Dog's Age

Is dog age 7 years for each calendar year? In fact, canine aging is much more rapid during the first 2 years of a dog's life. After the first 2 years the ratio settles down to 5 to 1 for small and medium breeds. For large breeds the rate is 6 to 1, and giant breeds the rate is 7 to 1. Thus, at 10 years of age a Great Dane would be 80 years old while a pug would only be 64.

How to tell a Dog's age

If you've taken in a dog whose age is unknown, there are some ways to determine his age. Here are some things to check to differentiate how old a dog is:

The Teeth: Dogs usually have a set of permanent teeth by their seventh month, so if you've come across a dog with clean pearly whites, he is likely a year old or thereabouts. Yellowing on a dog's back teeth may put the dog between one and two years of age, while tartar build-up at a minimal level could mean you have a dog between 3 and 5. Missing teeth or severe wear usually means the dog is a senior and could use some special dental care.

Muscle Tone: Younger dogs are likely to have some muscle definition from their higher activity level. Older dogs are usually either a tad bonier or a little fatter from decreased activity.

The Coat: A younger dog usually has a soft, fine coat, whereas an old dog tends to have thicker, coarser (and sometimes oilier) fur. A senior dog may display grays or patches of white, particularly around the snout.

The Eyes: Bright, clear eyes without tearing or discharge are common in younger dogs. Cloudy or opaque eyes may mean an older dog.

In general, the larger the dog, the more quickly it declines. For instance, a Great Dane could considered " senior " at age 5, while a smaller toy poodle would still spry at twice that age. However, a dog is chronolodically old doesn't mean that an endless series of malfunctions is in store. In many cases an elderly dog can enjoy many healthy, active, pain-free years.

One of the best way to prolong the life and improve the functions of an elderly dog is to carefully regulate its fuel intake. Older dogs exercise less and thus need fewer calories and since age reduce their ability to digest and absorb nutrients, high-quality food specifically formulated for their needs is a necessity. Excessive amounts of protein, phosphorus, and sodium can aggravate kidney and heart problems, so much such foods contain smaller amounts of higher-quality protein, along with reduced quanties of elements.

neW yeaR resolutioN

With the arrival of a new year inevitably comes a variety of new year's "resolutions." We vow to better ourselves through losing weight, quitting smoking, save up for holiday, and so on. But how may we improve ourselves as pet owners? What new year's resolutions should dog owners consider? Here are some suggestions for your consideration.

1. To provide your dog with the highest quality nutrition possible
2. Make it a point to ensure your dog's health through providing adequate and appropriate exercise.
3. Be realistic about your dog's weight. Obesity shortens longevity, both in dogs and people. If you can't feel your dog's ribs easily, he is too fat. Ask your vet for guidance in regulating his weight and achieving healthy body condition.
4. Train your dog. Make training a fun time, it will make life more enjoyable for your dog by providing him with the mental stimulation that all dogs need and crave.
5. Keep your dog well-groomed and maintained. Mats in the fur, parasitic infestations, rotten teeth, overgrown toenails, embedded collars, yeasty ears, oozing or itchy eyes, hot spots, etc. are all unsightly and worse, uncomfortable for dogs. Routine care and maintenance can significantly improve your dog's quality of life.
6. Make time for your dog. This may mean rearranging your schedule. It may mean walk your dog. It may mean skipping Wednesday night ladies' night so that you can enroll in the agility class you wanted to take. It may mean spending less time on Facebook and more time playing, training, exercising with your dog.
7. Keep learning and improving as a pet owner. What does your dog love? What stresses him out? How does he communicate his emotions through body language. Understanding your dog will enable you to be a better friend to him, this year and every year.
8. Help a less fortunate dog at least once this year. Remember that not all dogs are as lucky as yours. Not all dogs have regular meals, veterinary care, someone who loves them and will play with them, a home to call their own. There are many ways you can help less fortunate dogs - by making donations (either goods-beds, leashes, collars, food, toys, etc. or cash) to a local shelter or rescue, volunteering at a local shelter or rescue, organize fundraisers.
9. Be appreciative of how wonderful your dog is. One of the biggest elements of successful training is looking for desirable behaviors and reinforcing them with something your dog likes and appreciates - a treat, a butt scratch, a game of tug, the opportunity to go for a walk. Never miss an opportunity to thank your dog for good behavior.