We all hate to admit it, and sometimes I try to close my eyes to it altogether. But pets age faster than humans.

For example, a two year old dog has matured much more than a two year old child.

So the reality is that a pet can reach what is considered “middle aged” to us, in just a few years.

Normally a dog lives up to fifteen or sixteen years, with the smaller dogs being the ones that live a bit longer.  But there have been some rare cases recorded of dogs living over 20 years!

Trying to determine the age of a dog depends on the breed

While it’s been said that one year is equal to seven years in a dogs life…that may only be true for a small to medium sized breed.  But for a larger dog like a great dane, they are considered to be senior status closer to the age of five or six.

The larger breeds seem to age faster than the smaller breeds, although nobody can really determine how much faster.

Health has an effect on aging 

Good health has a very important role in slowing down some of the bad effects of aging.

With aging like most everybody, environment, health and wellbeing play a big part in keeping active, and above all else comfortable.

Keeping track of your pets age will help maintain that comfort and good health.

Knowing your pets age can help determine the right amount of exercise in their daily routine, as well as keeping up with dental care or any supplements that may be needed to help maintain their active lifestyle.

Routine physicals prevent illness

As your pet reaches the senior years, routine blood work and x-rays will determine any underlying conditions that may be preventable.

Regular check ups, medications, supplements or treatment will help keep your pet comfortable and aging gracefully.

We all have a pretty good idea when it comes to knowing some of the signs of aging.  Noticeable gray around eye brows or muzzle can be a clear sign.

Pedigree has a great age calculator for dogs that’s pretty spot on for calculating your pets age by breed.

Trying to determine the age of a cat

Cats are very different than dogs when it comes to age.

Unlike dogs, their age is calculated by different stages rather than breed or size.

Cats go through different stages from kitten to adult as they age.

A one year old cat is equal to fifteen years in human years, the second year adds another nine years, after that each year is an additional four years, making the third year twenty eight, and so on.

Cat age calculating can be tricky, but the estimates really all seem to be about the same for both dogs and cats.

We guesstimate, having a pretty good sense of where they are in this aging process.

But don’t let age scare you , because if you’ve ever owned a cat, you know they can live a long time.

Some have been known to live about 30 in human years!

And in cat years that’s well over 100.

Indoor v outdoor

Of course how long a cat lives also depends on the care and environment.

Cats aren’t as obvious when it comes to illness as dogs, so finding illness becomes more difficult.  Routine blood work is very important as they get older.

An indoor cat’s age will usually differ from that of an outdoor cat.

Outdoor cats seem to find trouble ie; fights, contact with unhealthy cats, or food.  It’s always best to try to keep them indoors.

Healthy pets are happy pets and happiness is the key to a long life❤