How “old” is my pet?
We are often asked by clients “how old is my pet in ‘human years’?” (or “how long will it live?”).Just as each one of us might live to 50 or to 100 or somewhere in between, it is also impossible to provide an accurate answer for your pet. The graph below gives a rough approximation of your pet’s age in equivalent ‘human years’. Compared to humans, cats and dogs mature quickly in relation to their longevity.
As your pet ages, particularly once they approach middle and older ages (shaded), their needs and health concerns change. To find out more about your aging pet, read about our general geriatric care or peruse our Guide to the Older Cat and Dog. When humans reach about 40 years of age, it is recommended they get a check up every two years. We recommend an annual check-up to help detect early onset of age-related conditions and maintain good health in your pet.
The oldest dog on record - an Australian cattle dog called Bluey - lived to 29 years (a medium dog's equivalent to about 200 human years).
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is of a general nature only and in no way should replace a visit to the vet with your animal.
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