What the original study did
Wang et al. (2020), Cell Systems, studied DNA methylation in 104 Labrador Retrievers and compared conserved changes across species. The work had a 2019 preprint; the peer-reviewed publication is from 2020. The UCSD laboratory's explanation describes the original research.
The age mapping used on this site is human age = 16 × ln(dog age) + 31. At one year it gives 31; at seven years it gives about 62. The logarithmic form differs from multiplying age by seven.
What our calculator does
It accepts calendar age and evaluates the equation. It does not take a DNA sample or measure methylation. Every breed receives the same equation result at the same age. The separate size-based reference is displayed alongside it, not applied as a clinically validated correction to it.
What it does not establish
A study in Labradors does not establish the precision of this mapping for every breed or individual. The output is not a diagnosis, a measure of health, a lifespan forecast or evidence that a particular intervention reversed aging. We do not call it the most precise available individual age test.
For breed lifespan evidence and statistic definitions, read the methodology. For individual health and age-related care, consult a veterinarian who knows your dog.
