Complete Annual Dog Health Checkup Guide: Essential Checklist for Every Life Stage
Annual dog health checkups are critical preventive care that can extend your dog's life by 2-3 years on average. This comprehensive guide provides a complete, life-stage-specific checklist for every wellness visit, ensuring you don't miss crucial screenings, vaccinations, or early warning signs of health problems as your dog ages from puppy to senior.
"Annual wellness exams aren't just about vaccinations—they're surveillance missions to detect problems before symptoms appear, when treatment is most effective and least expensive."
— Dr. Michael Reynolds, Board-Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine SpecialistThe Complete Annual Dog Health Checkup Checklist: What to Expect Every Visit
A comprehensive checkup includes multiple components working together for complete health assessment
| Checkup Component | Standard Procedure | Normal Results | Red Flags | Frequency by Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive Physical Exam | Nose-to-tail assessment: eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, skin | Clear eyes/ears, pink gums, normal heart/lung sounds, smooth joints | Masses, dental disease, heart murmurs, lameness, skin lesions | Every visit (annual/semi-annual) |
| Weight & Body Condition Score | Actual weight + body condition scoring (1-9 scale) | Ideal score: 4-5/9, waist visible, ribs palpable | ±10% body weight change, obesity (≥7/9), cachexia (≤3/9) | Every visit, more frequent if managing weight |
| Vital Signs Check | Temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, capillary refill time | Temp: 101-102.5°F, HR: 70-160 bpm, RR: 15-30/min, CRT: <2 sec | Fever, tachycardia/bradycardia, abnormal breathing patterns | Every visit, baseline established |
| Dental Assessment | Tooth-by-tooth exam, periodontal probing, dental charting | Clean teeth, pink gums, no plaque/tartar, no loose teeth | Tartar >25%, gingivitis, fractured teeth, oral masses | Annual, professional cleaning as needed |
| Preventive Care Review | Parasite control, vaccination status, nutrition, exercise | Current preventatives, appropriate diet, adequate exercise | Lapsed preventatives, inappropriate diet, sedentary lifestyle | Annual review with updates |
Puppy Health Checkup Checklist (8 weeks - 1 year)
Puppies need more frequent visits in their first year to establish a healthy foundation
Puppy Wellness Visit Essentials (First Year):
Initial Visits (8, 12, 16 weeks):
- Comprehensive physical exam: Check for congenital defects
- Core vaccinations: DHPP series, rabies as required
- Fecal examination: Parasite screening & deworming
- Heartworm prevention: Start monthly prevention
- Nutrition counseling: Growth formula recommendations
6-Month Adolescent Visit:
- Growth assessment: Ensure proper development
- Spay/neuter discussion: Timing recommendations
- Behavior evaluation: Socialization progress
- Dental development check: Adult teeth eruption
- Final puppy vaccinations: Complete initial series
Puppy-Specific Screening Tests:
- Congenital defect screening: Heart murmurs, hernias
- Orthopedic exam: Patellar luxation, hip assessment
- Eye certification: For breed-specific conditions
- Genetic testing: Breed-specific disease screening
- Microchip implantation: Permanent identification
- Behavior assessment: Fear, anxiety, socialization gaps
- Parasite prevention plan: Flea/tick/heartworm schedule
- Vaccine titer testing: Optional for minimal vaccinators
- Nutritional bloodwork: Baseline for growing puppy
- Insurance discussion: Enrollment before conditions develop
Adult Dog Checkup Checklist (1-7 years)
| Age Range | Annual Must-Haves | Optional Screening | Breed-Specific Focus | Preventive Priorities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 Years (Young Adult) |
Physical exam, core boosters, heartworm test, fecal | Baseline bloodwork, urine analysis, dental X-rays if needed | Bloat risk assessment, early-onset breed diseases | Weight maintenance, dental care, consistent preventatives |
| 4-6 Years (Mature Adult) |
Comprehensive exam, senior blood panel, dental check | Thyroid testing, blood pressure, early kidney screening | Cancer screening for high-risk breeds, joint assessment | Joint supplements, weight control, semi-annual exams |
| All Adults (1-7 Years) |
Annual vaccines per lifestyle, parasite prevention review | Nutritional counseling, behavior assessments | Breed-specific genetic testing if not done previously | Preventive dental care, exercise optimization |
Senior Dog Checkup Checklist (7+ years)
