Long ago, we published a text on how to calculate the “human” age of kittens. This time we will cover the same subject, but with those who are considered our best friends as the main focus. After all, do you know how old your dog would be if he were real people?

The years themselves never change. What changes is how you calculate the corresponding age your four-legged mate would have been if he were a human. Like the feline age, there is a popular wisdom that just multiply the animal's actual age by seven and you will have your "human" age. But that does not work very well.

It turns out that, like cats, dogs also have a very rapid maturity in their first year of life. In fact, these first 12 months of age would be equivalent to 15 human years! They reach adulthood much faster than their own owners.

One difference from cat counts is that dogs have a much larger size range, depending on their breed. The calculation of a chihuahua's age is different from that of a Dane - also called a German dogue. While larger dogs reach middle age by the age of six, the little ones take longer to do so.

Dog size influences the calculation of its equivalent age in "human years"

Doing the math

Cesar Milan, the "Dog Whisperer", gives a formula for calculating your pet's age: subtract two years from its age, multiply by four and add 21. For example: if your faithful companion is five, you will decrease two. (getting three), multiplying by four (getting 12) and adding 21, totaling 33 “human” years.

Another tactic, more complete and accurate, is to use the calculator that Pedigree provides on its official website. There you can enter the correct age of your dog, choose your breed and you're done! The site automatically gives you the corresponding human age for your puppy.

"What if I don't know his age?"

Many people adopt dogs without knowing their origin and age. It is therefore more complicated to stipulate how old he is. But it is not impossible, as they generally have body characteristics that change over time - just like us, we age and change our milk teeth, create wrinkles and so on.

A veterinarian may stipulate your pet's approximate age more accurately, but you can follow the table below to get a sense:

• From 5 to 8 weeks: The puppies open their eyes and the first teeth appear.
• From 4 to 8 months: Teething change, the baby teeth fall out and are replaced by the permanent ones.
• From 1 to 2 years: the maximum size of the animal has already been reached and the teeth have yellowish parts.
• From 2 to 3 years old: Teeth have tartar buildup and regular brushing is required. Also appear the first signs of gingivitis.
• From 3 to 7 years: White hair appears on the muzzle and the teeth are more worn.
• From 7 years: mobility decreases, some teeth may fall out and eyes may have cataracts.

Aging Steps May Be Noticeable in Dog Hair, Teeth, and Structure

Old dogs

Remember one very important thing: It is not because your mate has grown old that he does not need care and affection. On the contrary, it is at this stage that it requires the most attention. He has been faithful to you all your life; so, nothing fairer than you give the comfort he deserves with the love he always received.

And if you're in doubt about adopting an elderly dog, think this may be your last chance to feel loved by a family. Older dogs have a harder time getting adopted in shelters, so it is essential that if you are choosing a cook dog for life, be prepared to take care of it until the end.

A dog's life expectancy depends greatly on its breed, its size and its diet. Smaller breeds tend to live longer, up to 15 years. Large dogs usually live on average 10 years.

Older dogs require extra care

Have you ever had a dog that lived longer than that? Tell us what it was like to live with him!

* Posted on 13/08/2015

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