As your pet gets older, their needs change — and so does the way you care for them. Senior pets may seem healthy on the outside, but age brings a higher risk for hidden health issues. Regular checkups and preventive testing help catch problems early, even before your pet shows any signs. By being proactive, you can help your senior dog or cat live a happier, healthier life.
The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommend senior pets visit the vet at least twice a year.1 As your dog or cat gets older, their checkups and testing should become more frequent. These visits help your veterinarian spot health problems early (sometimes before you notice any signs) so your pet can get care right away.
Regular lab tests, such as bloodwork and urine checks, are some of the most effective ways to find hidden health issues in senior pets. Studies show that even healthy-looking dogs and cats can have changes in their lab results that reveal medical conditions you might not catch during a normal exam.2,3 By following these guidelines, you’re helping your pet stay healthy and comfortable as they age.
Preventative Tests for Senior Pets
| Test Type | What It Screens For | Frequency (Senior Dogs) | Frequency (Senior Cats) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count | Anemia, infection, cancer | Every 6-12 months | Every 6-12 months |
| Chemistry Panel | Kidney, liver, pancreas, diabetes, etc. | Every 6-12 months | Every 6-12 months |
| Urinalysis | Kidney function, diabetes, infection | Every 6-12 months | Every 6-12 months |
| Thyroid Test | Hypo/hyperthyroidism | Annually | Annually |
| Blood Pressure | Hypertension | Annually | Annually |
| Fecal Exam/Parasite Test | Intestinal worms, protozoa | Annually | Annually |
| Heartworm Test (dogs) | Heartworm disease | Annually | N/A |
How Aging Affects Senior Pets
As pets age, organ systems often begin to deteriorate due to factors such as genetics, breed, or their environment. Often, the exact cause of age-related illness is not determined. The good news is that many of these diseases can be effectively treated and monitored with early diagnosis. These include (but are not limited to):
- Liver disease
- Heart disease
- Degenerative joint disease
- Dental disease
- Endocrine disease (like thyroid, adrenal gland, and diabetes mellitus)
- Intestinal disease
- Cancer
Why Laboratory Testing Matters
Laboratory testing (like a complete blood count, chemistry panel, urinalysis, and infectious disease screening) can find medical conditions that might not show up during a regular exam.
“Patient trending” means your veterinarian will look at your pet’s test results over time to spot small changes before they become bigger problems. This helps catch disease in its early stages and lets you take action sooner for better prevention and improved care.
Benefits of Preventive Testing for Senior Pets
- Assesses your pet's internal organ health. Liver, kidney, and thyroid diseases are common and can be treated once diagnosed.
- It's non-invasive. Advanced testing can be performed with a brief office visit and a small blood, fecal, and/or urine sample.
- It reveals your pet’s true health status. Your pet can’t talk and will hide disease naturally — lab testing helps identify issues that pets cannot speak to.
- It provides a clean bill of health inside and out. Veterinarians can detect disease earlier with regular testing and trending results.
How Often Should Senior Pets Be Tested?
Senior and geriatric pets should see their veterinarian at least twice a year for checkups and preventive testing. This schedule allows for earlier detection and intervention if any signs of chronic disease appear.
Preventive testing is a simple, effective way to protect your senior pet’s health. By staying on top of regular checkups and lab work, you’re giving your pet the best chance for a happy, healthy life as they age. If you have questions about what tests your pet needs or how often to visit the vet, talk to your veterinarian for personalized advice.
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- AAHA-AVMA Preventive Healthcare Guidelines Task Force. (2011). Development of new canine and feline preventive healthcare guidelines designed to improve pet health. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 306–311.
- Paepe, D, et al. (2013). Findings in apparently healthy middle-aged and old cats. J Feline Med Surg.
- Willems, A, et al., Vet Intern Med, 2017 (v1.0). (2017). Results of Screening of Apparently Healthy Senior and Geriatric Dogs. J Vet Intern Med.
