Age Is in the Eye of the Beholder: A Guide to Understanding Pet Aging
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, making it the perfect time to discuss pet aging. Adopting a puppy or kitten brings different experiences and medical needs compared to adopting an adult or senior pet. Understanding these differences can help you prepare for the unique care a senior pet requires and deserves.
Aging in Dogs: How Does it Work and Factors Behind Varying Lifespans Across Breeds
We all know the common theory of “one human year equals seven dog years”, that is, a 7-year-old dog is equivalent to a 49-year-old human. However, it’s not actually that simple. A more accurate comparison of the human vs. canine age takes into consideration the dog’s size and breed.
Smaller dogs age more slowly and have longer life spans while the opposite tends to be true for larger dogs. In addition, factors like genetics, lifestyle, and health history play crucial roles. For example, when comparing size, small Poodles live longer than huge Great Danes. But when comparing breed, Great Danes may outlive larger sized Bulldogs.
Another thing to consider is the pet’s stage in life. Dogs develop more quickly the first two years of life. By 10-12 months old, your puppy is beginning to experience their “teenage years”. And by two years old, they are considered adults. By four years of age, the aging process starts to level off. Thus, the ration 7:1 does not hold across the board.
The following provides general guidelines about how long different size breeds live (Greer et al., Canine Medicine and Genetics, 2017):
Small breeds (<20 pounds): 12-16 years (e.g. Chihuahuas and Dachshunds)
Medium breeds (20-50 pounds): 10-14 years (e.g. Beagles and Bulldogs)
Large breeds (>50 pounds): 8-12 years (e.g. German Shepherds and Labradors)
Giant breeds (>90 pounds): 6-10 years (e.g. Great Danes and Saint Bernards)
So why does this inverse relationship between size and lifespan exist? The faster aging in larger breeds is thought to be partly due to their rapid growth during early life. Large and giant breed puppies grow quickly to reach their adult size, which places more demand on their cells and may accelerate cellular aging and damage. Additionally, larger bodies require more oxygen and energy, resulting in increased metabolic activity. This higher metabolic demand can lead to oxidative stress, where cells experience damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules created during metabolic processes. Over time, oxidative stress can contribute to faster cellular aging and reduce lifespan (Promislow, American Journal of Physiology, 1991).
Genetic Influences: The Role of Breed-Specific Health Conditions in Dogs
Genetics play a substantial role in determining a dog’s aging process. Different breeds are predisposed to specific health issues, which can affect both quality of life and lifespan (Bellumori et al., Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2013). For example:
German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy (spinal cord compression), which can limit mobility and lead to secondary health issues as they age.
Boxers have a higher risk of heart disease and certain cancers, which can affect their lifespan.
Bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds (those with short noses and flat faces) often experience respiratory issues, which can worsen with age and reduce lifespan.
Golden Retrievers are known for a high rate of cancer, particularly hemangiosarcoma (affects blood vessels) and lymphoma, contributing to shorter lifespans in this breed.
It’s imperative for pet parents to fully understand these range of breed-specific risks to be best prepared for caring for their new pups. We encourage all pet parents and prospective pet parents to research their breeds and speak to their trusted veterinarians and breeders to understand what potential risks might develop as their pets age.
Cats: Longevity and Consistency
Aging in cats is a bit simpler as they are different from dogs, meaning there is generally less variation in their lifespan by breed. The average cat can live anywhere from 12 to 18 years, with some reaching 20 years or older. Genetics, environment, and lifestyle also significantly influence a cat's lifespan. Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats due to reduced risks of injury, disease, and environmental hazards (Buffington, Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 2002).
What Happens As Pets Age?
So, while it may be rude to ask how old another person it, it is extremely medically relevant to understand the age of your pet. Like humans, pets suffer the effects of aging and understanding when to start screening them for signs of aging is important.
Aging can be roughly split into four stages, each with its unique characteristics and needs:
Puppy/Kitten (0-1 year): Rapid growth, high energy, and curiosity.
Adult (1-7 years): Gradual slowing down, stable health.
Senior (7+ years): Slower metabolism, potential joint issues, decreased immunity.
Geriatric (10+ years for dogs, 12+ years for cats): Significant changes in mobility, health, and cognitive function.
Some of the signs you may notice in your aging pet regardless of breed or size include:
Loss of vision
Loss of hearing
Loss of energy
Arthritis and other joint problems
Weight gain
Loss of muscle tone
Loss of teeth
Loss of organ integrity (heart, liver, kidneys)
Loss of skin elasticity
Loss of hair
Loss of immunity
Loss of mental acuity
How You Can Help Maximize Your Pet’s Lifespan
It’s important to remember that age is not a disease. So, what can you do to keep your pet “young” for as long as possible? The keys to happy and healthy pet are routine veterinary care, nutrition and weight management, and exercise and mental stimulation.
Routine veterinary care
Scheduling regular veterinary examinations is one of the most important steps pet owners can take to keep their pets in tip-top shape. Wellness exams are critically important to generate baselines for your pet and can provide valuable information to your veterinarian for when your pet becomes sick. While it may seem excessive to have your senior pet see a veterinarian every six months, the American Animal Hospital Association recommends a complete exam and laboratory testing to monitor for conditions that may impact their health and quality of life. Remember that if every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to 5-7 human years, a lot can change in the span of just six months.
Nutrition and Weight management
Just as with humans, diet plays a critical role in a pet’s health. They benefit from a balanced diet rich in high-quality protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. While your pets may enjoy treats, they should be healthy, designed for pets, and served sparingly.
Unfortunately, obesity is a significant issue in pets, with nearly 60% of dogs and cats in the US being overweight. Obesity strains the heart, increases the risk of diabetes, and contributes to joint problems, reducing the lifespan by an average of two years for dogs and cats (Lund et al., Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 2006).
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Just like you go to the gym, your pets should be regularly exercised. Regular exercise maintains a pet’s physical fitness and reduces the risk of obesity, heart disease, and anxiety. You can take your pups for walks and if they’re up for it, jogging with a running-friendly harness. You can also schedule regularly play dates with their doggy friends and if you take them to dog parks, make sure to scan the park to ensure dogs are friendly, well behaved, and the owners are attentive to jump in if there are any issues.
Beyond physical health, mental stimulation is equally important for cognitive health (Landsberg et al., Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice, 2011). Puzzle toys, training exercises, and new environments can help keep your pet’s mind sharp. Maybe you can teach an old dog new tricks!
The Dog Aging Project: Extending Life for our Best Friends
The Dog Aging Project is an ambitious study that aims to understand the biology of aging in dogs. Launched in 2018, this involves over 32,000 dogs from across the US. The project’s goals are to understand the factors that influence aging and identify interventions to extend dog lifespans (Dog Aging Project, 2023). By understanding the aging process, scientists are now focusing their efforts on anti-aging drugs for our pets. Rapamycin, which is known for its anti-aging effects in mice, is one of the most promising drugs coming out of the Dog Aging Project. Studies have shown that it may extend lifespan and improve hearth health in dogs.
Ruby Veterinary Helps Your Pet Age Gracefully
The best thing we can do for our pets as they age is keep up their recommended preventative care, maintain a healthy diet, and provide them an active lifestyle. Regular preventative care and lab work helps us understand what your pet’s “normal” baseline is and helps in the unfortunate times of illness. Ruby Veterinary Urgent Care is a key part of your pet’s healthcare plan and works closely with your primary care veterinarian to ensure your pets live happy and fulfilling lives.
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