Is it possible to tell how old my dog is?

[MissyEllie]

Khan is a rescue gsd and when we got him we were told by his previous owner that he was around 1 year old although she wasnt sure and he didnt have any vetinary records or papers of any kind. When checked by the vet she said she was unable to tell how old he was but that he was fully grown.

However i have just noticed that he has some white/grey hairs on his chin which (i was informed) would indicate he is a much older dog than we expected. Is this true? Or is there any other way of telling approximately how old he may be?

Helen

[GSDOWNER]

Originally Posted by MissyEllie

Khan is a rescue gsd and when we got him we were told by his previous owner that he was around 1 year old although she wasnt sure and he didnt have any vetinary records or papers of any kind. When checked by the vet she said she was unable to tell how old he was but that he was fully grown.

However i have just noticed that he has some white/grey hairs on his chin which (i was informed) would indicate he is a much older dog than we expected. Is this true? Or is there any other way of telling approximately how old he may be?

Helen

found this helen but it has confused me, lol george has a few grey hairs round his mouth but he is only four...................stress makes you age quicker , poor lad I have always said he was an old man in a puppys bodie, will try and find more for you

How Old Is Your Dog?

[LOVEGSD]

Diesel's the same Joanne, he has a few grey hairs too. I did that dog age test and Diesel came in younger than his real age

Has you're vet not been able to give you an approximation??

[twinclaire]

hun kai has loads of grey hair aroung his chin and he is only 4 yrs old, i think to tell an aged dog the grey comes more around the eyes first but i may be wrong
mel xx

[Wooferhound]

Originally Posted by MissyEllie

Khan is a rescue gsd and when we got him we were told by his previous owner that he was around 1 year old although she wasnt sure and he didnt have any vetinary records or papers of any kind. When checked by the vet she said she was unable to tell how old he was but that he was fully grown.

However i have just noticed that he has some white/grey hairs on his chin which (i was informed) would indicate he is a much older dog than we expected. Is this true? Or is there any other way of telling approximately how old he may be?

Helen

Not sure that he would be fully grown at a year, they take up until around 18 months (for the most part) to reach full skeletal growth.

Usually vets look at their teeth as this can be a good sign, but this would depend on just how much of a 'decent' life he has had prior to coming to you!

Jo

[little blue]

Hi. Our gorgeous girl is a rescue. 17 months old (we do have vets record)
She has very knowing eyes, we know a little of her background. Her chin, right underneath sprouts a white or grey hair or two. But to me it looks like just part of her colouring

Do many of you out their have rescue dogs?
The gsd pups are so cute, but there are so many of all ages in need of loving homes, I wish we could house them all!!

[GSDOWNER]

Originally Posted by little blue

Hi. Our gorgeous girl is a rescue. 17 months old (we do have vets record)
She has very knowing eyes, we know a little of her background. Her chin, right underneath sprouts a white or grey hair or two. But to me it looks like just part of her colouring

Do many of you out their have rescue dogs?
The gsd pups are so cute, but there are so many of all ages in need of loving homes, I wish we could house them all!!

ditto what you have said little blue, so many dogs in rescues at the min, with the will to live hanging over them..............its so sad

and huge pat on the back for taking your gorgeous rescue girl in


*welcome to the site btw.........go over to the introduce yourself forum and lol introduce yourself*

A good vet should be able to give you a rough idea how old from looking at the condition of the teeth..
if his teeth are quite white and shiny then he is young.
the more wear on them and plaque the older..
but then bad diet comes into it too..