How many dog years equals a human year?

There's no single, universally accepted answer to how many dog years equal a human year. It's a simplified way of thinking about the difference in lifespan, but the conversion isn't linear.

Here are some common estimations:

* First year: 10.5 dog years

* Second year: 9 dog years

* Every year after that: 4 dog years

This means a 2-year-old dog is about 21 years old in human years, a 3-year-old dog is about 25 years old, and so on.

Important to note:

* Breed matters: Smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger breeds, and some breeds have specific health concerns that can affect their lifespan.

* Individual variation: Just like humans, dogs can have different lifespans depending on factors like genetics, diet, exercise, and healthcare.

Focus on understanding your dog's stage of life rather than a precise conversion.