Senior checkups and screening

Both AAHA and the AVMA recommend that senior dogs see the vet at least twice a year, because older animals often hide illness until it is advanced and six months is a long time in a senior life¹². The 2023 AAHA guidelines suggest a baseline set of tests, repeated every six to twelve months: a complete blood count, a chemistry panel, urinalysis and, where useful, screening markers for the kidneys and heart³. The twice-yearly pattern has been the association's advice since its 2005 guideline⁴.

Between visits, the changes worth writing down and reporting are the slow ones: less energy or interest, a change in behaviour, eating or drinking more or less than usual, weight drifting down, stiffness or reluctance to move, and any wound that does not heal⁵. Oldie's history export puts weights, medications and completed care in one document you can hand to the clinic.

Senior checkups are also the moment to review dental health, pain control and diet, all of which change as a dog ages¹².

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Your vet knows your dog.

Sources

1. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (Dhaliwal R et al.). American Animal Hospital Association, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 59(1):1-21. Accessed 2026-09-22.
2. Caring for senior cats and dogs. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed 2026-09-22.
3. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines: Diagnostic Tests and Recommended Frequencies for Senior Dogs and Cats. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-09-22.
4. AAHA senior care guidelines for dogs and cats (Epstein M et al.). American Animal Hospital Association, Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association 41(2):81-91, 2005. Accessed 2026-09-22.
5. 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines: Evaluating the Unhealthy Senior Pet. American Animal Hospital Association. Accessed 2026-09-22.