How to Find Out a Puppy's Age
Determining the age of a puppy is easier than figuring out the age of an older dog. Puppies go through many physical changes in a very short period of time following birth, so it is relatively simple to estimate the animal's age by looking at a few important features. However, determining a dog's age can sometimes be difficult even for veterinarians, because there are so many factors to take into consideration, such as breed, health and environment.
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Instructions
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Check to see if the puppy's eyes are open yet. Puppies are born with their eyes closed. They usually open their eyes about 10 to 12 days after birth.
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2
Examine the puppy's teeth. Dogs are usually born without teeth. The first teeth, called "milk teeth," appear sometime during the third week of a puppy's life. Within two to three weeks, more teeth will emerge until the pup has a set of 28 sharp teeth. This is when the teething period begins. During this stage, the puppy's need to mouth and chew will be evident. By 6 or 7 months, the puppy will have acquired a full set of teeth.
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Watch the puppy to see how well it stands and walks. By the age of 4 weeks, a puppy is usually able to run and chase its litter mates and should have good motor control of its limbs.
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Observe the puppy's interaction with its litter mates. A puppy that is 3 weeks old is capable of barking, growling and tail-wagging.
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Tips & Warnings
Large dog breeds take longer to mature than smaller breeds.
Consulting a veterinarian is the most reliable way to estimate a dog's age.
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