As a general rule of thumb, you can consider your pet a senior if he or she is seven years old or older. However, the size of your pet can also be a factor in relative age. A larger dog (weighing more than 90 pounds) may physically be a senior by the age of five! Larger pets have more wear on their bodies.
You may notice subtle changes in your pet’s behavior that could be signs of aging or could be related to manageable health conditions. Keeping track of subtle changes in your pet’s behavior can help your vet make the right diagnosis.
- Does your pet have difficulty climbing stairs?
- Does your pet have difficulty jumping up onto the couch or into the car?
- Do you notice your pet experiencing stiffness or limping?
- Is your pet showing noticeable weight loss (either gain or loss)?
- Has your pet’s appetite changed?
- Has your pet’s teeth become discolored or do they show more tartar than normal?
- Does your pet have extremely bad breath?
- Does your pet have red or swollen gums?
- Is your pet’s coat or skin changing?
- Does your pet have new lumps or bumps on his skin?
- Do you notice your pet itching more frequently?
- Does your pet seem to have increased thirst? Does he drink more water than normal?
- Does your pet seem to be urinating more frequently?
- Has your pet had accidents in the house? Is he losing his housetraining?
- Is your pet interacting less with the family?
- Has your pet’s activity level changed?
- Has your pet’s sleeping patterns changed?
- Does your pet seem confused or disoriented?
- Does your pet experience tremors or shaking?
- Is your pet just not acting like himself?
If your senior aged pet is showing any of the above physical or behavioral changes, you may want to discuss your concerns with your veterinarian. Some may be related to general health; some may be related to your pet’s age. You won’t know until you talk to your vet!