{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "headline": "Health check of an old dog — preventive care", "description": "When is a dog a senior? Blood tests and examinations at the age of 7-8 years will reveal latent diseases in time. Book a senior check in Vantaa.", "datePublished": "Jan 27, 2026", }

Health check of an old dog — preventive care

📞 Senior checks in Vantaa: 010 739 9130

Dogs age faster than humans. When the dog reaches the age of 7—8 years (in large breeds earlier), it is counted as a senior. Even if the dog looks cheerful outwardly, changes occur in its body.

The senior check is not only about the “fund”, but the best way to guarantee the dog healthy retirement days.

What do you do in a senior check?

At the veterinary hospital Sacrum, the senior visit is more thorough than the usual vaccination visit.

  1. Clinical trial: Let's listen to the heart and lungs, palpate the lymph nodes, abdominal cavity and joints (pain). Let's check your teeth and mouth.
  2. Extensive blood tests: This is the most important part. A blood sample will tell you about liver and kidney function, blood sugar, proteins and inflammatory values.
  3. Urine sample: Reveals latent kidney failure or diabetes before blood tests.

Why is “watching” not enough?

Many diseases of old age are initially completely asymptomatic.

  • Kidney failure: Symptoms (drinking, weight loss) begin only after 75% of the kidney tissue has been destroyed. With blood tests, we can find the fault earlier.
  • Liver values: May be elevated for a long time without external signs.
  • Toothache: The dog eats even if there is rot in the mouth.

The finding is not a verdict

If we find something in the inspection, it is often good news: when the disease is found in time, it can be treated. For example, a dog with kidney failure can live on the right diet for years in good shape.

Do not wait for symptoms. Bring your friend in for a checkup so we can assure him a painless and healthy old age.

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Porttisuontie 13, Vantaa

Puppy's milk teeth not falling out – when are they removed?

Puppy's milk teeth not falling out? Read when retained deciduous teeth need to be removed and why they can cause bite and gum problems.

13.05.2026
Blog Category
Heart murmur in a dog — is it dangerous?

The vet heard a murmur in the dog? Don't panic. Read what murmur means, how it is classified (1-6) and when an ultrasound examination of the heart is needed.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Internal Diseases in Pets — Why Early Diagnostics Save Lives

Veterinary Hospital Sacrum Vantaa offers comprehensive laboratory services and ultrasound examinations. Read why finding hidden internal diseases in time is important.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Cat breathing with its mouth open – why is it an emergency?

Is your cat breathing with its mouth open or panting? Learn why this symptom is an emergency and why your cat needs to be brought to the emergency clinic quickly.

17.05.2026
Blog Category
Dental diseases and general health — impact on the heart and kidneys

Did you know that untreated stomatitis in a dog can damage the heart and kidneys? Learn why dental care is important for the health of the whole body.

27.01.2026
Blog Category
Skin symptoms in dogs — hot spot, rash and patting. When to see a doctor?

Does the dog's skin redden or a strange pate appeared on it? Learn how to treat a hot spot at home and when a skin change requires veterinary sampling.

27.01.2026
Blog Category