Is my pet considered a senior?

The Golden Years:
General Rule of Thumb

Our pets are now living longer, healthier lives than ever before due to advancements in veterinary medicine and nutrition. The lifespan of your pet varies by breed, size, and environmental factors. Your veterinarian is the best source for determining the stage of life of your four-legged friend.

Small Breed Dog: 7 years or older
Large Breed Dog: 6 years or older
Cats: 11 years or older
Senior Pet Care - Old gray cat38  YRS Oldest Cat Ever Recorded
Dogs and Cats

Age Much Quicker Than People

Contrary to popular belief, the rule of "7 dog years = 1 human year" is far from accurate.

Dog Years equivalent in human years
The AVMA provides these calculations to help put a pet's age in human terms
Cat Years equivalent in human years
As your pet ages, they become more

susceptible to a variety of diseases including:

Old chihuaha29 YRS Oldest Dog Ever Recorded
What To Expect at Your

Senior’s Pet Appointment

At your senior pet's visit, our veterinarian is going to examine your dog or cat over, from nose to tail. They will typically begin by examining their overall body condition, followed by a thorough oral exam. During the oral exam, the veterinarian will be looking for any signs of dental disease including swollen gums (or gingivitis), dental tartar, plaque or tooth decay. Your pet’s exam will also include listening to their heart and lungs, checking for any unusual signs/symptoms, and checking for skin, coat, eye and ear problems. Diet and nutritional counseling will also be a part of your senior pet's exam.

If our veterinarian comes across something unusual or they suspect an underlying condition, further diagnostic testing or lab work will most likely will be recommended. Routine annual diagnostic lab work is recommended on any senior patient in order to help our veterinarians identify what values are currently normal or if there have been any changes since the prior year. Our veterinarians are always happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your aging pet during their exam.

Signs Your Senior Pet

May Have a Problem

Increased thirst or urination
Loss of bladder control
Diarrhea or constipation
Bad breath, excessive drooling, or panting
Changes in appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Lumps or changes in areas of skin color
Disorientation and increased wandering
Limping, lameness, or trouble getting up​
Abdominal swelling
Difficulty breathing
Anxiety
Changes in sleep cycles
Senior dog in field

If you suspect that your senior pet is having a problem, don't hesitate to contact us.

Contact Us
From the Blog

News & Articles

As many of our clients know, we love sharing our knowledge and important animal health news. Our blog contains valuable educational resources in one easy location.

Sep 12

Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership: A Guide to Ensuring Your Canine Companion's Well-Being

September is Responsible Dog Ownership month, and Dr. Jennifer Coval, a small animal vet with Countryside, has key advice that can make a difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
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Sep 12

Crucial Clues: How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

Do you know how to spot pain in your dog? September is Animal Pain Awareness Month and this blog post delves into the different types of pain, Signs, and Effective Management Strategies.
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Sep 11

The Silent Sufferers: Recognizing Pain in Cats

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. How much do you know about feline pain, treatment options, including medications like Adequan and Solensia and natural methods like laser therapy?
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Jul 31

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
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Jul 31

Back to School Blues: Tips to Help Your Pets Cope

As kids head back to school and the house becomes less lively, our pets may experience loneliness or confusion. Here's how to help them cope.
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Jul 9

My Battle with Hot Spots: A Dog's Tale of Itching, Healing, and Happiness

This blog post explores hot spots, how pets develop them, signs to watch for, treatment, and preventive measures to keep these irritating skin conditions at bay.
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Jun 28

Furry Freedom Fest: Tips for a Safe and Fun July 4th!

In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day, we dive into ways to ensure our dogs, cats, and horses have a safe Furr-ocious 4th of July!
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May 31

Insights from Our Small Animal Vets: 6 Key Things They Want You to Know

Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights that will transform your pet's health journey and save both time and money in the long run.
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May 30

Be Prepared for Pet Emergencies: Stocking Your Pet First Aid Kit!

Having a well-stocked first aid kit for your dogs and cats is essential in case of emergencies or minor injuries. Read and/or download our list.
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12 Sep

Celebrating Responsible Dog Ownership: A Guide to Ensuring Your Canine Companion's Well-Being

September is Responsible Dog Ownership month, and Dr. Jennifer Coval, a small animal vet with Countryside, has key advice that can make a difference in your dog’s wellbeing.
More
12 Sep

Crucial Clues: How to Tell if Your Dog is in Pain

Do you know how to spot pain in your dog? September is Animal Pain Awareness Month and this blog post delves into the different types of pain, Signs, and Effective Management Strategies.
More
11 Sep

The Silent Sufferers: Recognizing Pain in Cats

September is Animal Pain Awareness Month. How much do you know about feline pain, treatment options, including medications like Adequan and Solensia and natural methods like laser therapy?
More
31 Jul

Chew on This: The Ultimate How-To for Happy Pet Teeth!

Preventing oral diseases in our furry friends is easier than you might think. Here's our Step-by-Step Guide.
More
31 Jul

Back to School Blues: Tips to Help Your Pets Cope

As kids head back to school and the house becomes less lively, our pets may experience loneliness or confusion. Here's how to help them cope.
More
9 Jul

My Battle with Hot Spots: A Dog's Tale of Itching, Healing, and Happiness

This blog post explores hot spots, how pets develop them, signs to watch for, treatment, and preventive measures to keep these irritating skin conditions at bay.
More
28 Jun

Furry Freedom Fest: Tips for a Safe and Fun July 4th!

In preparation for the upcoming Independence Day, we dive into ways to ensure our dogs, cats, and horses have a safe Furr-ocious 4th of July!
More
31 May

Insights from Our Small Animal Vets: 6 Key Things They Want You to Know

Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights that will transform your pet's health journey and save both time and money in the long run.
More