So I just found out that the whole ‘1 dog year = 7 human years’ thing isn’t really accurate anymore lol. Apparently, dogs age way faster in their first couple of years and then it slows down after that. Anyone else heard of the AVMA method? It says the first year is like 15 human years, second is around 24, and then it’s 5 years for each year after that. Kinda wild. Also size and breed really affect the math too, especially for bigger dogs. Curious what y’all think… anyone use a different method?
Yeah I heard about that! The 7-year thing was such a myth lol. I’ve got a small terrier and she’s 6, so I guess she’d be like 40 in human years now?
Scout said:
Yeah I heard about that! The 7-year thing was such a myth lol. I’ve got a small terrier and she’s 6, so I guess she’d be like 40 in human years now?
Yep exactly, 15 for year one, 24 for year two, then 5 per year. So 24 + (4 x 5) = 44 actually. Close though!
@Keir
Ohh got it! Math wasn’t mathing at first 
thanks for clearing that up!
Does the method change for big dogs? I have a Great Dane and someone told me they age faster?
Wyatt said:
Does the method change for big dogs? I have a Great Dane and someone told me they age faster?
Yeah for sure. Larger breeds usually live shorter lives, so even this method is just a general guide. Giant breeds can age quicker than smaller ones.
@Eli
Dang that makes sense. I always wondered why big dogs don’t live as long 
Tavis said:
Wait what’s AVMA?
It stands for American Veterinary Medical Association. They came up with that updated method for calculating dog years.
I feel like lifestyle plays a huge role too. My dog’s 10 but still acts like a puppy lol. He’s super active and lean.
Blair said:
I feel like lifestyle plays a huge role too. My dog’s 10 but still acts like a puppy lol. He’s super active and lean.
Totally. Obesity can really mess with a dog’s health and lifespan. Keeping them active makes a big difference.
@Haven
Facts. I see some chonky pups at the park and I’m like… let’s go for a jog buddy
So mixed breeds live longer than purebreds? I didn’t know that until recently.
Luca said:
So mixed breeds live longer than purebreds? I didn’t know that until recently.
Yeah they usually do. Purebreds sometimes have more genetic issues depending on the breed.
Luca said:
So mixed breeds live longer than purebreds? I didn’t know that until recently.
Yeah they usually do. Purebreds sometimes have more genetic issues depending on the breed.
Wow… good to know. Mine’s a mutt and healthy as ever at 12 