Aging and Your Pet

Aging and Your Pet

Many factors contribute to how your pet ages including genetics, diet and nutrition, exercise, environment, health care, disease, and the human-pet bond.  By making a few adjustments as your pet ages, you can help your pet to live a longer, healthier life.  Talk to us about what you can do to assure that your little friend is with you as long as possible.

In General:

• Pets that are normal weight tend to live longer than overweight pets.
  
• Low-fat, high-fiber diets can increase a pet's life expectancy.
  
• Smaller breed dogs tend to live longer than larger breeds.  Mixed breed dogs often live longer than purebred dogs.  Mixed breed cats tend to outlast purebred cats.
  
• Neutered and spayed pets often live longer than intact pets.
  
• Indoor cats live far longer than outdoor cats.  Dogs that live mostly indoors usually live longer than outdoor dogs.
  
• Pets that receive vaccinations and preventive veterinary care tend to live longer.
  
• A lot of love and attention can increase a pet's life expectancy.
  
  
  Life Stages:
      Pediatric  0-1 years
      Adult    1-6 years
      Senior  7-9 years
      Geriatric   10+ years

Age Comparison Chart:

This chart utilizes averages only.  Some breeds mature faster and and some slower.

        Age of Pet            Equivalent Human Age
            6 mos..........................    10 years
            1 year..........................    15 years
            18 mos.......................     20 years
            2 years........................    24 years
            3 years........................    28 years
            4 years........................    32 years
            5 years........................    36 years
            6 years........................    40 years
            7 years........................    44 years
            8 years........................    48 years
            9 years........................    52 years
            10 years.....................     56 years
            11 years.....................     60 years
            12 years.....................     64 years
            13 years......................    68 years 
            14 years......................    72 years
            15 years......................    76 years
            16 years......................    80 years
            17 years......................    84 years
            18 years......................    88 years
            19 years......................    92 years
            20 years......................    96 years