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How to Estimate Your Dog’s Age
Trying to determine how old your new dog is? Without a known birthday, pinpointing an exact age is tough. However, you can make an educated guess by examining their teeth, coat, and overall health. No Guaranteed Way to Know for Sure. Unfortunately, there’s no foolproof method to determine a dog’s exact age unless you have some record of their birth. Julie Tasch, Dogtown team lead at Best Friends Animal Society in Utah, explains that while aging a dog precisely isn’t possible, there are certain signs that can help narrow it down. If you’ve adopted a rescue or found a stray, it’s worth investigating these clues so you can provide the right diet and care for their stage of life.
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“It’s especially important to know a dog’s age if they are under six months old,” Tasch says. “Puppies need specific nutrition and vaccinations during this time.”
On the other hand, if your vet suspects your dog is a senior, you might need to adjust their diet to include fewer calories and joint-supporting supplements. Older dogs also require more frequent vet checkups.
Examining the Teeth
The most reliable way to estimate a dog’s age is by checking their teeth. According to Tasch, veterinarians and animal shelter staff use this method frequently.
“The more tartar, discoloration, or broken teeth a dog has, the older they likely are,” she says. However, factors like poor nutrition or past injuries can make a younger dog’s teeth appear older than they actually are.
This approach is especially useful for puppies under six months since their teeth are still developing. At this stage, you can make a relatively accurate estimate based on which teeth have emerged.
Genetics play a role too, smaller breeds tend to experience dental issues earlier, while some dogs maintain clean, healthy teeth well into their senior years.
Other Signs of Aging
Beyond teeth, several other physical traits may hint at a dog’s age:
• Graying Fur: A gray muzzle is often associated with aging, but some dogs start graying prematurely, just like humans.
• Eyes: Cloudy eyes or cataracts can be signs of an older dog.
• Body Condition: Look for fat pads along the lower back or a more pronounced spine—both are common in senior dogs.
• Activity Level: Younger dogs tend to be more energetic, while older ones might sleep more and struggle with stairs or jumping.
If you adopt a stray or rescue, the best you can do is make an educated guess. “By looking at teeth and overall physical condition, you can usually classify a dog as a puppy, young adult, adult, or senior,” Tasch explains. “But pinpointing an exact age is nearly impossible.”
Can a Dog DNA Test Reveal Age?
Unfortunately, no. While DNA tests like those from Embark can estimate a dog’s genetic age, they can’t determine their exact biological or calendar age.
If you don’t know your pup’s real birthday, why not celebrate their adoption day instead? After all, there’s a 1-in-365 chance you’ve picked their actual birthday! 🎉
Looking for more insights into your dog’s care and training? Contact us today at Alan’s K9 Academy, and let’s set you and your pup up for success!