There are numerous dog breeds, and they all grow and age at different rates. Overall, the studies show that a neutered dog is more likely to die from cancer or an autoimmune disease, while an intact dog will likely die from an infectious disease or trauma. The entire study might seem confusing, but it is what it is – facts from a large sample. On the other hand, a 40,000-dog sample showed that neutered dogs tend to live for an average of 9.4 years compared to the 7.9 years average lifespan of intact dogs. However, a neutered dog is five times more likely to suffer from one of these disorders, if not more. Large breeds typically suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia alongside cranial cruciate ligament tears as they grow older. Scientific research and studies show that neutering a large dog will significantly increase its risk of cancer and joint disorders. That’s why it is crucial to socialize and train your puppy during this period. In general, the development that occurs within the first year of a dog’s life is equivalent to puberty in humans.Īs absurd as it sounds, a one-year-old dog is on the same level as a 15-year-old human. Most breeds require places with large spaces to grow up in, while others do not.įurthermore, toxic pollutants will affect cell growth, ultimately altering the entire aging process. That’s because an unhealthy diet can cause cell damage, which will ultimately result in premature aging.Įnvironment: The environment your puppy grows up in will dictate how long it will live. Nutrition and Deficiencies: Your dog’s diet plays a vital role in determining their overall life expectancy.Ī dog on a healthy diet is bound to live a longer life than one that is not. If the parents were healthy, the puppy might live for a long time. Therefore, your puppy’s lifespan depends on the genes it inherits from its parents. Genetics: The gene that passes down from parent to offspring determines how long the offspring will live. This causes tissues, bones, and even brain cells to degenerate.Įssentially, several key factors play large roles, influencing the entire aging process in dogs.

Cells are unable to divide and multiply, slowing down all forms of body repair. They also become more susceptible to weight gain, which can cause several health issues and other health conditions such as arthritis, lumps, bumps, and kidney problems.Īs your dog ages, cells begin to collapse. Generally, dogs fall under the senior class category anywhere from five years to ten years.Ī majority of breeds become classed as seniors once they are over seven years of age.ĭogs over the age of seven become physically slower. The concept of growing old or aging revolves around the decline in physiological functions because of an increase in age. Having said this, a simple formula is not enough to account for the different dog breeds.Ĭonversely, you can utilize a dog age chart for a more precise conversion from dog years to human years. Smaller breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, and certain breeds are prone to certain health conditions that others do not experience. Genetics, breed, size, nutrition, environment, and stress are some of the key factors that significantly affect a dog’s lifespan. However, the reality is entirely different since several vital factors determine how long a dog will live. The simple formula used to deduce dog years states that every seven human years is equivalent to one dog year.įor example, a 6-year-old dog is equivalent to a 42-year-old human.Ī quick look into the theory shows that it is not farfetched. Simply put, dog years show how old a dog is in relation to human years. In this journey, we might have stumbled across the term, dog years. The bond we share with them has been the driving force to getting to understand them better. The relationship between humans and dogs is one that has come a long way. The unique traits they possess, coupled with their high level of loyalty and intelligence, are what makes them so special. To some, these furry creatures are the epitome of perfection. These bundles of joy will forever have a place in our hearts. As the saying goes, dogs are man’s or woman’s best friends, which is simply why we are so in love with these furry four-legged creatures.

Dog chart years