal cell growth.

2) Breed-Specific Characteristics

A dog’s breed can play a vital role in their lifespan and how it ages. It is also true that certain breeds are more vulnerable to health issues that can shorten their lives, or impact their life quality as they age.

For instance, Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs often experience breathing problems, whereas German Shepherd dogs are vulnerable to a problem like hip dysplasia, which can affect the mobility of this breed. 

3) Lifestyle Factor

Some lifestyle factors impact the lifespan of a dog. Here are those,

1) Nutrition: Feeding your dog a highly nutritious diet that meets the nutritional requirements of your dog is essential to prevent obesity. Obesity is also associated with health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems, all of which result in faster ageing.

2) Exercise: Regular exercise keeps muscles and joints robust and promotes excellent health. Keeping them active is particularly important, especially for the larger breeds vulnerable to arthritis and hip issues.

3) Preemptive Care: Neutering or spaying your dog can help prevent infections and even cancers in dogs. Also, regular check-ups with the vet will help you find any potential health concerns in your pet as well.

Learning how to calculate your dog’s age in human years helps you provide the best care needed for your dog. From nutrition to punctual vet visits, ensure that your dog stays in a healthy condition.