How to tell your dog’s age? Do you have this question? If so, today we’re going to tell you how you can get an idea of your pup’s age range.
It is quite common to know the date of birth of your dog when adopted as a puppy. However, if you adopt an older dog from a kennel, you might not know exactly how old he is.
Many owners don’t realize it, but it’s very important to determine the correct age of your dog, as this can greatly influence their diet, exercise, medical care, and overall quality of life.
So keep reading to find out how to tell your dog’s age!
Physical Attributes
Coat
Not much different from us humans, when your dog starts to get a grayer coat, usually around the muzzle, it means that he is already a mature dog. Some dogs may also lose hair and skin elasticity, becoming a little saggy.
Eyes
In older dogs, you may notice that their eyes become cloudy or a little blue. This is due to lenticular sclerosis, which is quite normal to occur in older dogs. If you notice that your dog’s eyes are whitish and opaque, it could also be a sign of cataracts.
Read More: 3 Mental Disorders in Dogs
Muscle Mass
Healthy dogs are strong and lean. However, as they age, they may lose some muscle mass and appear more rickety, with a more visible spine and ribs. Therefore, it is important to observe these signs and organize an exercise routine so that your senior dog maintains muscle mass and mobility.
Teeth
A dog’s teeth go a long way in determining age. In older dogs, the teeth become more yellow from years of accumulated tartar and can show signs of wearing. Additionally, bad breath can also signal a dog’s age. A regular visit to your veterinarian is always recommended to assess whether there is any periodontal disease.
Behavioral Attributes
Movement
Older dogs move more slowly and sometimes with difficulty. If you notice that your dog has difficulty getting up after a nap or climbing stairs, he may be suffering from arthritis, which is common depending on age. Supplements can help alleviate some symptoms.
Appetite
It is common with age for dogs to lose their appetite. This is because they are less active and have a slower metabolism. If your pup loses interest in dry food, you can try adding a little warm water to the food.
Read More: Is It Too Late to Socialize My Dog?
Hearing
Your pup’s hearing may also decline as they age. If you notice that he is no longer excited by the doorbell, or looks away when called, it may be that he is developing hearing loss due to age-related degeneration of the auditory nerves.
How to Tell Your Dog’s Age? – Final Conclusions
The age at which your pup is considered a senior can vary greatly depending on size and breed. Generally, large dogs reach seniority at approximately 7 years old, while small breeds are considered seniors usually around 10 years of age.
Therefore, look for any signs of aging, feed your pup a balanced diet, and maintain regular exercise to ensure that your dog is healthy and comfortable in their later years.
Dog Walker Astoria
If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with Buster and Whiskers. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our Group Socialization Walks. You must live within our Astoria coverage area. In addition, your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria! Follow us on Instagram!
