What is a senior dog?

Posted on June 27, 2014 | 2 Comments

This graphic, provided by The Senior Dogs Project, shows how a dog’s age is determined in part by its size. Smaller dogs have a longer lifespan and so are classified as senior (or geriatric) at a higher age.

A Dog’s Age in Human Years
Age	Up to 20 lbs	21-50 lbs	51-90 lbs	Over 90 lbs
5	36	37	40	42
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	Red numbers = senior Blue numbers = geriatric
18	88	96	109
19	92	101	115
20	96	105	120
Chart developed by Dr. Fred L. Metzger, DVM, State College, PA. Courtesy of Pfizer Animal Health.

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2 responses to “What is a senior dog?”

weliveinaflat | June 27, 2014 at 12:19 pm | Reply

very useful! I never knew there is a difference between senior and geriatric!
- DoggyMom.com | June 28, 2014 at 5:16 am | Reply
  
  Yes – it’s an interesting point and very useful when caring for an elderly dog.