Ask A Vet: How old is my dog?

My dog is 8 years old.  How old is that in "dog years?"

Depending on your dog's size, she could be anywhere from 48 to 64 years old in dog years.  On our website, you'll find a chart that will give you a more specific age based on her weight. http://www.woodridgeanimalhospital.com/Senior-Care-and-Guidance.html

If your dog is around 60 in dog years, she's considered a senior citizen. Because pets age so much faster than people, changes to their health can happen quickly.  There may be some preventative measures you can begin now or in the near future that will help her age as gracefully as possible. If you see your pet's behavior or physical health seem to change, don't assume it's just her "slowing down" or her "getting old."  Like people, many changes occur as pets age that are normal; however, some of these same changes can be early signs of an illness or disease.  

If you have a question you'd like answered in this blog, send it to dr.amy@woodridgeanimalhospital.com.