Though pets are living longer than ever before, this means that elderly pet care is more and more important. Typically, cats and small dogs are considered “seniors” at age seven, while larger dogs reach senior status at age six. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all for an age equivalent, but by the time cats and small dogs hit age ten, they are around age 58 in human years, and large dogs are already between 66 and 78. However, pets can easily live past ten years old with proper veterinary care and a healthy diet!
Preventative Care
The best way to ensure that your pet lives a long life is to always take them to their yearly vet appointment, and bring them into a vet if they are exhibiting symptoms. As your pet gets older, they may require more than one yearly appointment, as well as a change in diet. Fortunately, you can discuss this with your veterinarian to determine the best course of action to keep your pet healthy in their older age.
Potential Health Concerns
As in humans, older pets have greater health concerns and need to be monitored more in case of any diseases. Geriatric pets can develop cancer, heart disease, liver disease, diabetes, joint or bone disease, and more. Additionally, certain symptoms are common in elderly pets, and they are important to watch out for as your pet ages. These include, but are not limited to, confusion, decreased response to commands, increased anxiety, house soiling, and change in sleep patterns.
Once your pet reaches age six or seven, they may begin to show the aforementioned symptoms. However, even if they do not, seek the advice of your vet to see if you should change your cat or dog’s diet. Here at Metro Vet, we provide senior pet care with our Senior Wellness Exams, which look specifically for diseases elderly pets can suffer from. Contact us today!
Courtesy of: AVMA
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