Can you determine how old a dog is?

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Hey everyone! I'm new here and have a stupid question. Is there a way that you can figure out the age of a dog? I have a Miniature Doberman, Minnie, that I received from a friend thru another friend who rescued the poor little thing. The previous owner didn't want her anymore and was gonna "SHOOT!!!" her. I've had her for two months now and all I know is that she wasn't wanted, and that she was 11 months old (they thought). I have no idea if she's had any shots are been fixed. I do believe that she was left quite often in a dog carrier, just by her actions toward one. I'm not even sure she was ever house broke. We're still working on it! If you have an answer for my stupid question I would appreciate it. This is the third dog that I have ever owned, the first for inside, she's a sweet dog and I just want to help her.

 

http://www.ruralareavet.org/PDF/Physica ... ne_Age.pdf

 

Hi and welcome to the site! :m22:

Congratulations to you for adopting your little girl and bless you for rescuing her! I suggest you see a vet to best determine her age...and because rescued dogs often have special needs.

 

Yes, a vet can usually estimate age by the condition of the teeth, primarily. If she has little to no tartar on her teeth right now, she is probably around a year as they told you she is. Get her a parvo shot, a distemper shot, and a rabies shot (each one separately - no huge 5-shot cocktail) and she should be good to go. In fact, you can get her titered (blood tests) and see if she even needs those shots, but that costs more money so it depends on your financial situation. You should also get her spayed as soon as possible.

Good for you for rescuing this dog, and do take her to the vet for a check-up! If you have more issues with her, please come back and post some more.