Discerning when our four-legged confidantes cross the threshold into the esteemed society of gray muzzles and wise, twinkling eyes is not so easy. As pet parents, it’s our responsibility to tune into our pet’s golden years so we know what to expect and what kind of care to give.
Sizing Up the Seniors Among Canine Breeds
Dog years, ever elusive in their translation to human years, vary as widely as the breeds themselves. For instance, you petite pooch might start eyeing the senior menu at around seven to nine years old while their teacup counterparts might not give it a sniff until they hit double digits.
Large breeds will step up to the senior plate at six to seven years old. Meanwhile, really large breeds lumber into elderhood by the tender age of 6.
Feline Fine at Nine:
Cats, meanwhile, play the aging game with a bit more uniformity. They’re ready to be waited on hand and paw as seniors by about their tenth trip around the sun.
Noting the Tell-Tale Signs: Grey Whiskers and Slower Steps
So, keep your eyes peeled for the tell-tale signs of aging. Is your pet’s waistline wandering or has their hearing begun to fade? Maybe they take more naps, or seem to be experiencing some brain fog.You may need to fit your car with a ramp or make sure your house has non-slip mats. It may also be time to devote more time to pampering to maintain the silvery shine of your pet’s coat or make sure their skin remains healthy.
Heart Conditions in Older Pets
Heart conditions in older pets are important to note, especially in small and medium-sized dogs who develop heart disease more frequently than larger dogs. High-risk breeds of dogs include Cocker Spaniels, Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Poodles.Dilated cardiomyopathy is a well known ailment St. Bernards and Irish Wolfhounds as well.Cats are susceptible to restrictive and hypertrophic cardiomyopathies more frequently than canines. These conditions lead to a thickening of the heart wall. Breeds with this health issue may Include Maine Coon cats and Ragdolls
Final Thoughts
Keep your vet’s number on speed dial as your pet pirouettes into the twilight years – hopefully with grace and maybe a little bit of old time rock ‘n’ roll.
Author Bio: Donna Ryan is a health writer from Tucson, AZ.
