Introduction

• A geriatric patient is nearing the end of expected life span.
• In dogs there are significant differences between breed average life spans and thus the average age that they may be considered as geriatric.
• In general this correlates with size; giant breeds often show significant age-related changes from around 7 years, medium-sized breeds around 10 years and small breeds from around 12 years.

Clinical and behavior problems

Procedures

Diet

Further Reading

Publications

Refereed papers

• Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
• Dhaliwal R, Boynton E, Carrera-Justiz S, Cruise N, Gardner M, Huntingford J, Lobprise H, Rozanski E (2023) 2023 AAHA Senioe Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. JAAHA 59(1), 1-21 PubMed aaha.org/aaha-guidelines/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/home.
• Senior Care Guidelines Task Force, AAHA, Epstein M, Kuehn N F et al (2005) AAHA senior care guidelines for dogs and cats. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 41 (2), 81-91 PubMed.