It is generally understood that each year in a dog's or cat's life is the equivalent of 7 human years. As pets age, they have a greater risk of developing certain diseases and conditions. It is very important that older pets receive a thorough biannual physical exam and screening labwork. The goal is to detect illnesses early, before symptoms are evident. When diseases are detected early, it offers the best chance for a treatment to cure or delay the progression of the disease. Early detection of illnesses is key in the treatment outcome.