Most dogs and cats are considered seniors at around 7 years old. This is a stage of life where our pets become more vulnerable to disease, and develop age-related conditions such as vision loss, hearing loss, and cognitive dysfunction. At Shawsheen Animal Hospital, we want you and your pet to share as many happy years together as possible. Just because your pet is a senior, doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy life and be comfortable. We provide senior pet wellness care to help your best friend stay protected from harmful diseases, and manage any existing conditions they have.
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
Senior Pets Benefit from More Frequent Vet Visits
We recommend bi-annual senior pet wellness visits for dogs and cats. This means we’d like to see your pet at least once every 6 months for an exam and lab work. Due to your pet’s rapid aging, they are prone to develop illnesses quickly, and these illnesses can progress just as fast.
With bi-annual exams and lab work, we can keep up with any changes in your pet’s health and work to prevent diseases from taking hold. We can also help you update your pet’s diet and other aspects of their care to accommodate their changing needs.
Conditions we often see in senior dogs and cats include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
In addition to exams and lab work, we also strongly recommend keeping up with your pet’s vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Suggestions for Keeping Your Senior Pet Comfortable and Healthy
There are plenty of things you and your family can do at home to make life comfortable and enjoyable for your senior pet, including:
Mobility Aids
Does your senior dog or cat seem to have trouble getting around at home? Try placing ramps so your pet can access the sofa or bed. Floor runners and rugs can also prevent your pet from slipping and potentially injuring themselves.
Regular Exercise
They might be slowing down, but your senior pet still needs exercise. Daily walks and low intensity play times can prevent your pet from gaining weight or losing their mobility.
Thick Bedding that Supports the Joints
Dogs and cats alike benefit from soft, thick bedding that keeps their aging joints comfortable.
A Balanced Diet
Senior pets have specific nutritional needs that differ from younger adult pets. Talk to your vet to see what they recommend for your pet!
Monitoring for Changes in Behavior
It’s important to be highly observant of your pet’s daily behaviors and habits. This way, if something changes, you’ll notice right away. If your pet is eating less, drinking more, sleeping a few extra hours a day, or having trouble eliminating, you should contact our hospital as soon as possible.
