The most common theories for how to compare human years to dog years uses an equation: one says that dog years X 7 = human years; another says the first year of a dog’s life is 15 human years, the second year equals about nine human years, and after that, every human year equals approximately five years.
The reality is that comparing human years to dog years is more complicated than this. That’s because smaller dogs age more slowly and have longer life spans than larger dogs. There are also differences between similar size dogs of different breeds.
So, what does this all mean to us as dog lovers considering adopting a “senior” dog? It means to forget about the equations and instead consider what kind of life and love you can give a precious dog for whatever amount of time is left in either of your lives. Every moment you get to spend together is a joy that never gets old!