Researchers Discovered the Method to Determine Your Dog's True Age—And It May Surprise You

Scientists have uncovered a method to calculate a dogs real age, revealing that its not as simple as the old multiply by seven rule. The research suggests that dogs and humans may age in remarkably similar ways at the genetic level.

To reach these findings, the team examined the genomes of 104 Labrador Retrievers ranging from 4 weeks to 16 years old. By studying DNA methylationchemical modifications to specific DNA segmentsthey observed patterns that reflect how aging affects both species.

In humans, DNA methylation can indicate the influence of genetics, lifestyle, and disease on the genome. Using these patterns, researchers can track the aging process through an epigenetic clock. Now, theyve applied the same concept to dogs, finding that certain regions of the dog genome change at rates comparable to humans.

This discovery shows that the life stages of dogs align with human development in several ways. For instance, puppies and human infants experience teething at similar ages. Regardless of breedwhether pitbull, pug, or Pembroke Welsh corgidogs generally reach puberty around 10 months and rarely live past 20 years.

Dogs also face age-related health issues similar to humans, including cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. Understanding their epigenetic clock provides insights into these conditions and how aging progresses in different breeds.

Building on this research, scientists created a new formula to determine a dogs age: multiply the natural logarithm of the dogs age in years by 16, then add 31. In other words:

Dogs age in human years = 16 ln(dogs age) + 31

This explains why a 2-year-old dog can be equivalent to a 40-year-old humantheir epigenetic clock runs faster in early years and slows down as they mature.

The researchers plan to expand their studies to include additional dog breeds, aiming to deepen understanding of canine aging. Multiple teams are exploring the dog genome, seeking further insights into the biology and lifespan of our four-legged companions.

Author: Benjamin Carter