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Senior Dog Series: How old is old?

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How old is old?

Generally dogs are considered geriatric at age 7. Larger dogs who don’t tend to live as long as small breeds typically are considered elder at age 6. According to the AVMA, although there is no exact age translation into human years here is the accepted breakdown:

Dog years         Human years

7 years old        45 years old

10 years old      58 years old

15 years old       75 years old

20 years old      98 years old

What are common afflictions geriatric dogs commonly face?

  • Fatigue
  • Arthritis
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Cancer
  • Joint/bone disease
  • Kidney/urinary disease
  • Liver disease
  • Blindness
  • Senility

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How to I keep my aging pet healthy?

Consult with your vet on specific care changes and needs, and consider the following:

More frequent medical check ups; at least twice a year

Change in diet; anti-aging senior specific food to keep weight down

Change in exercise routine; regular exercise is vital for aging dogs for physical and mental health

Increase in stimulation; to avoid mental deterioration older dogs increase level of interaction and attention and use specialized bowls and toys to keep pet engaged and stimulated

How do I know when significant changes are taking place with my pet?  The American Veterinary Medical Association notes:

  • Increase in reactiveness
  • Vocalizing more
  • Confusion
  • Off balance
  • Less interaction w/humans
  • More irritable
  • Not responding normally to commands
  • More aggressive/protective behavior
  • Anxiousness
  • Increase in-house accidents
  • Less frequent grooming
  • Repetitive behaviors
  • Wandering
  • Change in sleep patterns

How will I know if my pet has acquired a disease?

  • Urination–blood in urine, more frequent accidents in the house, decrease or no urination, constipation
  • Diet changes–loss of appetite, nausea, abnormally thirsty, vomiting
  • Coat–increase in shedding
  • Coughing
  • Less active

Is cancer common?

Statistically, about 50% of pets over 10 are susceptible to getting cancer.  Dogs tend to get cancer at a higher rate than cats. If spayed or neutered, pets are less likely to get testicular or breast cancer.

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Recent Posts

  • What is the cost for a pet sitter or dog walker in West Hartford? March 28, 2017
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  • What are the symptoms of heat stroke in dogs? June 18, 2016
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