Perhaps the most difficult thing about owning a pet is knowing from the beginning you will live to see them age. Dogs and cats age at approximately seven times the rate of humans, so when your pet is ten years old he is the equivalent of a 70-year-old human! The average lifespan for cats and dogs is around 10-12 years.
When your pet reaches six or seven years old, they may be considered geriatric and may begin exhibiting common signs of aging. You may notice the gray hairs in their fur, a decrease in their energy and even limitations to their mobility. A dog that could jump up into the back of your truck when they were a puppy may struggle with such a leap at six or seven years old.
Common Health Concerns For Older Dogs Include:
- Diabetes
- Senility
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Cancer
- Kidney disease
- Joint disease
- Weakness
Older pets often exhibit behavioral changes, too. They may become less social, more irritable, and louder. Aging pets tend to wander more and exhibit signs of anxiety and protective behaviors. They might be less responsive, change their sleeping cycles and even begin to make messes in the house. Senior blood work panels dig deeper into these symptoms and help us diagnose your special senior's ailments.
Finding vets for old animals in Sarasota, Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch can be difficult, but University Animal Clinic can serve all of your aging pets’ health needs. Make an appointmenttoday to bring your geriatric dog or cat in for an examination to help support their health in this stage of life. As an AAHA-Accredited vet, our team knows how to keep your pet happy and comfortable throughout their visit.
