Our veterinarians at Minnieville Animal Hospital consider all dogs and cats
SEVEN YEARS
and older to be senior pets. Senior pets require vigilant care and monitoring to ensure their health, which is why our Woodbridge, VA, veterinarians recommend bringing your senior dog or cat to our animal hospital at least twice a year.
This allows our team to track your pet’s health and detect age-related diseases before they become 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
More Frequent Visits as Your Pet Ages
Senior pets are more vulnerable to illness or disease, but fortunately, with our advanced lab testing, vaccinations, and regular wellness visits, the team at Minnieville Animal Hospital can help maintain your pet’s quality of life as they enter their golden years. Senior pets are commonly affected by the following health concerns:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Certain types of cancer
Providing Senior Pet Care at Home
While we always strive to provide your companion with the best possible senior pet care when they visit our animal hospital, another important factor in their quality of life is at-home care. We know you want the best for your pet, so here are some of the best practices to help ease your senior pet’s transition into their golden years:
- If your senior pet has always enjoyed jumping up on furniture such as a couch or bed, we recommend providing a ramp or step stool to make reaching their favorite spot a little easier. Area rugs can also help improve traction along slippery flooring.
- Make certain your pet continues to have regular opportunities for exercise. A leisurely walk around the neighborhood works great to help improve your senior pet’s mobility, enhance their mood, and stop weight gain.
- A soft, supportive bed can provide a relaxing spot for your dog or cat to sleep.
- Senior pets should be fed a formula that is created with their age group in mind to ensure adequate digestion and caloric consumption.
- Be sure to note any changes in your pet’s behavior (eating, drinking, sleeping and bathroom patterns) and let your veterinarian know immediately. This may signal a change in their health and potentially need to be addressed.
