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Adopted a puppy and don't know its age? How to determine it.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Shih Tzu | Male | unneutered | 27 days old

How can i determine the age of a puppy ? I adopted an abandon puppy and i am not sure how old is he .

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

It is only possible to evaluate the age of a puppy up to the age of 6 weeks, this is done according to the teeth (canines teeth grow at the age of 4 weeks, molars at 6 weeks). after that age it is usually a pure educated guess.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Priyanka Thakkar, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 9th, 2017

    They best way to age a young dog is by looking at their teeth. There are many charts online that help appropriately age a young dog. By 4-5 months of age the incisors are coming in and some growth of the premolars and molars is present. By 7 months all the adult teeth are in and look very white.
    Do not let the two dogs mate and consider getting them both fixed to prevent future problems.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 22nd, 2019

    It’s almost impossible to determine age based on a picture since some dogs even of the same breed are much smaller than others. At that age dentition is usually the best way to estimate age. Your vet would probably be able to give an estimated age after an exam.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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How can I tell the age of my adult rescue dog who had puppies?
I'm afraid you won't be able to know her age, the only stage when you can determine age in dogs is up to the age of 6 weeks, when their canine teeth are starting to grow, after that time it's mainly an educated guess based on experience.
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My adopted puppy's teeth are growing. How do I know her age and breed?
Hello. If her teeth are just beginning to grow big, & based on how she looks in your pictures, I would say she is about 4-5 months old. It is very difficult to say exactly what breed she is, but I can see a little chow or spitz in her. she looks like she is going to be pretty fluffy. Thanks for rescuing her & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
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My new puppy doesn't seem 8 weeks old. How can I confirm its age?
I am not able to tell from the picture how old your puppy is. The best way to get an accurate age estimate is to have a veterinarian evaluate the puppy. If the puppy’s teeth have erupted then he is at least 6 weeks old. It would also be helpful to know his breed, how much he weighs now, and how big the parents were. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
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How to determine my puppy's age if he looks young and can't see well?
It is impossible to age a pup from pictures, especially without any indication of breed etc. Your vet ir vet nurse may be able to provide some indication from a dental exam as teething is quite predictable in the majority of dogs. Sight and balance would not be expected to be fully developed by 8 weeks
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How can I estimate my dog's age if I don't know their birthdate?
There are a couple of things you can check to try to determine your dog's age, including their teeth and energy levels. This website gives details on how to determine how old your dog is: http://blog.adoptandshop.org/determining-a-dogs-age/
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I just found a puppy. How do I know its age for vet care?
Hi there. There is no way for us to age him without looking at his teeth. That being said, he appears to be between 6 and 8 weeks of age. You can take him to any local vet and they will age him for you. If you just got him from the side of the road he likely needs vaccinations and deworming urgently - you should have that done as soon as possible.
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My new puppy just joined our family. How do I know his exact age?
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