try on to calculate out your new weenie ’s eld ? Without her birthday , it might be unimaginable . But you might be able-bodied to ballpark it by expect at her dentition or coat .
We ’ll get the bad news program out of the way first : There ’s no “ surefire ” way to secern how former your Canis familiaris is without knowing at least her approximative natal day or parentage twelvemonth .
That ’s harmonize to Julie Tasch , the Dogtown team precede atBest Friends Animal Societysanctuary in Utah . But , if you rescued your whelp or took her in from the street , there are clues to how erstwhile she might be . It ’s worth pursuing those clue so you may target your dog ’s food and care to the veracious age .
Photo: Maisie Paterson / Getty
“ It ’s of import to know your domestic dog ’s eld , particularly if they are under 6 months old . If they are this vernal , they should be on puppy nutrient and you ’ll want to make indisputable they ’ve received all of their inoculation , ” Tasch say .
You ’ll need to know if your Canis familiaris is approach old long time as well . If your vet estimates your dog to be senior , you may consider switching her to a senior food with few calories and added supplements to reduce joint infliction , Tasch says . Plus , older dogs need more regular vet visits .
Check the Teeth
Tasch says the Best Friends faculty will look at adog ’s teethto get an idea of how old she is . It ’s the best mode to get an estimation , so your vet will likely do the same .
“ The more tartar , discoloration , or broken tooth , more often than not mean an older click , ” she tell . “ However , it ’s still a guess . Poor nourishment at a youthful age or broken tooth due to trauma , could be misinform in maturate a young firedog . ”
The teeth method is best for guessing the age of puppies young than six month . They ’re still developing their chompers , so you could make a “ somewhat full guessing ” based on the stage of their teeth , Tasch says .
Genetics can also make that harder , saysveterinarian Erin Chu , DVM . Smaller breeds can take more dental diseases than their larger friends , and some dogs can just have clean , tartar - free teeth into their senior years .
Other Clues to Your Dog’s Age
Along with the teeth , Tasch says your puppy ’s grey face might argue that she ’s old , but that comes with a caveat , too . Just like mankind , andiron can see their hair gray untimely .
Chu say that proprietor can also search at their cad ’s eye to see if they ’ve become hazy or contract cataracts . Check your dog ’s body , too , to see if there are fat launchpad on her scummy back or whether her spinal column is more spectacular , other likely signs of a senior dog .
Activity level is another sign of your dog ’s age . young dogs are more active than their elders , who might have problem with stares or sleep more than normal .
So if you do end up adopting that stray you institute wandering around the neighborhood , a guess is about as good as you ’ll get . “ By looking at teeth and the pawl ’s world-wide forcible appearance , you’re able to generally make a pretty good conjecture at place the dog into a category of either puppy , vernal adult , grownup , or senior , ” Tasch says . “ But specific age are nearly impossible to specify . ”
Does a Dog DNA Test Tell Age?
Nope , good-for-naught . concord to Embark , which sellsdog DNA trial , the test can aid determinethe genetic age of your weenie , but they ca n’t forecast out your dog ’s calendar / biologic geezerhood .
If you ’re sad you ca n’t celebrate your dog ’s literal birthday , we suggest instead break out the political party hats on her adoption day — a favorite gotcha day — and celebrating then .
Plus , there ’s a one - in-365 chance you pick her actual natal day !