Senior dogs benefit from semi-annual checkups and comprehensive screening tests
Semi-Annual Senior Wellness Plan:
Comprehensive Bloodwork Panel:
- CBC: Red/white blood cells, platelets
- Chemistry profile: Kidney, liver, pancreatic function
- Thyroid testing: T4 + free T4 (hypothyroidism common)
- Urinalysis: Kidney function, infection screening
- SDMA test: Early kidney disease detection
Additional Senior Screenings:
- Blood pressure: Hypertension screening
- Dental radiographs: Full mouth X-rays annually
- Ophthalmologic exam: Cataracts, retinal health
- Joint assessment: Arthritis evaluation
- Cognitive function: CCD (doggy dementia) screening
Vaccination Schedule by Life Stage & Lifestyle
| Vaccine Type | Puppy Schedule | Adult Booster | Senior Consideration | Lifestyle Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Vaccines (DHPP, Rabies) |
8, 12, 16 weeks, 1 year | Every 3 years (DHPP), 1-3 years per local law (Rabies) |
May extend intervals with titer testing | Required for all dogs |
| Lifestyle Vaccines (Bordetella, Leptospirosis) |
Based on exposure risk | Annually or as recommended | Continue if active/boarding | Boarding, dog parks, hiking, rural areas |
| Regional Vaccines (Lyme, Canine Influenza) |
If in endemic area | Annually during transmission season | Consider if traveling to endemic areas | Geographic location, travel plans |
| Titer Testing (Alternative to boosters) |
Not recommended | Annually to check immunity | Excellent option for minimal vaccination | Health conditions, vaccine reactions |
Breed-Specific Health Screening Checklist
Different breeds require different screening tests based on their genetic predispositions
Large/Giant Breeds:
- Hip/Elbow dysplasia: X-rays at 2 years
- Cardiac screening: Annual echocardiogram
- Bloat risk assessment: Preventative gastropexy discussion
- Osteosarcoma screening: Limb monitoring, chest X-rays
- Thyroid monitoring: Annual T4 testing starting at 4
Small/Toy Breeds:
- Dental evaluation: Semi-annual dental checks
- Patellar luxation: Orthopedic exam annually
- Tracheal collapse: Respiratory assessment
- Liver shunt screening: Bloodwork monitoring
- Ophthalmologic exams: Annual eye checks
Brachycephalic Breeds:
- BOAS assessment: Breathing function evaluation
- Dermatological exam: Skin fold infections
- Dental crowding: Full mouth X-rays annually
- Eye health: Corneal ulcers, dry eye screening
- Heat intolerance: Exercise stress testing
Working/Sporting Breeds:
- Joint health: Comprehensive orthopedic exam
- Cardiac stress test: For high-performance dogs
- Muscle condition: Mass, tone, symmetry assessment
- Nutrition optimization: Performance diet analysis
- Injury prevention: Gait analysis, conditioning plan
Diagnostic Testing Recommendations by Age
Preventive testing should evolve as your dog ages to catch age-related conditions early
| Test Type | Puppy (First Year) | Adult (1-6 Years) | Senior (7+ Years) | Frequency & Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Baseline at 6 months | Every 2-3 years | Every 6-12 months | Detects anemia, infection, blood disorders |
| Blood Chemistry Panel | Baseline at 1 year | Every 2-3 years | Every 6-12 months | Kidney, liver, pancreatic function, electrolytes |
| Urinalysis | If symptomatic | Every 2-3 years | Every 6-12 months | Kidney function, crystals, infection, diabetes |
| Thyroid Testing | Not routine | Baseline at 4 years | Annually | Hypothyroidism common in middle-aged dogs |
| Heartworm Test | At 6-7 months, then annually | Annually | Annually (even on prevention) | Required before starting/changing prevention |
Dental Health Checklist for Every Visit
At-Home Dental Assessment (Monthly):
- Breath odor: Note changes in smell
- Gum color: Should be pink, not red/white
- Plaque/tartar: Check buildup on back teeth
- Bleeding: Note any bleeding during chewing
- Chewing habits: Changes in chewing side/preference
Professional Dental Checklist (Annual):
- Periodontal probing: Measure pocket depths
- Dental charting: Record each tooth's condition
- Oral cancer screening: Check for masses/lesions
- Tooth mobility: Assess looseness
- Professional cleaning: Based on calculus index
Nutrition & Weight Management Assessment
| Life Stage | Ideal Body Condition | Nutritional Focus | Weight Monitoring | Diet Transition Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (0-1 year) |
Slightly rounded, growing appropriately | Growth formulas, DHA for brain development | Monthly weight checks, growth curve tracking | Weaning → puppy → adult (12-24 months) |
| Adult (1-7 years) |
