Senior Pets

Thanks to better care and advances in veterinary medicine, pets are living longer than ever before. As pets get older, they require extra care and attention. Regular veterinary examinations can detect issue in older pets before they become too advanced or life-threatening.

Owners often ask, "when does a pet become old?". It varies, but in general by the time a cat or dog is 7 years of age they are considered "senior". Large breeds tend to have shorter life spans than smaller breeds. The American Veterinary Medical Association uses the following chart:

Age:  Human Equivalents for Older Pets
Cat years          Human years        Dog years         Human years
7                      54                        7                      44-56
10                    63                        10                    56-78
15                    78                        15                    76-115
20                    97                        20                    96-120

It is normal for pets to lose some of their sight and hearing as they age. Pets with poor eyesight or even blindness can still get around well in familiar environments although you should avoid rearranging the furniture. An older pet is also more likely to develop disease such as heart, kidney, or liver disease, cancer, or arthritis. Pets do develop cancer and cancer accounts for almost half of the deaths of pets over the age of ten.

Older pets tend to become less active as part of the aging process or due to arthritis. If your pet is suffering from arthritis, your veterinarian can advise on proper care or medication. Using orthopedic pet beds, raised feeding platforms, or ramps may help your pet deal with arthritis. And of course, keeping your older pet at a healthy weight will also help their joints.

Obesity is a common problem in older animals. As animals age and become less active, they need fewer calories. Besides the extra stress on joints, obesity can also increase the risk of heart disease, skin problems, high blood pressure, and other conditions.

Sudden weight loss is always a reason for concern, especially in cats. Older cats are susceptible to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), diabetes and kidney disease. If you notice sudden changes in your pet's weight or appetite, you should consult your veterinarian.

Some behavior changes in older pets may be signs of cognitive dysfunction (similar to senility in people) including: increased vocalizations, loss of house training, unusually aggressive behavior, anxiety, increased wandering, irritability, or changes in sleep patterns. Again, talk with your veterinarian if you see any of these in your pet.

With proper care and regular veterinary examinations, your pet can provide you with years of unconditional love.