Senior Dog Comfort & Care

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How old do you think I am?

We all know dogs age faster than humans, but do you know when their senior years start? It’s earlier than you might think and varies between breed sizes. Large dogs grow faster, have a faster metabolism, and use more energy than small dogs. This means that larger breeds mature more quickly.

There’s chronological age, how long your dog has been alive, and there’s biological age, which is based on their DNA and overall health. Example: A 68-year-old person could be spry and healthy, and another hunched over and ailing. So, like humans, when a dog truly enters their senior years depends on their genetics and the life they’ve had.

Knowing when your dog reaches their “golden years” from a chronological perspective helps you know when it’s time to be even more proactive in their healthcare. Just because your dog is a senior doesn’t mean they have to put up with the effects of aging. It just means they need a bit more TLC to stay healthy and active.

Chart showing at what point dogs are considered seniors based on their size. Small dogs are considered seniors at 10 to 12 years, medium dogs at 8 to 12 years, and large dogs at 6 to 8 years.

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