AAHA Pet Wellness Screening Schedule (Puppy to Geriatric)
Wellness screening recommendations by life stage for dogs and cats, aligned with current AAHA guidelines.
Puppy (0–12 months)
| Visit | Screening |
|---|---|
| 8 / 12 / 16 / 20 weeks | Vaccines (DAPP, Lepto, rabies), fecal q visit, growth, behaviour |
| 6 months | Spay/neuter discussion, dental and orthopaedic exam |
Adult (1–6 years)
| Frequency | Screening |
|---|---|
| Every 12 months | Full physical, dental exam, heartworm + tick panel, fecal |
| Every 12 months | Weight + BCS, parasite review, lifestyle update (e.g. boarding, hunting) |
Senior (7+ years; 5+ for large/giant)
| Frequency | Screening |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months | Physical exam + body condition score |
| Annually | CBC, chemistry (T4 included), urinalysis, blood pressure |
| Annually | Heartworm + tick panel, fecal |
| Annually | Mobility / orthopaedic screen for OA |
Geriatric (11+ years; 8+ for giant)
| Frequency | Screening |
|---|---|
| Every 6 months | Bloodwork + UA + BP |
| Annually | Thoracic radiographs if breed-predisposed cardiac risk |
| Annually | Abdominal ultrasound consideration |
AAHA-aligned default schedules. Adjust frequency for breed-specific risk (e.g. annual cardiac screening from age 5 for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Maine Coons; thyroid q6 mo for cats > 10 yrs in high-iodine areas).
Frequently asked questions
When does a dog become "senior"?
AAHA defines senior as the last quartile of expected lifespan, which varies by breed: large/giant breeds at 5-7 years, medium breeds at 7-9, small breeds at 9-11. The "geriatric" stage starts at the last 12-25% of expected lifespan.
What screening starts at the senior visit?
Twice-yearly physical exams instead of annual. Annual CBC + chemistry + UA + T4 + blood pressure becomes the new baseline. Add an SDMA for early CKD detection.
Why screen senior cats every 6 months?
Cats are masters at hiding disease and many common geriatric problems (CKD, hyperthyroidism, hypertension) progress quickly once symptomatic. A 6-month interval catches them earlier when treatment is more effective.