Life-Stage Care for Your Dog

From The Desk Of Dr. Carpenter

Newport Harbor Animal Hospital - AAHA Accredited

Life-Stage Care for Your Dog

We are often asked, how old is my pet in human years? The answer to this question helps us to guide your dog's health care. Our own health care is often dictated by the stage of life we are in. We suggest the same for your dog to provide better care throughout their life.

Age in years	0-20 pounds	20-50 pounds	50-90 pounds	Over 90 pounds
6	40	42	45	49
7	44	47	50	56
8	48	51	55	64
9	52	56	61	71
10	56	60	66	78
11	60	65	72	86
12	64	69	77	93
13	68	74	82	101
14	72	78	88	108
15	76	83	93	115
16	80	87	99	123
17	84	92	104	-
18	88	96	109	-
19	92	101	115	-
20	96	105	120	-

Now you know the age, what stage of life is my dog in? Use the font to determine the stage.

Adult

Senior

Geriatric

Now that we know the stage of life, how does it affect the care for my dog?

Adult

Full physical examination by the doctor twice a year is the cornerstone of the health care for an adult stage dpg. If the doctor finds any problems they will be dealt with specifically. If your dog has to undergo any anesthetic procedure at this age a pre-surgical blood screen will be done prior to the anesthesia

Senior

Our senior friends are given twice-yearly examinations and once annually a total body function blood profile and a urinalysis are recommended.

Geriatric

Our geriatric dogs require the most individualized attention based on their health histories. We recommend biannual physical exams and once a year a comprehensive blood panel and urinalysis will be performed.