-
Step 1
First of all, what is your dog’s age in human years? If you don’t know the exact age, give your best guess based on what you know of your dog’s history or what vets have estimated.
-
Step 2
What is the gender of your dog? If female, is she spayed? If male, is he neutered? If your dog is spayed or neutered, he or she is at less risk for developing certain cancers.
-
Step 3
What is your dog's breed? Certain breeds are more prone to certain illnesses. If your dog is a mixed breed, what breed(s) does he most resemble? That may be a way of determining what illnesses he may be prone to.
-
Step 4
What is your dog's weight and body shape? If your dog is thick and you can't feel ribs, your dog is obese and at more of a risk for developing certain illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.
-
Step 5
Does anyone in your dog's household smoke indoors? If so, that will increase your dog's "real age."
-
Step 6
Does your dog have any oral hygiene problems such as bleeding gums, tooth loss, discolored or yellow teeth, or difficulty chewing hard food? Dental health is a vital component of your dog's overall health.
-
Step 7
How often do you take your dog for a regular checkup? Once a year normally suffices for younger dogs and twice a year for older dogs. (If it's due to illness it doesn't count, unless the exam includes a full checkup with blood work.)
-
Step 8
Is your dog current on vaccinations and does she have all the recommended vaccinations? Does she receive flea and tick preventative?
-
Step 9
Does your dog have any general health conditions such as food allergies, separation anxiety, bladder control problems, high blood pressure, breathing problems, joint pain? Any infections such as respiratory, skin or urinary? Diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy or another major illness?
-
Step 10
Does your dog have any parasitic conditions such as heartworm, ear mites, fleas/ticks or ringworm?
-
Step 11
What prescription medications (if any) does your dog take? E.g. for food allergies or anxiety.
-
Step 12
What type of food do you feed your dog and how often? Premium and natural brands are better for your dog's health than store brands or whatever happens to be on sale. Twice a day should be a sufficient number of times for feeding rather than leaving a bowl of food out or feeding your dog whenever he begs for food.
-
Step 13
What do you feed in between meals? Homemade dog biscuits, rawhide, nylon chew bones (not edible), chewy, meat-flavored treats, cooked beef? Store-bought, natural treats or homemade treats in which you control the ingredients are best.
-
Step 14
What is your dog's energy level? Slow-paced, active, hyperactive, lazy? Active would increase your dog's "real age."
-
Step 15
Does your dog engage in any activities such as walking, playing catch, running around the yard, going to the park, play wrestling with other dogs and swimming? If the answer is yes to any, how often? Regular exercise is, of course, better for your dog's health.
-
Step 16
When you take your dog in the car, where does he sit? Hopefully, on your lap is not the answer. The safest way is in a dog carrier or harness, but if you don't have access to one, the back seat is safer than the front.
-
Step 17
Does your dog walk on a leash? Dogs are at a much higher risk of danger off of the leash, aside from it being against the law in most places.
-
Step 18
Is there a secure fence enclosing the yard where your dog plays? Keeping your dog in the yard (never chained) is much more likely to keep her safe. And if your dog sleeps in a dog house, is it insulated from extreme heat and cold? This is essential.
-
Step 19
What does your dog do when he meets another dog for the first time? Bark, growl, shy away, run away or play, wag his tail and sniff in a friendly way? Aggressive, high-strung or frightened dogs are more likely to get in fights and aren't as happy; therefore, likely not as healthy.
-
Step 20
Is your dog trained in the basics such as come when called, sit, walk politely on a leash, stay, heel and respond to commands even with distractions? A trained dog that knows these commands is usually happier, healthier and safer. These traits can lead to a more quality and longer life.
Comments
hermanbishop said
on 9/9/2009 We got a 'rescue' dog (Chihuahua/mix) aprox July 1st. He was given to us by a caring dog 'lover (4 other dogs) with all nec shots and micro chip. What a deal! It has been estimated that the dog "Bentley" was about 2-3 years old. We have been feeding him Pedigee crunch bits for small dogs.
He was colored 'blonde'. We have begun to notice that his coat is turning a darker tan and his undercarriage is turning from pink to grey. We are trying to figure out if this is part of the aging process and what is really Bentley's age.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
MariM said
on 2/1/2009 does this count for a 175 pound GREAT DANE. Great advice.5* recommend
diggitydogg said
on 10/21/2008 Vets usually determine age by the teeth, but that's not always foolproof. Depending on their diets, some younger dogs may have the teeth of an older dog. So maybe your dog is a year or two younger. I think it's better not to know for sure 'cause when they get older there's always the chance they could be younger!
amylaine said
on 10/21/2008 Okay, I think I read that wrong to begin with. Sorry. Still great article. Very important info.
amylaine said
on 10/21/2008 Great info, when we went and got a dog from the shelter they told us our dog was a little over a year old. Knowing nothing about how to tell it did not phase me. We took them to the vet and to our surprise he tells us are new family member is 6 years old. So I guess it is not the easiest thing to determine. 5 stars.