What Are Dog Years to Human Years?
Converting between human years and dog years is not as simple as multiplying by seven. This is a common misconception; while larger breed dogs like Great Danes age faster than smaller breeds like Yorkies, every dog’s age is determined by size, breed, and lifestyle. Understanding dog years to human years conversions can be hard to grasp, but this article will answer any questions you have about calculating a dog’s age in human years.
Understanding the Math Behind Dog Years
Converting dog years to human years is actually complicated and requires some math. This is because each year of a dog’s life is different than a human’s. For example, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the first year of a small- or medium-sized dog’s life is equal to 15 human years. After this, every additional year equals about nine human years. A large dog, however, ages more quickly than their smaller counterparts; the first year of their life is equal to 15 human years, but every additional year is equal to about five human years.
Calculating a Dog’s Age in Human Years
In order to calculate a dog’s age in human years, you must first consider the size, breed, and lifestyle of your pet. Here is a basic formula to help you start calculating:
Small & Medium sized dogs:
First year = 15 human years
Second year = 9 human years
Third year = Five human years
Subsequent years = 4 human years
Large dogs:
First year = 15 human years
Second and subsequent years = 5 human years
For example, if you have an 8-year-old large-breed dog, their age in human years is approximately 47 years old (15 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5).
Important Factors to Consider
Aside from taking size and breed into consideration when calculating a dog’s age, some other factors also influence their life expectancy. Lifestyle, diet, and health play a key role in determining the life expectancy of your pup.
Lifestyle: Dogs who are more active and get more exercise tend to age more slowly and live longer than dogs that are kept indoors. In fact, a lazy dog’s life expectancy can be up to twice that of an active one.
Diet: A healthy, balanced diet is essential for any pup. Good nutrition helps to support their health, allowing them to stay in good condition as they age.
Health: Regular visits to the veterinarian are key in helping to maintain your pup’s health. Being up-to-date on vaccinations and catching any potential health issues early can go a long way in keeping your pup healthy and happy.
An Easy Way to Convert Dog Years
If you don’t want to take all the dog years math into consideration and would like an easier way to convert to human years, here is a simple guide:
Small & Medium sized dogs:
1 year = 15 human years
2 years = 24 human years
3 years = 28 human years
4 years = 32 human years
5 years = 36 human years
Large dogs:
1 year = 15 human years
2 years = 24 human years
3 years = 28 human years
4 years = 32 human years
5 years = 36 human years
Determining a dog’s age in human years can be complex, as it depends on both size and breed. Use this article as a guide to help you determine your pup’s age in human years and always remember to factor in your pet’s lifestyle and overall health. With some simple math and an understanding of your pet’s breed and size, you’ll be able to calculate their age in no time.
