.
Those who love their dog or cat would do just about anything to keep their pet happy and healthy for as long as possible. Approximately 18-22% of pets older than 7 harbor diseases that are only detectable with an advanced diagnostic workup. Fortunately, many diseases can be treated and have favorable outcomes if diagnosed in the early stages. The good news is that dogs and cats are living longer and healthier lives. Nothing contributes more to the long life of your pet than regular visits to your veterinarian. Dogs and cats age faster than we do, so health problems can develop rapidly, especially in older animals. Dramatic changes in health can occur in as little time as 3 to 6 months. We want to detect small problems before they become major medical conditions. How do you know if your dog or cat is in good health? Unfortunately, our pets cannot tell us how they feel. Serious illness or disease isn’t always obvious, especially in the early stages. Along with a detailed medical history and thorough physical exam, our doctors will order diagnostic testing to establish baseline laboratory values. Routine testing combined with annual exams can reassure you of your pets’ continued good health. Some of the conditions that can be detected with annual physical and laboratory testing are: anemia, cancer, diabetes, infection, diseases of the heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, pancreas, and thyroid. This knowledge gives you and your pet a formidable advantage over diseases. Assuming that all tests are normal, it can give you the most important thing: peace of mind.
|
Dog's Age |
<20lb. | 21-50lb. | 51-90lb. | >90lb. |
|
6 |
40 |
42 |
45 |
49 |
|
7 |
44 |
47 |
50 |
56 |
|
8 |
48 |
51 |
55 |
64 |
|
9 |
52 |
56 |
61 |
71 |
|
10 |
56 |
60 |
66 |
78 |
|
11 |
60 |
65 |
72 |
86 |
|
12 |
64 |
69 |
77 |
93 |
|
13 |
68 |
74 |
82 |
101 |
|
14 |
72 |
78 |
88 |
108 |
|
15 |
76 |
83 |
93 |
115 |
|
16 |
80 |
87 |
99 |
123 |
|
17 |
84 |
92 |
104 |
|
|
18 |
88 |
96 |
109 |
|
|
19 |
92 |
101 |
115 |
|
|
20 |
96 |
105 |
120 |
|
Age is not just a number but also a measure of the effect of aging on the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition, and the environment all contribute to how your dog ages.
Nutrition and environment
A proper diet and suitable environment are critical to your dog's continued health and comfort. Our doctors may advise your on modifications for your aging pet. These may include a special diet, exercise regimen or joint and coat supplements based on your dog's specific need.
Medication
New medications are now available that are safe and effective for pain management, arthritis, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, and other age-related diseases.
Green= Senior Purple= Geriatric
|
Cat Age |
Human Age |
|
5 |
36 |
|
6 |
40 |
|
7 |
44 |
|
8 |
48 |
|
9 |
52 |
|
10 |
56 |
|
11 |
60 |
|
12 |
64 |
|
13 |
68 |
|
14 |
72 |
|
15 |
76 |
|
16 |
80 |
|
17 |
84 |
|
18 |
88 |
|
19 |
92 |
|
20 |
96 |
|
21 |
100 |
Cats do age more rapidly than people do, so dramatic changes in health can occur in as little time as 3 to 6 months. Genetics, nutrition, and the environment all contribute to how your cat ages.
Nutrition and Environment
A proper diet and suitable environment are critical to your cat's continued health and well being. Our doctors may advise you on modifications for your aging pet such as:
1. A special diet based on your cat's specific needs
2. Easier access to litterboxes
3. Extra assistance with grooming
4. Proper dental care
Medication
Great medications are now available for age related changes in your feline friend. Some indications for these safe and effective medications are: arthritis, cognitive dysfunction syndrome, pain management, and other age related diseases.
