Despite the common belief, did you know that one year of a dog’s life is NOT equivalent to seven “dog years”? Actually, how rapidly your pet ages can be related to size and breed. Dogs are often considered seniors at seven years old and cats at nine years old. Since larger breeds of dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, they are considered seniors a bit earlier – around five to six years old.
While we do not want to imagine our beloved pets aging, this information does not have to be scary! Having this in mind can better prepare us to continue to cater to their needs as they enter their golden years.
For senior pets, we recommend bloodwork to be done twice a year, along with urine testing. This allows us to closely monitor organ function and any developing diseases they may have. Just as they age faster than humans, diseases in pets can progress faster as well, so testing more frequently than only once a year can help us catch any changes fast.
As they age, owners should also monitor their pet’s behavior for any changes. They may have difficulty getting around and doing things they used to, possibly a sign of arthritis, and develop worsening hearing and eyesight. Pets can also experience cognitive decline similar to aging humans. They may have a harder time recognizing their surroundings and have more accidents in the house. If you notice this, make an appointment so we can discuss plans to make your pet more comfortable and navigate this time in their life together.