seniors

How Old is Your Pet Really?

Pet'sCatDog (in pounds)

Age1-20#21-50#51-90#> 90#

5363637 40 42

6404042 45 49

7444447 50 56

8484851 55 64

9525256 61 71

10565660 66 78

11606065 72 86

12646469 77 93

13686874 82101

14727278 88108

15767683 93115

16808067 99

17848492104

18888896109

Once your pet reaches its senior years, we recommend an exam every six months. With proper health care, you can help your senior pet feel young at heart.

CARING FOR OLDER PETS

Older pets have special health needs and may require more attention and care than younger pets. As your pet ages, changes occur in their physical condition that warrant more frequent visits to the veterinarian. If medical problems are recognized and treated when they are first detected, the treatment may be easier for your pet and less costly to you. In order to diagnose medication problems in their early stages, twice a year wellness examinations are recommended for older dogs and cats.

Our doctors may recommend baseline bloodwork so it can be used a bench mark for measuring changes in your pet as they age. A complete physical examination would include physical examination, dental examination, also checking ears, eyes and overall physical condition. Bloodwork that may include a complete blood count, urinalysis, fecal exam should also be considered.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER YOUR PET TO BE A SENIOR?

The aging process varies between species and breeds. A giant dog (Mastiff or Great Dane) age faster than small breeds (dachshunds or Yorkies). Cats age slightly later than dogs. Typically we consider a dog a "Senior" at age 7 and cats at age 10.