Generally once a year you should bring your pet to the vet for a complete physical checkup. 

Keeping your dog up to date on checkups can prolong its life

One way to extend the lifespan of your dog is to keep up with checkups. This is important for several reasons. First, it allows veterinarians to spot illnesses and other problems before they become serious. Second, it ensures that your pet's vaccinations are up to date. And third, it will teach you how to better care for your dog.

In addition to the health benefits of regular checkups, it can also save you money. Many vets recommend that you give your dog certain supplements. These can help with vision and coat issues, arthritis, and nail problems. Some vets even offer in-home visits.  Keeping your dog up to date on checkups can also mean making sure it gets the right amount of exercise. Exercise is a great way to help your pet stay in good shape and avoid obesity. It is also important to ensure that your dog gets the right amount of water every day.

Other ways to prolong the life of your dog include treating your pet like a member of the family. Dogs can tell when they are being taken care of. So make it a point to spend time with your pet. Also, be careful about giving your pet too much food. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise can help you and your dog stay happy and healthy for years to come.

Giant breeds have shorter lifespans than smaller breeds

The average lifespan of giant dog breeds is a lot shorter than those of their small counterparts. This is not to say that they don't enjoy good health. However, they may be less able to cope with the rigors of old age. They might even have a tendency to develop diseases that smaller dogs wouldn't.

One study found that the average lifespan of a large dog is eight to twelve years. During this time, they are more susceptible to health problems such as joint disorders and cancer. Fortunately, these problems can be avoided with proper diet, exercise and regular vet visits. Some large dog breeds, such as Great Danes and Rottweilers, have a much shorter life span than their smaller cousins. This is due to the fact that they are selectively bred for larger size for a short period of time.

According to a recent study, the longevity of a small breed is about 1.5 years greater than that of a giant dog. While this may seem like a short amount of time, it still makes a difference.  Find out the average age of your dog breed here

Senior dogs should have blood work done more frequently

If you have a senior dog, you need to make sure they get regular check-ups. This is because older pets are more prone to illnesses. Your veterinarian can find problems early and save your pet from serious health complications.

A senior dog blood test can show your vet the status of your pet's kidneys, liver, and other major organs. Blood work may also include a urine sample to detect infection in the urinary system.  The complete blood count is a commonly used to measure your dog's health. In addition, urine analysis is crucial for geriatric dogs. It can also reveal signs of diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer of the urinary tract.

X-rays are another tool for your veterinarian to use to evaluate your dog's health. X-rays can be used to detect bone deformation, dysplasia, and joint issues.  Radiographs are a useful tool as well. They can help detect bladder stones and obstructions in the digestive system.

Green Paw Shop - How To Improve Your Senior Pets Quality of Life

The Short and Long of it

In addition to being the tallest dog breed in the world, the Irish wolfhound also has a short lifespan. They average seven years of age, which is not as long as some of the other large dog breeds. But there are individuals that have lived up to nine or even ten years of age.

The oldest hound in the world is a cattle dog named Bluey. He died on November 14, 1938, at the age of 29.