How to determine the age of your rescue dog

Shelter and rescue dogs have spiked in popularity and for good reason. Not only does adopting a dog mean that you’re giving a pup a second chance at life but you might also be getting a wonderfully unique dog. Whether you adopt a mixed breed or a purebred, you might not always get a full history. Your rescue dog’s may be a mystery when you first adopt them. Knowing your dog’s life stage is important as it closely relates to their health and what kind of care they need.

Without a full history, it may be difficult to determine exactly how old your rescue pup is. However, there are a few methods that you can use to estimate their age.

Look at their teeth

The condition and wear of a dog's teeth can give some clues about their age. Puppies generally have small, sharp teeth, while older dogs will have more worn down teeth. As dogs age, their teeth may also start to yellow or show signs of decay.

Puppies (0-6 months): 

At this age, puppies have their milk teeth, also known as deciduous teeth. They have 28 teeth in total, and their incisors (front teeth) will start to come in at around 2-4 weeks of age, followed by their canine teeth at around 3-6 weeks of age, and their premolars at around 4-12 weeks of age. By 6 months of age, their milk teeth should have fallen out and been replaced by their permanent teeth.

Young adult (6 months - 2 years): 

At this age, the dog will have all their permanent teeth, and their teeth will be clean, white, and not show any wear. The dog's teeth will also have distinct ridges and bumps on the molars and premolars.

Adult (3-6 years):

At this age, the dog's teeth may start to show some wear, and the ridges and bumps on the molars and premolars may begin to wear down. The teeth may also start to become slightly yellow.

Senior (7 years and older):

At this age, the dog's teeth may show significant wear, with the ridges and bumps on the molars and premolars worn down almost completely. The teeth may also be discolored and show signs of decay or disease.

Consider their activity level

Younger dogs tend to be more energetic and playful, while older dogs may be less active and have a more sedentary lifestyle. It's important to note that a dog's activity level can also be influenced by factors such as their breed, overall health, and lifestyle.

Puppies: 

Puppies are generally very active and playful, but they tire easily and need frequent naps. They may also have bursts of energy followed by periods of rest.

Young adult:

Young adult dogs are typically very active and have a lot of energy. They may require a lot of exercise and playtime to keep them stimulated and prevent destructive behaviors.

Adult: 

Adult dogs are generally less active than young adult dogs, but they still require daily exercise and playtime to maintain their health and prevent obesity. They may also show less interest in play and may prefer to rest or relax more often.

Senior:

Senior dogs are typically less active than adult dogs and may tire more easily. They may require less exercise and playtime than younger dogs, but it's still important to keep them active to maintain their health and mobility.

Examine their coat

Dog’s coats come in all colors and textures. A dog’s coat appearance may actually also be an indicator of how old they are. It's important however to note that a dog's coat can also be influenced by factors such as diet, genetics, and grooming habits so it can only be used as a rough estimate of age.

Puppies:

Puppies have soft, fluffy coats that are generally free from mats or tangles. Their coats may be thin and short or longer and wavy, depending on the breed.

Young adult: 

Young adult dogs typically have a full, shiny coat that is free from mats or tangles. The coat may be thicker and more lush than a puppy's coat, and the dog may have completed the transition from puppy fur to adult fur.

Adult: 

Adult dogs generally have a well-established coat that is full, shiny, and free from mats or tangles. The coat may start to show signs of graying or thinning in some areas, especially around the face, but overall the coat should still be healthy and vibrant.

Senior: 

Senior dogs may have a coat that shows signs of aging, such as thinning, graying, or matting. The coat may also be less shiny than it was in the dog's younger years. However, if the dog is in good health and well-groomed, the coat should still be healthy and well-maintained.

Check for signs of arthritis

Arthritis is more common in older dogs, so if your rescue dog has difficulty moving around or shows signs of joint pain, they may be on the older side. Arthritis is a common condition in dogs, particularly as they age. Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate your dog has arthritis:

• Limping or favoring one leg: Dogs with arthritis may limp or favor one leg over another, particularly after periods of rest or exercise.
• Difficulty getting up or lying down: Arthritis can make it difficult for dogs to get up from a lying position or lie down comfortably.
• Stiffness or reluctance to move: Dogs with arthritis may move more slowly than usual and be reluctant to climb stairs or jump up onto furniture.
• Reduced activity level: Arthritis can cause dogs to become less active and playful than they were before. They may also tire more easily and need more rest.
• Pain or discomfort: Dogs with arthritis may show signs of pain or discomfort, such as whining, panting, or licking at their joints.
• Loss of muscle mass: Arthritis can cause dogs to lose muscle mass in the affected joint, which can be visible as a reduction in muscle size.

If you notice any of these signs in your dog, it's important to take them to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet may perform a physical exam and take X-rays to confirm the presence of arthritis and determine the best course of treatment, which may include pain medication, joint supplements, weight management, and physical therapy.

Look at their eyes

The condition of a dog's eyes can also provide some clues about their age. Puppies generally have bright, clear eyes that are free from cloudiness or discoloration. As dogs age, their eyes may become cloudy or develop a bluish tint.

Puppies: 

Puppies generally have bright, clear eyes that are free from cloudiness or discoloration.

Young adult:

Young adult dogs typically have clear eyes that are still bright, but may start to develop a bluish tint as they age.

Adult: 

Adult dogs may have some cloudiness in their eyes, particularly around the edges of the iris. This is a normal part of aging and doesn't necessarily indicate any health problems.

Senior: 

Senior dogs may have more cloudiness in their eyes, and the cloudiness may cover a larger portion of the eye. They may also develop cataracts or other eye problems as they age.

Consult a veterinarian

A veterinarian can examine your dog and give you a more accurate estimate of their age based on their overall health and physical condition. 

Keep in mind that determining a rescue dog's age is not an exact science, but these methods can help give you a general idea of how old your new furry friend might be.

‍