We consider pets that are
SEVEN YEARS OLD
or older to be senior-aged pets. At this stage in their lives, dogs and cats are more susceptible to contracting health issues. We want to give your pet as many happy, healthy years with you as possible, so we’re committed to diagnosing and treating conditions early in an attempt to slow the progression of age-related conditions—or to prevent them entirely.
Dog Years VS Human Years
7 dog years = 44 – 56 years
10 dog years = 56 – 78 years
15 dog years = 76 – 115 years
20 dog years = 96 – 120 years
Cat Years VS Human Years
7 cat years = 54 years
10 cat years = 63 years
15 cat years = 78 years
20 cat years = 97 years
Getting Older Means Going to the Vet More Often
While annual check-ups are important for pets of all ages, making more frequent vet visits is especially important for mature pets. Pets age about seven times faster than humans. That means diseases and illness progress much faster as well, and the risk for certain health conditions increases with age. That’s why we recommend that all senior pets receive bi-annual examinations, routine blood work, and nutrition counseling. The most common senior pet issues are similar to the ones we see in aging humans:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
We recommend bringing your senior pet to our facility at least twice a year for head-to-tail examinations and evaluations, vaccinations and lab tests. Routine visits to Shawsheen Animal Hospital allow our veterinary team to stay on top of your senior pet’s health and keep you in the know about any potential ailments.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR SENIOR PETS HAPPY & HEALTHY
In addition to diagnosis and treatment, our doctors can also advise you on some adjustments to you can make to your pet’s lifestyle and environment to improve their health and quality of life, such as:
- MOBILITY AIDS – Senior pets may not be able to get around as easily as they used to. You can provide assistance by placing ramps for access to high areas like beds and furniture and adding rugs for improved traction on slippery flooring.
- EXERCISE – Exercise is just as important for senior pets as it is for younger pets. It keeps them mobile, boosts their mood and impedes weight gain.
- COMFORTABLE BEDDING – If you haven’t already done so, consider providing your senior pet with a soft, supportive bed for naptime and bedtime.
- HEALTHY DIET – Aging pets should eat food that is tailored to their age group for optimal digestion and caloric intake.
- CAREFUL MONITORING – Keep a lookout for changes in your pet’s behavior and mood, as they may indicate a health condition. Pay special attention to eating, drinking, sleeping and bathroom patterns. Make sure to let your vet know about any changes.
