Dog Years Versus People Years - How Old is your Dog Really?
Dog Years Versus People Years - How Old is your Dog Really?
Everyone has heard the saying that one year for people is seven years for dogs but that isn’t really accurate. The purpose of comparing people years to dog years is to figure out a developmental stage comparison - is the dog still a youth, an adult, or entering into his senior years. Sometimes we want to know this to help us interpret behavior or symptoms the dog is exhibiting. The question “Is this a stage he will grow out of?” becomes easier to answer if you have a human developmental stage to compare to.
Although advancements in diet and healthcare for pets are improving all the time your pet does age more quickly than people do. Thank goodness it doesn’t take a puppy a year to learn to sleep through the night or 2 years to be potty trained! By the time your dog is 3 they are a fully mature adult and through all the puppy stages.
In general, the larger the dog, the shorter their life expectancy and the more quickly they age. A small dog may be considered entering his ‘senior’ years at 8 or 9 while a very large breed may be considered a ‘senior’ by 4 or 5. Dogs entering their senior years still have plenty of years left to enjoy but may start to experience small deteriorations in their health. At this time, regular veterinary checks become even more critical. You may also want to consider altering your pets exercise regimen to include shorter or less strenuous, but more frequent sessions.
As your pet ages you may find that activities or motions that were once effortless are fatiguing. You may want to consider assistive devices for your dog. Stairs to help them on and off their favorite couch, a ramp to help them in and out of the vehicle, or a heated bed that soothes aching muscles and joints all go a long way to prevent injuries and to sooth the discomforts of age.
Your dog is an important part of your family. Proactive healthcare, a healthy diet, exercise, and lots of love and attention will keep your dog happy and healthy into his senior years.
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