If you’re feeling less than happy about the number of candles on your birthday cake, spare a thought for your pooch.
Scientists have thrown out the idea that one dog year is equal to seven human years with new research showing dogs are closer to the age of a 50-year-old human by the age of three.
The University of California study looked at over 100 Labradors aged between the ages of four weeks and 16 years and their DNA methylation – how many molecules their genes pick up as they age.
This allows researchers to estimate a person’s age by looking at the methyl groups attached to their DNA – known as the epigenetic clock.
The result?
While two-year-old dogs may have their puppy-like moments, their DNA suggests they are already in their equivalent of their early 40s.
Their rate of ageing then does slow down – so a 10-year-old Labrador is on par with a 68-year-old human while a 12-year-old pooch is around 70 in human years.
So, to find out your dog’s ‘real’ age, work out its natural logarithm here, then multiply their age by 16 and add 31.
Turns out my furry friend is almost 68, which explains why her ‘guard dog’ skills have gone downhill – she’s decided to retire.
