As your pet ages, the team at Derry Animal Hospital wants to help them age with grace.
If your dog or cat is age seven years or older, we consider them to be a senior pet. The care they receive during their golden years is more complex than that of an adult dog or cat. We can provide regular physical exams, lab testing, and vaccines to help prevent any health problems from becoming more serious.
Dog Years VS Human Years
7 dog years = 44 – 56 years
10 dog years = 56 – 78 years
15 dog years = 76 – 115 years
20 dog years = 96 – 120 years
Cat Years VS Human Years
7 cat years = 54 years
10 cat years = 63 years
15 cat years = 78 years
20 cat years = 97 years
Caring for Your Pet During Their Golden Years
At Derry Animal Hospital, we believe regular preventive care and early disease detection is crucial to your senior pet’s well-being. Our team recommends bringing senior pets in at least twice a year so we can assess their health and quality of life and address any health problems as necessary. We can help manage your pet’s health through individualized treatment including an annual blood screening to check for underlying issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
Providing At-Home Senior Pet Care
While consistent veterinary visits are important for your senior pet’s health, we also consider you to play an important role in your dog or cat’s care. How you care for your pet can influence a variety of factors that contribute to their overall health including mobility, proper nutrition, and living conditions. Our team at Derry Animal Hospital can help you provide the best possible care for your pet during their appointments, but here are some things you can do at home:
- MOBILITY AIDS – Senior pets may have a more difficult time getting around and require some assistance. Placing a ramp near beds or couches can help provide your pet with easier access to some of their favorite spots.
- ROUTINE EXERCISE – Keeping your pet active may look a little different as they age, but providing regular opportunities for exercise is a great way to help increase your pet’s mobility, help improve their temperament, and ward off potential weight gain.
- COMFORTABLE BEDDING – Consider purchasing your senior pet a soft, supportive bed to provide an optimal spot to rest and relax.
- NUTRITIOUS DIET – All pets should receive food that can meet their specific nutritional requirements, and senior pets require food formulated to provide suitable caloric intake and digestion.
- CLOSE MONITORING – If you notice your pet is behaving unusually, is less interested in eating or drinking, or any change in their ability to urinate/defecate, please let your veterinarian know. This can indicate a change in your dog or cat’s health and may require prompt treatment.
