| The first year
of a pet's life is roughly equivalent to about the first fifteen
years for a human and two pet years are equal to about twenty four
human years. After that, each year for a pet is equivalent to
four years.
Like people, dogs are living
longer. We all cherish the companionship with our canine friends. It
is important that we help ensure these extended years are the
happiest and healthiest possible. Working with us, you can make a
significant difference in the life of your senior dog.
Senior Dogs Have Special Needs
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COMPARATIVE AGE IN HUMAN YEARS
|
As dogs move into the senior
phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar
to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly
known to affect older people also affect our canine
companions: kidney, heart and liver disease, tumors, cancer,
diabetes, depression, arthritis, thyroid conditions,
hormonal problems, neuroses and loss of sensory perception.
Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your
pet's needs are
essential to quality of life.
Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition and environment all contribute to how your dog will be influenced by the aging process.
However, for practical purposes, your dog is considered to be "senior" at 7 years old. Small dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than medium to large breeds. Since dogs age more rapidly than people (see age chart), dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 months.
|
| Dog's Age |
0-20 lbs. |
21-50 lbs |
51-90 lbs. |
>90 lbs |
| 5 years |
36 |
37 |
40 |
42 |
| 6 years |
40 |
42 |
45 |
49 |
| 7 years |
44 |
47 |
50 |
56 |
| 10 years |
56 |
60 |
66 |
78 |
| 12 years |
64 |
69 |
77 |
93 |
| 15 years |
76 |
83 |
93 |
115 |
| 20 years |
96 |
105 |
120 |
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Senior@Seven Wellness Exams Provide Hidden Answers
Studies have shown that as many as 23% of senior dogs that appear healthy upon physical examination have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to treat. A Senior@Seven Wellness Exam includes laboratory tests so sensitive they can detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective.
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There are a growing number of ways we can help "slow the clock" and promote healthy, long lives for our senior dogs.
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Several non-invasive tests and procedures preformed regularly can help us detect early-stage disease when control or even prevention is possible and more cost effective. Senior@Seven Wellness Exams also provide a baseline from which we can measure changes. These tests include:
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While an annual exam may be sufficient for younger dogs, we may want to see your older dog at least every 6 months. For a dog, this can be comparable to as many as 5 to 8 years in the life of a human. Special attention will be paid to your dog's teeth and gums, skin and coat, heart, lungs, kidneys, digestive system, and joints. Annual laboratory tests can detect the onset of disease or abnormal health conditions.
A proper diet and suitable environment are critical to your dog's continued health and comfort. We will advise you on modifications for your aging dog. This may include a special diet based on your dog's specific needs, or an exercise regimen for your senior pet.
Conditions such as arthritis are very common disorders in older pets. New medications are now available that are both safe and effective for pain management, Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome and other age-related diseases.
Use
this checklist to help you observe behaviors and
symptoms that may indicate potential health problems in your
senior pet. If your dog is experiencing one or more of these
signs, please let us know.
The goal of a Senior Wellness
Exam is to maintain the highest quality of life for the
longest possible time. Together, we can make the senior
years the most
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