If you’re wondering how to tell how old your dog is, look no further! We’ve got the answers for you.
It’s always a good idea to know how old your dog is. This can help with things like determining if they’re too young to go on walks (or are still too young to be left home alone) or when it’s time to schedule their next check-up.
We’ve compiled a list of 5 ways you can figure out just how old your pup is!
5 Ways to determine your dog’s age!
- Signs of greying
As dogs age, they often develop greying hair on their faces. This process usually starts around the muzzle and then spreads to the temples and other areas of the face.
The amount of greying will vary from dog to dog depending on his individual genes and coat colour. For example, a black Labrador Retriever may only have a few silver hairs on his muzzle while an elderly white Bichon Frise may be almost completely grey all over her head and body.
If you are unsure about whether your dog is just starting to show signs of aging or if he has always had some grey hair in his coat, take a look at pictures of him as a puppy and compare them to recent photos. If you notice that the amount of grey hair has increased significantly over time, it’s likely that you dog is showing signs of aging.
- Check your dog’s eyes
One of the easiest ways to tell a dog’s age is by looking into their eyes. If you see that your dog’s eyes are clouded or have a milky film over them, this means they might be getting old.
You can also look for wrinkles around the corners of their eyes; this is another common sign dogs are aging. In addition, if your dog’s pupils appear smaller than normal or seem to be sinking into their sockets—this too could indicate an elderly canine companion.
It should be noted that some health conditions such as cataracts can cause similar symptoms in younger dogs! So if you notice any changes in your pup’s vision it’s always best to consult with your veterinarian right away!
- Check the teeth condition
Just like humans, dogs go through different stages of life when it comes to their oral health. For example, a puppy will have a completely different set of teeth than an adult dog. By taking a close look at your dog’s mouth, you can get a pretty good idea of how old they are. Here are some things to look for:
⦁ Puppies: Puppies generally have 28 baby teeth that start coming in around 3-4 weeks old. These teeth eventually fall out and are replaced by 42 permanent adult teeth between 4-6 months old.
⦁ Adult Dogs: Adult dogs typically have 36 permanent teeth including canine teeth (fang looking) which appear around 6-8 months old depending on the breed/size of the dog. All other breeds should have all 42 teeth in place by 1 year.
⦁ Senior Dogs: As dogs age, they may start to show signs of gum disease and tooth loss just like human seniors! If you notice any redness or swelling in your dog’s gums, make sure to take them to the vet right away as this could be indicative of an underlying health condition.
By taking a close look at your dog’s teeth, you can get a pretty good idea of how old they are. Keep an eye out for any changes in their oral health so you can address any concerns early on!
- Study the behaviour
Another of the easiest ways to determine your dog’s age is by studying their behaviour. As dogs age, they often become more sedate and less active than when they were younger.
This doesn’t mean that all older dogs are lazy, but it is a general trend you may notice in your own pet. Additionally, older dogs tend to sleep more during the day and have shorter bursts of energy compared to puppies or young adult dogs.
If you’re unsure about your dog’s exact age, observing their behaviour can give you some clues as to how old they might be.
- Check the fitness level
As a dog ages, they may start to slow down and become less active. However, this isn’t always the case, and some dogs remain fit and healthy well into their senior years. Checking your dog’s fitness can help you determine their age and whether or not they are starting to experience any age-related decline in health. There are several ways to check your dog’s fitness level. One way is to simply observe them during daily activities such as walking, playing, or going up and down stairs.
A young, fit dog should be able to move easily without any signs of pain or discomfort. An older dog that is starting to experience joint problems may have difficulty with these same activities. Another way to check your dog’s fitness is by taking them for regular vet check-ups where they will undergo a physical examination including weight assessment and checking for any signs of arthritis or degenerative diseases. Aging dogs often show decreased activity levels, which can lead many pet parents to believe that their dogs are just “getting old.”
Checking your dog’s fitness levels can easily help you determine if this is the case or if there may be an underlying medical condition causing the lethargy. If you think your dog might be experiencing a decrease in activity due to recent weight gain, muscle wasting, or decreased appetite, it would be best to consult with an etiologist to rule out potential causes other than aging.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to remember is that your dog is an individual. While there are certain physical traits that indicate a certain age, every dog is different.
If you want to know how old your dog is, the best thing you can do is keep an eye out for changes in behavior, energy levels and health. You’ll also want to make sure that you’re feeding them well and keeping them healthy!
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