Yearly Screenings for Adult Pets
Every adult pet should undergo a comprehensive annual health screening that includes a physical examination, blood work, fecal testing, heartworm testing, and parasite prevention assessment.
Core Annual Screenings for All Adult Pets
Physical Examination Components
- Complete body weight and body condition score - 34-36% of pets are overweight or obese, making this the most common health concern identified during screenings 1
- Dental examination - Dental calculus affects 31% of dogs and 21% of cats, making this the second most common finding during health checks 1
- Vital signs assessment (temperature, pulse, respiration)
- Eye examination for cataracts, glaucoma, or other abnormalities
- Ear examination for infections, mites, or inflammation
- Skin and coat evaluation for parasites, lumps, or dermatological conditions
- Lymph node palpation for enlargement or abnormalities
- Abdominal palpation for masses or organ abnormalities
- Heart and lung auscultation for murmurs, arrhythmias, or respiratory issues
- Musculoskeletal assessment for arthritis, lameness, or pain
- Neurological evaluation for reflexes and coordination
Laboratory Testing
- Complete blood count (CBC) to assess red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
- Serum biochemistry panel to evaluate organ function (liver, kidneys) and electrolyte balance
- Urinalysis to check for urinary tract infections, kidney disease, or diabetes
- Fecal examination for intestinal parasites (annually or biannually)
- Heartworm testing (annually for dogs, as recommended for cats based on risk)
- Thyroid hormone testing (particularly important for middle-aged and senior pets)
Parasite Prevention Assessment
- Flea and tick control evaluation - 67% of cats do not undergo flea control 1
- Heartworm preventative compliance check
- Intestinal parasite control review
Vaccination Status Review
- Core vaccines update as needed - 59% of cats are not vaccinated 1
- Non-core vaccines based on lifestyle and risk factors
Breed-Specific Considerations
Different breeds may require additional screening based on predispositions:
- Brachycephalic breeds (Bulldogs, Pugs): Respiratory assessment
- Large/giant breeds (Great Danes, Newfoundlands): Cardiac evaluation
- Predisposed breeds (Dobermans, Boxers): Cardiac ultrasound
- Deep-chested breeds (German Shepherds): Digestive health assessment
Age-Based Considerations
As pets age, additional screenings become important:
- Middle-aged pets (5-7 years): More comprehensive blood work
- Senior pets (7+ years for large breeds, 9+ years for small breeds): More frequent screenings (semi-annually), plus thyroid testing and blood pressure measurement
Lifestyle-Based Considerations
Working dogs or pets with specific lifestyles require additional attention:
- Hunting/outdoor dogs: More frequent parasite screening
- Working dogs: Occupational health assessment based on job requirements 2
- Multi-pet households: More rigorous parasite control and screening
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Skipping annual exams for seemingly healthy pets - Many conditions are detected early only through screening
- Overlooking dental health - Dental disease is extremely common and often unaddressed
- Inconsistent parasite prevention - Gaps in protection can lead to preventable disease
- Neglecting weight management - Obesity is the most common health issue found during screenings
- Failing to update vaccination status - Especially important for outdoor pets or those in multi-pet environments
Follow-Up Recommendations
- Schedule next annual wellness visit
- Document all findings and recommendations in the medical record
- Provide written home care instructions for any identified issues
- Consider using a wellness checklist to ensure comprehensive coverage of all screening elements 3
Implementing a systematic approach to annual pet health screenings using checklists has been shown to improve the completeness of wellness visits and ensure that no important aspects of preventive care are overlooked 3.