Do all dogs age at the same rate?

The short answer is, no! Just as with humans, the way in which dogs age can differ due to a range of factors—typically, their generics, size, environment, lifestyle and overall nutrition.  

You can find many charts online that tell you what your dog’s age is relative to human years. But it’s important to remember that not every dog will age the same way. Some dogs age earlier in life. Smaller pets may stay younger for longer, and larger breeds will age faster. Ageing is not a definitive science, and it’s important to remember that aging is a continual process rather than something that happens to your pet overnight.  

While many health assessments report age-related changes in dogs from seven years of age, there’s an uncomfortable uncertainty in not knowing definitively when ‘old age’ starts for our dogs.  

Just as some humans defy the odds and can still run a marathon at the age of seventy, there will always be exceptions when it comes to dogs.    

Every dog will mature slightly differently—not necessarily on the stroke of midnight on their seventh birthday.  

The key is to keep an eye out for any changes in your dog’s physical and mental wellbeing, and consult your vet if you are unsure which stage yours is at.