Health Checkups

Between six and ten years of age, depending on your dog's breed, arrange for a full "senior citizen" preventive health checkup. The exam will vary from breed to breed, but some aspects are similar for all.

The vet will conduct a full physical examination and take a fasting blood sample (a sample after food has been withheld). In my urban clinic, most dogs that look healthy outwardly are just as healthy inside.

But for about five percent, the checkup reveals early heart conditions or internal lumps that should not be present.

A blood sample can reveal strain on the kidneys, early liver disease, or other conditions that are yet to show any clinical signs. As with humans, prevention is the best form of medical treatment.