The sad truth about dog ownership, though, is that canines do not live nearly as long as humans.
Although most dogs live between twelve and fifteen years, there are some who live far shorter lives.
Different breeds of dogs are more likely to develop certain types of ailments as they age.
Also, it's true that smaller dog breeds tend to live longer than larger ones.
The reason for this is still a mystery to scientists.
Vets advise geriatric exams for larger dogs around seven years of age,
and some think they age more quickly due to the stress their size causes on their bodies. In contrast, smaller dogs begin having geriatric exams around the age of 10 or 11.