Believe it or not, the age of your dog is not actually an accurate way to tell whether they are old or not! We have all heard that one dog year is equivalent to seven human years, but this rule doesn’t actually translate.
Experts have since worked out that the first year of a dog's life is equivalent to fifteen human years. The second year is equivalent to nine human years. From there on, each year can be judged at around five human years.
However, even with this myth busted, there is still no set rule or age that marks your dog old. Just like humans, aging is slow and subtle, and the rate at which individuals age varies greatly. Genetics, trauma, illness, and lifestyle all contribute to the body's general health and the rate at which it declines. Dogs, from the same litter, can even age at a different rate.
So, how on earth are you supposed to prepare for your dog's senior years, and how will you know when they get there? Understanding your dog and being aware of the physical and mental changes they may go through is key
Aging Your Dog
With the exception of large and giant dogs, the general rule of thumb is to assume that your dog will enter their senior years at the age of seven. At this point, veterinary checks should be conducted at least once a year, and lifestyle changes need to be considered.
