When are pets considered ‘seniors?’

Our senior pets need more attention and care than they did in their younger years. But that begs the question — when is a pet considered a senior?

To a large extent, it depends on the animal’s size. Cats are considered seniors when they reach 10 years of age. It’s more complicated with dogs because of their pronounced size differences. In general, dogs are considered seniors when they reach the last quarter of their breed’s estimated lifespan. For example, dogs weighing under 20 pounds are considered seniors at eight to 11 years of age, but those over 90 pounds reach their golden years when they’re only six to seven years old.

Remember, old age isn’t a disease, but in both people and pets, health issues become more common with age.