Oct 31, 2025
How Old Is Your Dog in Human Years - Really?
How old is Your dog in human years - Really?
Everyone knows the saying: One dog year equals seven human years. It's so simple, easy to remember - and very often wrong. Recent research shows that dogs don't age in a straight line compared to humans. Lets dive into it.
Why did this 7-year rule first appear?
The idea most likely began as a convenient way to make a dog's age relatable to people, but it ignores many important factors such as breed, size, health and lifestyle
This is the reason why biological age estimation in dogs is so difficult - A Great dane's Clock of Life doesn't tick like a Chihuahuas. the largest dog breeds lifespan may average at 6-7 years, while smaller breeds can sometimes reach 17-18!
The new science of aging
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego have conducted studies on how dogs age, or more specifically on how the Labrador retriever age. The labrador has an average lifespan of around 12 years and was specifically selected for the study for being the 'average dog'.
They measured and compared changes in DNA methylation. Methylation is like a tiny marker that act like timestamps in both humans and dogs' DNA. Tracking those changes gave them a way to compare biological age across our species.
This is the mathematical relationship they found:
human age = 16 × ln(dog age) + 31
An average dogs age compared to the human life span. (Image: Wang et al. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32619550/ )
Instead of doing the calculations yourself, you can check this table:
Age of dog | Age in human years |
|---|---|
8 weeks | 9 months |
6 months | 20 |
1 | 31 |
2 | 42 |
3 | 49 |
4 | 53 |
5 | 57 |
6 | 60 |
7 | 62 |
8 | 64 |
9 | 66 |
10 | 68 |
11 | 69 |
12 | 71 |
13 | 72 |
14 | 73 |
What was found?
Dogs actually age rapidly in their early years and then the process slows down considerably. A one year old dog is actually closer to a 30-year-old adult than 7-year-old child. However, when using the new method of calculation they found that relatively speaking - a human and a dogs ultimate lifespan is very similar.
How to best care for Your senior best friend?
Regular veterinary check ups
Regular veterinary check-ups can help detect early signs of pain and disease. Prevention and early treatment is crucial to ensure a long and happy life for your pup.
Tailored exercise
Exercise for senior dog should involve low-impact activities. Gentle outdoor walks on soft surfaces, swimming or engaging in light play activities. Regular exercise prevents overweight, maintains joint health and reduces stress levels.
Grooming
Olders dogs may find it difficult to care for their fur properly. If necessary, do regular grooming sessions to prevent painful mats and other skin issues.
