NOVADog Blog

The old formula that one year of a dog’s life is equal to seven years of a human’s life is no longer considered an accurate calculation. To determine your dog’s age in human years now requires looking at a number of contributing factors: size of dog, breed type, gender, diet and exercise, to name only a few.

The size of a dog and its breed type may be the strongest contributors to a dog’s life expectancy, and how its age converts to human years. A general rule is that small dogs have a much longer life expectancy than large dogs, so that small dogs, in most instances, mature at a slower rate than large dogs. This means a different calculation must be used to determine their human age. The breed of a dog is also a very strong indicator of the average life span, and sometimes turns the above rule on its head. For instance, the Doberman Pinscher, a large dog, easily averages a life span of 15 years and beyond, an age most commonly contributed to small dogs.

Unlike the size and breed of a dog, there are some things a responsible owner can control to keep their dog young (in human and dog years). A healthy, balanced diet, and an appropriate amount of consistent exercise can work wonders to extend your dog’s life expectancy, and ensures the quality of those years.
To calculate your dog’s age at a very basic level use this calculator:




To more accurately calculate your dog’s age in human years, taking into account all the contributing factors, visit www.DogAge.com to use the DogAge Test.

Vital tools for keeping your dog safe in an emergency situation

Wag’N Enterprises actually wants pet owners to think about the worst: house fire, traffic accident, natural disaster or mass evacuation. Now think about your pets and their dependence on you in those situations to keep them safe and alive. It brings up a panicky feeling doesn’t it?

Wag’N Enterprises has made it their mission to inform pet owners on how they can prepare, what they need to prepare for, and the many ways to mitigate and respond to an emergency. Visit Wag’N Enterprises’ website (http://www.wagn4u.com) to see how they intend to accomplish their mission through educational classes, fund raising for the public safety sector and an on-line store dedicated to pet safety.

The on-line store offers first aid and evacuation kits—priceless tools and supplies—pre-packaged in one easy-to-grab bag. You’ll be ready for any emergency situation. The pet passport keeps all your pet’s important health information in one place, vital in emergencies and handy in everyday life. The Wag’N Enterprises store is a great first step in getting prepared!

The Wag’N O2 Fur Life Program provides Pet Oxygen Masks to emergency responders who would otherwise be unable to treat pets for smoke inhalation or revive pets that have lost consciousness. The cone shaped mask fits dogs, cats, ferrets, rabbits, guinea pig and birds. The program offers three methods for obtaining the masks: sponsorship of local first responders, first responders can purchase them directly or departments that lack funding can apply for a Wag’N O2 fellowship. Many fire departments are only permitted to spend tax dollars on equipment intended for saving human lives, therefore it is especially important for pet owners to assist their local emergency responder in obtaining a pet oxygen mask.

The Wag’N Enterprises’ website offers invaluable information on pet safety and the opportunity to sign up for three different types of pet first aid classes and workshops. By educating yourself now with the skills and information needed to assist your pet in an emergency situation, you can get rid of that panicky feeling by being prepared!