Most of us have this long thought-to-be-true idea that one dog year equals to seven human years. So, if you have a two-year-old puppy at home, it is already 14 years old when compared to humans. Therefore, if you have a ten-year-old dog at home, it is supposed to be basically a 70-year-old grandpa. However, these calculations are not accurate according to expert findings.
Direct Correlation Doesn’t Work
The team of scientists from San Diego University in California came up with a new technique that doesn’t use the direct correlation between the dog’s age and the human’s age and it shows that dogs age much faster than people early on in their lives and then the process gradually slows down. The research also showed certain connections between human and dog development. For example, it showed that approximately a seven-week-old puppy is as old as a baby of nine months.
DNA-based Research
The whole research was based on the molecular changes on the surface of DNA in a sample of 104 Labradors from the age of 0 to 16 years. Thanks to that they found out that molecular changes, the so-called process of methylation, influence the expression of certain genes. During their lives, dogs go through “shutting down” of certain genes they no longer need or their bodies fix genes in which mutations occur.
Common Milestones for Dogs and People
Both people and dogs share the processes of shutting down or fixing the genes as well as they also have some similar physical life milestones, such as the replacement of teeth, the onset of puberty or sexual maturity. However, the time when these occur is different.
Aging Is Fastest until One Year of Age
The whole research also came up with a formula that can help to determine the age of every dog. It means that a one-year-old puppy is on a similar level as a 31-year-old human. The human equivalent of a two-year-old dog is 42 years, and a three-year-old puppy is approximately as old as a 49-year-old human. This pattern makes it clear that the aging of dogs gradually slows down. At this rate, a 7-year-old dog can be compared to a 62-year-old human.
The following table shows the age of a dog and its equivalent in human years:
1 dog year 31 human years
2 dog years 42 human years
3 dog years 49 human years
4 dog years 53 human years
5 dog years 57 human years
6 dog years 60 human years
7 dog years 62 human years
Researchers also introduced a formula that can be used to for further calculations. However, it’s not as simple as the previously used one with direct correlation. The human years of a dog can be calculated as six times the natural logarithm of a real age of a dog increased by the constant of 31.
Cuddling and caressing is not everything. Cats also enjoy time spent together playing a game and moreover, this activity leads to strengthening your relationship. Your furry friend will let off some steam and will be definitely grateful that you spent...
Brussels griffons cannot deny their resemblance to Ewoks from Star Wars. And legitimately! This imaginary race was created having these dogs in mind. The director, George Lucas, had a Brussels griffon at home.
You’ll recognize Scottish fold cat at first glance – as the name suggest, its ears are typically fold. It is a laid-back, balanced cat with undemanding nature and which looks cute.
Spring is already coming but if you love mountains as much as I do, there’s still a lot of snow. Therefore, we can remember what you can do with your dog to keep it fit in winter.
The current domestic, bred dogs are no longer the tenacious wolves as they used to be. Even though they are in their best shape, it might not be enough for winter and it is necessary to keep them warm.
What are the newest trends in dog nutrition? And what is the opinion of experts and dog owners themselves? I have made a summary for you about what hot topics have been discussed in pet nutrition recently, both at home and abroad.
Even though animal protection associations try hard, the number of semi-captive animals has been rising in the Czech Republic recently. Cat colonies are to be blamed for that as the cats reproduce there uncontrollably.
Are you planning to get a ferret and don’t know how to take care of this pet? Ferrets love freedom and movement, therefore it needs a lot of space as well as your attention. That’s why I come with 10 tips how to take care of this little beast. :)
If one of your New Year resolutions was to lose some weight you gained during Christmas and get fit, your dog companion may help you with that. Also, dog obesity is one of the issues vets have to deal with the most in recent years. What to do for a...
Dogs trained for the localization of beast excrements in environmental protection projects sometimes identify a wrong species. In 4 to 45 % of cases. A study published in Scientific Reports came up with a possible explanation why this happens. It...
This African feline has an untypical constitution for a cat. Thanks to its long legs it looks more like a dog. Although it is a wild animal, it is often a pet.
While Catnip is a herb with medicinal effect for people, it has different and much stronger effects on cats. Why does this undemanding perennial plant have an intoxicating effect on cats?
