Senior Pet Care










Senior Cats Have Special needs Senior Dogs have special needs

Senior Dogs

As dogs move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our canine companions: kidney, heart and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, thyroid conditions, hormonal problems, neuroses and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet’s needs are essential to quality of life.

Comparative Ages of Dogs and Humans
Dog's Age
0-20 lbs 21-50 lbs 51-90 lbs >90 lbs
5 years 36 37 40 42
6 years 40 42 45 49
7 years 44 47 50 56
10 years 56 60 66 78
12 years 64 69 77 93
15 years 76 83 93 115
20 years 96 105 120  

Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition and environment all contribute to how your dog will be influenced by the aging process. However, for practical purposes, your dog is considered to be “senior” at 7 years. Small dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than medium to large breeds. Since dogs age more rapidly than people , dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Slow the clock

  • Wellness exams every six months
  • Nutrition and medication
  • Diagnostic testing

Studies have shown that as many as 23% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to diagnose or treat. A Senior Care Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.

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Senior Cats

As cats move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our feline companions: kidney, heart and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, neuroses and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet’s needs are essential to quality of life.

Comparative Ages of Cats & Humans
Cat Years Human Years
1 15
2 24
5 36
7 45
12 64
15 76
18 88
21 100


Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition and environment all contribute to how your cat will handle the aging process. In general, your cat is considered to be “senior” at 7 years. Since cats age more rapidly than people (see age chart), dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.

Slow the clock

  • Wellness exams every six months
  • Nutrition and medication
  • Diagnostic testing

Studies have shown that as many as 17% of middle age and older cats that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. A Senior Care Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.

Senior Wellness Checklist
Signs Yes No
Changes in water consumption    
Change in appetite    
Lethargic or depressed (listless behavior)    
Change in urine production    
Constipation    
Change in attitude (irritability)
   
Change in sleeping patterns    
Noticeable decrease in vision    
Vomiting    
Diarrhea    
Weight gain    
Weight loss    
Bad breath or drooling    
Lumps and bumps on the skin    
Excessive Panting    
Breathing heavily or rapidly at rest    
Increased stiffness, trouble jumping or walking