Answers to FAQs about our senior pets
• COURTESY BAYSHORE ANIMAL HOSPITAL AND AMERICAN VETERINARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
Q: When does a pet become “old”?
A: It varies, but cats and small dogs are generally
considered geriatric at the age of 7. Larger-breed dogs
tend to have shorter lifespans and are considered
geriatric when they are approximately 6 years of age.
Owners tend to want to think of their pet’s age in
human terms. While it is not as simple as “1 human
year = X cat/dog years”, there are calculations that
can help put a pet’s age in human terms:
Age: Human Equivalents for Older Pets
CAT YEARS
7
10
15
20
DOG YEARS
7
10
15
20
HUMAN YEARS
45
58
75
98
HUMAN YEARS (*dog size pounds)
Small – Medium: 44-47
Large – Very large: 50-56
Small – Medium: 56-60
Large – Very large: 66-78
Small – Medium: 76-83
Large – Very large: 93-115
Small – Medium: 96-105
Large: 120
*Small: 0-20 lbs; Medium: 21-50 lbs; Large: 51-90 lbs; Very large: 90+ lbs
The oldest recorded age of a cat is 34 years.
The oldest recorded age of a dog is 29 years.
32 • GOOD HEALTH 2016
Q: What health problems can affect older pets?
A: As pets age, they are more prone to developing
certain diseases or conditions, including:
• Arthritis
• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Intestinal disease
• Cognitive decline • Joint and Bone disorders
• Deafness
• Dental disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Vision problems
Q: What can I do to keep my senior pet healthy?
A: Most experts agree that healthy senior pets
should see their veterinarian every six months.
Your veterinarian will perform a thorough
physical exam and recommend testing to further
evaluate your pet’s health. Senior testing may
include complete blood count, organ function
tests, urinalysis, parasite testing, blood pressure
and electrocardiogram. This allows your
veterinarian to detect signs of disease at their
earliest, when disease is most treatable. Monitor
you pet at home between exams and promptly
notify your veterinarian of any changes in your
pet. Keep in mind that signs may be subtle. Cats
in particular are very good at hiding signs of
illness. In particular, watch for:
• Changes in weight, appetite or thirst
• Changes in urination or bowel movements
• Lumps or sores that do not heal
• Sneezing, coughing or breathing difficulties
• Bleeding or discharge from a body opening
• Foul odor to breath
• Weakness or decreased activity
• Vomiting, diarrhea or constipation
• Change in behavior
Q: My senior pet isn’t as active as he used to be.
I think he might be in pain. What should I do?
A: First, talk to your veterinarian and have them
examine your pet. Your pet might have arthritis.
There are a variety of arthritis treatments available
for dogs and cats and your veterinarian can advise
you on the best treatment plan for your pet. Do
not give human pain medications to your pet
without first consulting your veterinarian. Some
human products, including over-the-counter
medications, can be fatal for pets.
Signs of arthritis in pets vary and may include:
• Favoring a limb • Difficulty sitting or standing
• Sleeping more • Appearing stiff
• Weight gain
• Hesitancy to jump or run
• Wont climb stairs • Decreased activity
• Behavior changes or increased irritability