Dog age compared to human age
5 post(s)
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 12:14PM PDT
CarlaGenender
291 post(s)
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They used to calculate a dog's "human age" by multiplying it by seven, but that has changed. The reason is the recognitiion that dogs reach adulthood within the first couple of years.
There are many different calculations currently being used, but the one I like best also takes into account the dog's size because small dogs tend to live longer than big dogs.
According to Dr. Fred. L. Metzger, D.V.M., Dipl ABVP, State College, Pennsylvania:
If your dog is 20 pounds or less it will be 36 human years old when it reaches the age of 5 years. From then it will age about four human years to every one dog year. He will become a senior at age 7 (44 human), and a geriatric at age 14 (72 human years).
A dog between 21 and 50 pounds will be 37 human year old when it reaches the age of 5. It will age between 4 to 5 human years for each dog year after reaching 37. It becomes a senior at dog age 7 (47 human) and a geriatric at dog age 12 (human 69).
From 51 to 90 pounds a dog will be 40 human years old when it reaches its 5th birthday. From then it will age 5-6 human years for each dog year. At dog age 6 (45 human) it will be a senior, and a geriatric at dog age 10 (66 human years).
The larger dogs, over 90 pounds, age the fastest. By dog age 5 (42 human) they are considered to be seniors, and by dog age 10 (78 human) they are geriatrics. The human age to dog age ratio runs pretty close to the old 7 to 1 standard.
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 12:43PM PDT
Robert
298 post(s)
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I was just at the vet yesterday - and there was an age chart - using the scale you are describing. Found out my dog was a senior :(. Always thought of him as a puppy - now, I have to prep myself and watch for the various signs - just incase :(
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 02:14PM PDT
TinaValant
845 post(s)
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Rapid advances in our own health and diet have increased the average American's life span. Recent university studies show that pets on a well balanced holistic diet, with daily exercise and veterinary care, can live 10-20 years and beyond ~ thanx to advances in pet care and especially nutrition!
As awful as the food recall fall-out has been, people are now reading labels and getting educated about what they fill the bowl, with ~ and that's a good thing. Cost and convenience are no longer the leading factors steering consumers' pet food choices. And isn't that how it should be?
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 03:44PM PDT
CarlaGenender
291 post(s)
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You are so right, Tina. In addition to diet, there are many things we can do to help our older dogs's physical, emotional, and mental health. For example, like humans, the expression "use it or lose it" applies. They still need exercise, though the time and amount is different. They still need affection and companionship, even though they sleep more. And possibly most of all, they need mental stimulation. Balls that dispense treats are one way of providing mental stimulation. There are many others. As crazy as it sounds, I play hide and seek with my dogs. I put them in a sit, then I go hide and call out "Where's Mommy". They raise around sniffing until they find me, and then they get sooo excited. My 10 year old yorkie has the enthusiasm of a puppy when we play this game.
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Fri 27 Jul 2007 04:00PM PDT
GigisStaff
6 post(s)
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My mom and dad sure learned a lot, this year (thank goodness). I look and feel a heck of a lot better being on the "good food" (and no more table scraps). I am looking forward to many many more (non-itchy) years of terrorizing the postman and the UPS man (except, of course, when he is delivering my food/treats). Gigi
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