Unraveling the Sticky 7-Year Myth
The Myth of Dog Years
Have you done the dog years calculation yet? It’s only a matter of time before you do the equation. We all know it, right?
7 dog years = 1 human year. Presto! That’s how old your dog is!
It’s deliciously easy math. But if it’s true, a lot of us are living with 112-year-old dogs. Somehow I doubt that.
The myth that 1 calendar year translates to 7 dog years is just that…a myth.
It’s a tidy, appealing notion that took root in the mid-20th century and hasn’t shifted despite being debunked ages ago.
The calculation was a little lie that came from a good-ish place, Dr William Fortney - a pet age expert - told the Wall Street Journal. It was a well-intended marketing ploy “to educate the public on how fast a dog ages …from a health standpoint.” The hope was that owners would be better about annual checkups.
But if it’s not really true…maybe we should let it go?
And if the 7 dog years to 1 human year thing isn’t right…then what is?
Unfortunately, calculating dog years requires a sort of…squishy equation. And if math makes you cry, like it does with me, that may sound daunting.
But don’t worry.
In this blog, we’re going to help you figure out your “pup’s” real-ish age.
More importantly, we’re going to nail down what each life stage means for you and your dog.
It’s Not the Dog Years, It’s the Mileage
When you’re trying to imagine dog years in human life terms you have to consider what age really means to a body.
It’s an uncomfortable fact that the larger your dog is the shorter their life expectancy.
For instance, the RSPCA sets the average lifespan of a Great Dane at 6-8 years. A chihuahua they put at 15-20.
That’s a big gap. One that creates a totally different definition of “dog years” for different breeds – and why the math is still up for debate.
“This tradeoff has been known about for a long time,” says evolutionary biologist Cornelia Kraus. Bigger dogs’ lifespans just seem to “unwind in fast motion.”
So the idea of “dog years” is a little misleading. It’s more about how your dog’s body is impacted by time. If we want to figure out your dog’s age in human years, we’ll have to adopt a sliding scale.
In the beginning, time seems to pass the same for most dogs. But as dogs age, the gap between sizes starts to show more and more. By the end, the gap widens to over 40 years.
So we should ask ourselves, “What are we really trying to learn about dog years?”
Is it more about development or math?
Instead of Dog Years, Think in Dog Stages
Dog parenting is a dynamic process, from puppyhood through maturity. What they need from you is going to change depending on their life stage.
Kind of like caring for a human child.
You don’t parent a baby the way you parent a tween. The best parents – of humans or of dogs – are the ones who embrace the whole journey.
So instead of just calculating your dog’s years to years on a calendar, calculate them in relation to their development.
Puppyhood
● Potty Training
These are the dog years of cleaning up. Be prepared for accidents. Stock up on cleaning supplies. And learn to get super zen about your carpets.
It is what it is. Potty training doesn’t always happen in a straight line.
Learn to shrug your shoulders, do the work, and know that someday this will all be a funny memory.
● Chewing/Mouthing
Puppies love to chew. They wrap their mouth around anything and everything in this stage. Shoes, mail, socks…your arm.
Don’t let it go. Be prepared with some clean, safe chew toys to redirect this energy.
● Age-Appropriate Feeding
Puppy food is different from adult food. That’s not just a marketing thing. If you have mature dogs in the house, don’t be tempted to feed them all the same thing.
Puppy food is more calorie-dense, protein and fat-rich, and has nutrients that you can’t take for granted during these important dog years.
● Structured Socializing
When your dog is vaccination-safe, get them out into the world. Introduce them to different areas. Let them safely meet different people and animals.
Don’t just chuck him in a mosh pit of dogs. Expose your pup to new experiences – with you as their advocate – to haracter noise, changes, unfamiliar smells, and society.
Adolescence
● Rebellious Phase
An adolescent dog can become a bit of a button pusher. These dog years are haracterized by the testing of boundaries – society’s, other dogs’, and most of all yours.
They’re not crazy. They’re not mean. They’re just learning.
Be present. Be patient. Consider getting professional help with this transition.
● Energy Bursts
Sometimes – brace yourself – your dog will have increased energy during these dog years. This can lead to some behaviour issues if you don’t keep them super exercised and properly engaged.
Hang in there with the walks. Challenge them mentally. Consult with a professional if you need to.
● Independence
Your adolescent dog could start to assert some independence now. That means they can turn into an escape artist – from the house or from their leash.
They’re curious at this stage and want to follow their noses.
Commands like Sit, Stay, and Leave It are the big players during these dog years. Working on duration commands can help teach them focus and better decision-making.
● Hormonal Changes
If you haven’t spayed or neutered your dog yet, these are the dog years where behaviour changes are often driven by hormones.
Have a serious talk with your vet about the best option for your growing dog.
Middle Age/Full Maturity
● Exercise
When your dog slows a bit, it’s tempting to define a simple potty break as their walk. But adult dogs still need exercise and play.
Both are essential for keeping boredom and obesity at bay. Mature dogs need random smells and adventures for mental health – and their body has to move.
● Weight/Diet
This is the phase when a lot of dogs get…plump. It’s cute and all, but it’s so unhealthy.
It’s easy to create bad habits at this easy breezy phase of your dog’s life. Those habits can result in premature health issues. Consider your portions, curb the treat-bribery, and source healthier food options.
● Dental Care
Keep an eye out for signs of dental problems like bad breath, swollen gums, or difficulty eating. These can indicate dental issues.
Aside from the discomfort, this can hasten more serious illnesses – like heart disease. Use dental chews, brushing, or professional cleaning to keep them healthy.
Senior
● Joint Health
Arthritis and joint issues are pretty common in later dog years. Consider joint supplements or consult with your vet on medication.
Don’t forget to design easy access to any place they need to get. Have comfortable bedding on hand, and be a help when they need to climb stairs.
● Increased Vet Care/Specialists
This is such a gross subject, but we have to cover it. Vet bills. They can go way up around this time. And the bills from a specialist can make your eyes water.
Set aside some funds for their care or even invest in some pet insurance. You don’t want your dog’s health decisions to be about the price tag.
● Rest/Action
These are the dog years when your dog sleeps a lot. It’s okay. Enjoy the camaraderie of resting together.
But this doesn’t mean they only need to sleep.
ake them out to smell the air, meet with friends, and get some moderate exercise. Consult with your vet on a reasonable regimen for this time of life.
● Traction/Balance
Hard floors are challenging for an older dog’s ability to balance.
Consider putting down more rugs. They need some traction to stand or sit without sliding. And soft floors are just nicer on their joints.
What Do Dog Years Even Mean?
When you think of it, the idea of dog years to human years…that’s kind of more for us. It satisfies our need to attach an age identity to these creatures we love.
But if we’re talking about developmental care, the underlying message of each life stage is basically the same.
Your dog needs your patience.
They need regular veterinary care, exercise, and a balanced diet.
Most of all, they need quality attention from you – their bestie.
Look. It’s never going to be enough time with them. Never. Not if they live a thousand years.
So spend these dog years really present with them. Be invested in every moment. That’s how you can turn dog years into a lifetime.
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