As our pets age, just as we do, they become susceptible to the development of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, cognitive dysfunction and dental disease as well as changes in heart, kidney and liver function. Cancers and metabolic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease and adrenal gland disease become much more common. They also have changing nutritional needs. We offer in house blood work, urinalysis, radiographs and ultrasound to screen for these conditions.
As with humans, early detection offers the best chance for treatment, so we encourage exams and screening tests as our pets enter their senior years.
At what age does a pet become senior?
It varies, but cats and small dogs are generally considered geriatric at the age of 7. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans and are considered geriatric when they are approximately 6 years of age. Owners tend to want to think of their pet's age in human terms. While it is not as simple as "1 human year = X cat/dog years", there are calculations that can help put a pet's age in human terms:
Age: Human equivalents for older pets
| Cat Years | Human Years |
| 7 | 54 |
| 10 | 63 |
| 15 | 78 |
| 20 | 97 |
| Dog Years | Human Years (*dog size lbs.) |
| 7 | Small-Medium: 44-47 Large – Very large: 50-56 |
| 10 | Small-Medium: 56-60 Large – Very large: 66- |
| 15 | Small-Medium: 76-83 Large – Very large: 93-115 |
| 20 | Small-Medium: 96-105 Large: 120 |
*Small: 0-20 lbs; Medium: 21-50 lbs; Large: 51-90 lbs; Very large: >90 lbs
The oldest recorded age of a cat is 34 years. The oldest recorded age of a dog is 29 years.