One canine year equals seven human years is a common saying. Dogs don't age like that.
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In their first few years, our pups mature faster than us. What does that signify for maturing?
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Your first-year dog is closer to a 15-year-old than a 7-year-old. What if you don't know your dog's age?
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Adopting a puppy makes determining your dog's age easier, but an older dog may take more investigation. Most shelter dogs have inadequate medical records, if you adopt stray, you won't know him.
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To estimate a dog's age, you must know how to tell. What's your dog's age? We'll explain how experts do it. Everhart Vet says that a dog's teeth can help determine its age.
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A puppy younger than 2 to 4 weeks won't have any teeth; by 8 weeks, they'll have all their baby teeth. A white-cheeked puppy is probably a year old. A dog's teeth fade after that age.
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3 to 5-year-old dogs' teeth yellow from tartar growth. Periodontal disease can cause tooth loss in dogs 10 & older. Dogs' weight distribution changes with age, just as humans'.
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Dogs acquire fat pads on their lower backs, while people carry their weight in their stomachs & hips.
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Look for fat along your dog's spine. This strategy isn't failsafe because many rescue dogs are underweight, but it can assist if your dog is healthy.
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Muscle atrophy, a swayed back, & a pronounced, bony spine are senior dog signs. Aging slows dogs of all breeds.
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If your dog has the zoomies and plays for hours, he's probably a puppy. If he sleeps at your feet while you watch TV, you definitely adopted an older dog.
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Older dogs are more likely to have health issues. Older dogs get winded easily after playtime. Aging dogs get arthritis & hip dysplasia.
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If your dog suddenly limps or displays signs of discomfort, it may be arthritic. Your vet can prescribe drugs to ease your dog's pain & improve his quality of life.