If you want to calculate the age of your dog, the old cliché is to multiply their years by seven. However, experts say it’s not that simple. Dogs age at a different rate than humans, and it also varies from breed to breed. For example, dogs often go through puberty at around six months, so they are only puppies until about nine months. So, how can we determine a dog’s true age? MailOnline explores the alternatives to the 7:1 year ratio, including a biological calculator.
A new formula has been created by researchers at the University of California, based on the rate that molecules are added to DNA as we age. This formula takes into account the changes in methyl groups, which are known as ‘epigenetic’ changes. The scientists compared these changes in 104 labradors with those of humans and found similarities in the timing of major milestones between dogs and humans. However, there are periods where the clocks don’t match, such as during puberty when dogs mature earlier than humans.
To calculate a dog’s human equivalent age using this formula, you take the natural logarithm of the dog’s age, multiply it by 16, and then add 31. This allows you to determine the dog’s ‘true age’ in human years. Of course, this formula is a generalization and doesn’t account for differences in breed, size, and gender. Female dogs tend to live longer than males, and small dogs have longer lifespans than larger ones. On average, dogs live around 12.69 years.
Separate research has shown that dogs become teenagers at six months old, adults at two years old, and seniors at around seven. Aging in dogs is defined by changes in behavior and cognition, such as attentiveness and memory issues. Taking care of your dog’s weight and dental health can help prolong their life.
In conclusion, the 7:1 year ratio is not an accurate way to determine a dog’s true age. Using a biological calculator based on DNA changes can provide a more accurate estimate. However, it’s important to remember that individual factors like breed, size, and gender can influence a dog’s lifespan.
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