How true! But what is this post about? Age. I’m sure you have all heard the adage that 1 dog year is equal to 7 human years, right? Well, I’m here to tell you that is wrong. It doesn’t make any sense and I don’t know why people think it.

If 1 dog year was equal to 7 human years, it would mean at 2 years old- which is when your dog is considered an “adult” developmentally, it would be the equivalent to a 14 year old person. Now if you have ever been 14, had a 14 year old child or even known someone who is 14- you know that a 14 year old human is NOT developmentally an adult. Right? On the other end of the spectrum, I have more than one dog in my practice that is 20 years old. 20 times 7 is 140. How many 140 year old people do you know? Unless Methusala is your uncle, I’m pretty sure I made my point.

So how do we compare? Well, it isn’t nearly as consistent as the “7 year rule”, but it’s a lot more accurate and it will help you to relate to your four-legged friend better.

Dog Years        Human Years

1 Year     =          15 Years

2               =         24

3               =       28

4               =         32

5               =         36

6               =          40

7               =         44

8               =         48

9               =         52

10            =          56

11             =         60

12             =          64

13            =         68

14            =          72

15            =          76

16            =          80

17            =          84

18            =          88

19             =          92

20            =          96

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