As pet owners, we’ve all wondered at one point or another when our beloved furry family members will start to show signs of aging. While the aging process can look very different in different breeds and species, one of the most visible signs of aging in dogs is the graying of the fur. It can be disheartening for some to think about our furry friends getting older, but it is important to know the signs of aging and how to best care for your pet during their senior years. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a look at the age at which dogs start to develop gray hairs in their fur and how to address the common issues that can come about with aging.
Stress could be to blame for your dog’s graying
According to a landmark 2016 study published in Applied Animal Behavior Science, impulsive, anxious dogs tend to go gray quicker than do their more relaxed peers. In other words, dogs who scare easily —e.g., at loud noises, unfamiliar people, or other animals—also tend to be the type to gray prematurely. The study also found that female dogs go gray earlier more frequently than do male dogs.
How old is my dog?
A dog was once thought to be seven dog years old compared to a human year. A five-year-old dog would therefore be 35 years old in human years.
But this viewpoint has been replaced by one that is based on life expectancy and is more accurate. Old age in dogs varies because a small dog’s life expectancy is greater than that of a large breed. Once a dog reaches the final quarter of their anticipated lifespan, they are deemed old.
At the age of 12, a small dog with a life expectancy of 16 years is considered senior. In contrast, a giant breed with an eight-year life expectancy will become senior at the age of six.
Genetics
Although the age ranges mentioned above may be a good indicator of when your dog is a senior, genetics and lineages can also affect aging. In actuality, some breeds and dogs with an inherited trait are predisposed to becoming gray. Similar to when people begin to become gray before the age of 30, this is
Dog breeds like Schnauzers are known for their gray beards. Additionally, Greyhounds and Weimaraners are naturally gray in color. Additionally, it is typical for black dogs to develop gray hairs earlier than dogs of lighter coloring.
FAQ
What dog breeds go GREY early?
Some breeds are more likely to have a genetic predisposition to graying than others. Greyhounds and Weimaraners have naturally gray coats, while Schnauzers are renowned for their gray beards. Additionally, it is typical for black dogs to develop gray hairs earlier than dogs of lighter coloring.
Why does my 2 year old dog have GREY hair?
Similar to humans, dogs experience the negative effects of stress, which include, according to a recent study, early graying.