Ideal score: 4-5/9, visible waist | Maintenance formulas, joint support if needed | Every 6 months, adjust food as needed | Activity level changes, health conditions |
| Senior (7+ years) |
Maintain ideal weight, watch muscle loss | Senior formulas, joint support, antioxidants | Every 3-6 months, adjust for age changes | Reduced activity, health issues, dental changes |
Parasite Prevention & Screening Schedule
Monthly Preventatives Checklist:
- Heartworm prevention: Year-round in all climates
- Flea/tick control: Based on geographic risk
- Intestinal parasite control: Monthly broad-spectrum
- Combo products: Simplify with multi-parasite protection
- Seasonal adjustments: Increase frequency in high-risk seasons
Annual Screening Tests:
- Heartworm test: Required annually even on prevention
- Fecal examination: 1-2 times yearly
- Tick-borne disease panel: If in endemic area
- Skin scrape: If itching or hair loss present
- Ear cytology: If ear issues recurrent
Behavior & Cognitive Health Assessment
| Age Group | Normal Behaviors | Red Flags to Report | Screening Tools | Intervention Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy (Socialization) |
Curious, playful, adaptable, responsive | Excessive fear, aggression, lack of interest | Puppy temperament test, socialization checklist | Immediate if signs of poor socialization |
| Adult (Behavioral Stability) |
Consistent temperament, predictable responses | Sudden behavior changes, new fears/anxieties | Annual behavior questionnaire, owner observation | When changes first noticed, rule out medical causes |
| Senior (Cognitive Function) |
Mild slowing, predictable routine preference | Disorientation, sleep cycle changes, house soiling | CCD (Canine Cognitive Dysfunction) checklist | At first signs, early intervention most effective |
Preparing for Your Dog's Annual Checkup: Owner Checklist
Before the Visit:
- Fecal sample: Fresh sample within 24 hours
- Medical records: Bring previous records if new clinic
- Medication list: All current medications/supplements
- Diet information: Brand, amount, feeding schedule
- Question list: Write down concerns/questions
During the Visit:
- Behavior notes: Report any changes in behavior
- Symptom timeline: When issues started, progression
- Video evidence: If possible for intermittent symptoms
- Treatment goals: Discuss what you hope to achieve
- Financial planning: Ask about costs upfront
Cost Considerations & Pet Insurance Planning
| Checkup Component | Average Cost Range | Insurance Coverage | Wellness Plan Option | Cost-Saving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Wellness Exam | $50 - $100 | Usually not covered (preventive) | Often included in wellness packages | Multi-pet discounts, vaccination clinics |
| Core Vaccinations | $75 - $150 | Rarely covered (preventive) | Typically included in plans | Low-cost clinics, package pricing |
| Basic Bloodwork | $100 - $250 | Sometimes covered if diagnostic | May include basic panel | Baseline when young, then less frequent |
| Senior Blood Panel | $200 - $400 | More likely covered if health concern | Higher-tier wellness plans | Semi-annual vs. annual based on health |
| Dental Cleaning | $300 - $800+ | Sometimes covered if medically necessary | May include discount | Home care reduces frequency needed |
Conclusion: The Lifelong Benefits of Regular Checkups
Annual dog health checkups are one of the most important investments you can make in your dog's quality and quantity of life. By following this comprehensive, life-stage-specific checklist, you ensure that your dog receives appropriate preventive care at every age, from essential puppy vaccinations to senior screenings that catch age-related diseases early.
Remember that early detection through regular checkups can make treatable conditions manageable and significantly reduce long-term healthcare costs. Work with your veterinarian to customize this checklist based on your dog's breed, lifestyle, and individual health history, creating a partnership that supports your dog's health throughout their entire life journey.
"Preventive care doesn't just add years to your dog's life—it adds life to your dog's years. Annual checkups are the foundation for catching small issues before they become big problems."
About the Author
Dr. Michael Reynolds, DVM, DACVIM is a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist with over 20 years of clinical experience. He serves as the Medical Director of the Advanced Veterinary Care Center and has published extensively on preventive medicine and geriatric canine care.