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 |
Tell a pet!
