Age conversion, life stages, lifespan research — every article cites its sources
The origin of the 7:1 rule, why the AVMA calls it inaccurate, and the size-adjusted way to convert dog years.
How a 2019 UCSD team used DNA methylation to map dog aging onto human aging — a plain-language guide to the Cell Systems paper.
Kraus 2013: large dogs die young mainly because they age faster — about one month of life lost per extra 4.4 lb — plus the IGF-1 story.
Puppy, young adult, mature adult, senior and end-of-life — definitions and care priorities from the 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines.
The RVC's 30,000-record life-table study: Jack Russells over 12 years, French Bulldogs around 4.5 — plus the Dog Aging Project.
Senior means the last 25% of expected lifespan. Twice-yearly exams, screening tests and a practical home care checklist.
The 14-year Purina study (Kealy 2002, JAVMA): Labradors fed 25% less lived a median 1.8 years longer with later-onset arthritis.
A 40,000-record PLOS ONE study found 13.8% longer life in neutered males and 26.3% in spayed females — but timing should vary by breed.