When Is Your Pet Considered a Senior

When Is Your Pet Considered a Senior

Posted in Sassy Seniors on September 4, 2009 | no responses

I bet it would be pretty safe to say none of us want to admit our older pets are….huh hum…seniors!  It was tough for me to admit  when my dog Meeko entered the senior realm but he’s 12 now, and there’s no denying and I’m proud and blessed to see  the little guy is full of vim and vigor!

So, do you know if your pet is a senior?

Because pets age much faster than humans, medical changes can occur suddenly

and without any advance warning.

These changes often surprise owners who wish they had been prepared or able to prevent some of the problems associated with

normal pet aging.

Maximize you’re aging pet’s quality of life with early detection of kidney, heart, liver and metabolic diseases; and identify

processes of disease long before the actual disease is present. Early detection helps protect your pet; and extends the joy a healthy life brings to your pet and you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior/Geriatric Pets

  • When is a pet considered Geriatric?

Cats are considered Geriatric at age 12;

Dogs at age 8-10. (some as early as 7 depending on the breed)

  • What is the difference between Senior and Geriatric?

Other than a pet’s age, the difference is that after the age of 12 (cats)/10 (dogs),

a pet’s organs age drastically faster than when the pet was younger.

Just as with humans, this requires a more aggressive medical approach to maintain good health.

  • How will my veterinarian approach my pet’s health, when he/she is a Geriatric Pet?

The AVMA and AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) recommend that Geriatric dogs and cats have physical exams twice each year, and a Senior Screening (laboratory tests) once each year.

Because of the rapid changes that occur after age 10/12, the second exam each year will enable you and your veterinarian

to find these changes sooner; and enable you/your vet to make health decisions sooner. This can also save you money in the long run and provide a better quality of life for you and your pets.

Source: wignall.com



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