Dogs are generally referred to as the most loyal and faithful companions one can have.
With their shiny round eyes and their tongues, dogs are always sticking out of their mouths, staring at their owners in awe. Frederick, the King of Prussia, regarded dogs as a man’s best friend. Dogs come in all sizes—from tiny little munchkins to tall and giant English Mastiff.
Everyone is curious when they adopt a dog, and obviously, who doesn’t want to know how old their dog is? Most dog owners usually take their dog to a good vet and ask for your pet’s age to ensure they can provide him accordingly. The age of a dog depends on various factors—even on the size in some cases. If you know your dog’s accurate age, then it’s better for his health as you can plan his diet accordingly.
Let us discuss one by one the factors which mainly contribute to recognizing the age of the dog.
Body Size and Shape
The size and shape of the dog is the foremost factor by which we can figure out our pet’s age accurately. However, there are different breeds, small and big. A general rule is: As dogs age and become more mature, certain changes in their shape appear, mainly in their physique, which can allow us to tell how old our dog is.
Physical Activities
Your dog’s physical activities play a significant role in determining his age. Younger dogs are typically much more energetic and lively than older dogs. They enjoy running around and jumping here and there, but senior dogs prefer to rest. If your dog is extremely active and energetic, you can tell he is young and has not yet reached his senior years.
Hearing
Hearing levels in dogs typically decline as they age. They are unable to listen as attentively as they do when they’re young. As a result, this could be a clear indication that your dog is now a senior citizen. Because of his hearing loss, he becomes aggressive and does not respond to your commands as he used to.
You should pay attention to your dog’s hearing because it may indicate his approximate age.
Teeth
Do you want to know the age of your dog? Then, before you consider anything else, you should take a look at your dog’s teeth.
If you recently adopted a puppy with no teeth, it is a baby no older than four months old. As the puppy grows older, he or she develops baby teeth that are sharp and pointed. They will get their permanent teeth around the age of 8 months. At the age of one, they have shiny white teeth that remain clean and bright for about 2 – 3 years before becoming dull and wearing off.
Dogs’ teeth become stained, dull, and tarnished as they age, primarily between the ages of three and five.
Examination of Eyes
As dogs get older, the lens of their eyes develops a cloudylook. This is not harmful to the dog; it simply indicates that he is now a senior citizen, and you should take him to a veterinarian you trust.
Changes in Skin, Coat, and Nails
The change in their coat and fur is also an important factor in determining a dog’s age. Dogs, like humans, develop greyish white hair in their fur as they age. In some cases, the color of their fur lightens, and their coats become thinner.
Their nails also become brittle, so you must exercise caution when cutting their nails to avoid injuring them.
DNA Test
A DNA test is an easy way to determine your dog’s age. You simply need to go to a medical lab, where the test will be performed, and you will learn the age of the dog. This is the best method if you want to avoid the fuss and simply find out how old your dog is.
Finally, if you use these factors, you’ll be able to determine your dog’s age accurately. So, once you know his age, you should take care of his needs and health accordingly, as different age groups necessitate different assistance and care. If you notice anything unusual about your dog other than these factors, you should take him to the vet as soon as possible to avoid any mishaps.