How old is your pet in human years?
Three answers, honestly labeled: the size-adjusted chart vets actually use, the 2020 DNA-methylation formula, and the old ×7 myth — crossed out, where it belongs.
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Why ×7 is wrong
Dogs do most of their aging early: a one-year-old dog is a teenager, not a seven-year-old child. After maturity, aging speed depends heavily on size — a Chihuahua and a Great Dane at age 8 are in completely different life stages. That's why vets use size-adjusted charts, and why the 2020 DNA-methylation study found aging follows a curve, not a straight line. The full story, with the science: Dog years to human years — what science actually says.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert dog years to human years?
Skip the ×7 myth. Vets use a size-adjusted chart: about 15 human years for year one, 9 more for year two, then 4–7 per year depending on size — small dogs age slower after maturity, giant breeds faster.
What is the epigenetic clock formula?
A 2020 UC San Diego study of DNA methylation proposed human_age = 16 × ln(dog_age) + 31. It shows dogs mature extremely fast early (a 1-year-old dog ≈ 31 human years) then slow down. It was calibrated on Labradors, so treat it as fascinating, not gospel.
How do cat years work?
Cats: about 15 human years in year one, 24 by year two, then roughly 4 human years per cat year — indoor cats commonly reach the equivalent of 80+.
When is my pet a senior?
Roughly: giant dogs at 6–7, large at 8, medium at 9, small dogs at 10, and cats around 11. Senior pets benefit from twice-yearly checkups.