The Gray Muzzle Ledger / How often should a senior pet see the vet?
How often should a senior pet see the vet?
Quick answerThe AAHA senior guidelines recommend a medical workup once or twice a year for senior pets. Bloodwork, a chemistry panel and urinalysis are listed at every 6 to 12 months. Your vet will tailor the plan to your pet.
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What AAHA lists
Source: AAHA’s “Diagnostic Tests and Recommended Frequencies for Senior Dogs and Cats.” These are guideline ranges, not a prescription for your pet.
| Test | Dogs | Cats |
|---|---|---|
| Complete blood count | Every 6 to 12 months | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Chemistry panel | Every 6 to 12 months | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Urinalysis | Every 6 to 12 months | Every 6 to 12 months |
| Blood pressure | Recommended annually | Strongly recommended annually; every 6 to 12 months in healthy geriatric cats |
| Thyroxine (T4) | Recommended annually | Strongly recommended annually |
| Fecal parasite test | 1 to 4 times a year, by lifestyle | 1 to 2 times a year |
What to bring to a senior visit
- A list of every medication, supplement, cream or oil, with doses. The guidelines say this matters for avoiding interactions, and that owners may not mention “natural” products unless asked.
- Your daily notes on eating, drinking, bathroom habits, sleep and mood.
- Short videos of the pet walking, rising, climbing stairs or jumping. AAHA notes client videos help detect early musculoskeletal problems.
- Your top three questions, in order.
Frequently asked questions
Do senior pets need bloodwork every year?
AAHA lists blood count, chemistry and urinalysis at every 6 to 12 months for senior dogs and cats. Your veterinarian sets the schedule for your pet.
Sources
- AAHA: Diagnostic tests and recommended frequencies for senior dogs and cats https://www.aaha.org/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/diagnostic-tests-and-recommended-frequencies-for-senior-dogs-and-cats/
- 2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats (PDF) https://www.aaha.org/wp-content/uploads/globalassets/02-guidelines/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats.pdf
- AAHA: Evaluating the healthy senior pet https://www.aaha.org/resources/2023-aaha-senior-care-guidelines-for-dogs-and-cats/evaluating-the-healthy-senior-pet/
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