OldieA senior wellness visit can feel odd. The dog seems fine, eats well, still wants the walk. So what is the appointment for?
The short answer is that it's for the things we can't see from the couch. Here's what the guidance says, and what it means in plain terms.
Why twice a year
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) says that dogs older than 7 years should be examined by their veterinarian every six months, and that this applies to visibly healthy pets too1. Healthy is exactly the point. A visit that only happens when something looks wrong tends to catch problems later, and a regular one gives your vet a baseline to compare against.
The same guidance sits inside the 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats, which describe a systematic approach to the healthcare of senior pets3. They're guidelines, not rules, and your vet may adjust the schedule for your dog.
What the visit usually includes
AAHA's guidance for owners lists a physical exam, a dental assessment, a nutritional consultation and a behavioral assessment as parts of a senior visit1. In practice that tends to mean a few things.
- A conversation. Your vet will ask how your dog has been lately: appetite, sleep, stairs, accidents, mood. Your observations are part of the exam.
- A hands-on check, nose to tail, including the mouth.
- A talk about food and weight, because both shift with age.
- A look at behavior, since changes there can mean something is different.
That's why a few weeks of notes help. "She seems slower" is easy to say. "She stopped taking the stairs on the 3rd" is something your vet can work with.
What lab work is on the table
AAHA's 2023 table of diagnostic tests for senior dogs and cats lists a complete blood count, a chemistry panel and a urinalysis, each every 6 to 12 months2. The same table lists tick-borne disease and heartworm testing annually for dogs2.
Which tests your dog actually has is a call for your vet, based on age, breed, history and what they find. We're not suggesting any particular test. We only want the words to be less mysterious when they come up.
Making the visit easier on everyone
None of this is advice about your dog's health. These are just habits that make appointments go more smoothly.
- Bring a short list of changes you've noticed, with dates if you have them.
- Bring the current list of medications and care tasks, so nothing depends on memory.
- If more than one person shares the care, ask each of them what they've seen before you go.
- Write down what the vet says before you leave the room. It's easy to lose in the car.
Oldie is a care tracker for senior dogs: medications, care tasks, vaccines and weight, shared with everyone in the household, so the list you bring is the same one everyone has seen. More about Oldie.
Twice a year can sound like a lot. We'd call it a short, regular check-in with the person who knows your dog best, and a chance to ask the small questions before they become big ones.
Questions, or a topic you'd like us to dig into next? Reach out any time: help@myoldie.com. We read everything.
Sources
- Supporting your senior pet: veterinary care recommendations. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-10-19.
- Table 1: Diagnostic tests and recommended frequencies for senior dogs and cats. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-10-19.
- 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-10-19.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.