Health span, the period of life an animal spends in good health and free of chronic disease and disabilities related to aging, should be prioritized over simply extending lifespan. Frailty, well-defined in human health, is increasingly important to recognize and assess in pets, as it negatively affects both health span and quality of life.
Frailty is not synonymous with disease. It reflects biological age and is a strong predictor of clinical outcomes, including postoperative morbidity, length of hospital stays and mortality following anesthesia and surgery.
Source: DVM 360, May 11, 2026. Link.
Understanding frailty in senior dogs and cats can help veterinary teams intervene sooner and improve quality of life.”
INSIGHTS: Many of the first-time pet owners’ animals acquired during the Covid-19 pandemic are now entering mid-life. Adding frailty assessments during routine exams is a good way to help pet owners understand their pets’ life stages.
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