Diagnostic Testing for Each Life Stage
These tables will help you determine what tests are needed at each canine life stage.
Minimum Database for Healthy Dogs
Fecal testing for parasites
|
Puppy |
4 in the first year |
|
Young Adult |
1–4 times/yr based on use of preventive product and lifestyle |
|
Mature Adult |
1–4 times/yr based on use of preventive product and lifestyle |
|
Senior |
1–4 times/yr based on use of preventive product and lifestyle |
Tick-borne disease
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Annually |
|
Mature Adult |
Annually |
|
Senior |
Annually |
Heartworm
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Annually; initial test is especially important to evaluate preownership status |
|
Mature Adult |
Annually |
|
Senior |
Annually |
CBC (HCT, RBC, WBC, differential, cytology, platelets)
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Consider for initial baseline |
|
Mature Adult |
Annually |
|
Senior |
Every 6–12 mo |
Chemistry
At a minimum, include: TP, albumin, ALT, glucose, BUN, Creatinine, SDMA if available.
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Consider the minimum panel for initial baseline |
|
Mature Adult |
Minimum annually (consider comprehensive) |
|
Senior |
Comprehensive every 6–12 mo |
Urinalysis (USpG, sediment, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, protein, occult blood)
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Consider for initial baseline |
|
Mature Adult |
Annually |
|
Senior |
Every 6–12 mo |
Imaging
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
Consider orthopedic radiographic screening for large-breed dogs |
|
Mature Adult |
There is not enough support for general recommendations, but breed-specific screening may be indicated |
|
Senior |
There is not enough support for general recommendations, but breed-specific screening may be indicated |
ECG
|
Puppy |
N/A |
|
Young Adult |
N/A |
|
Mature Adult |
There is not enough support for general recommendations, but breed-specific screening may be indicated |
|
Senior |
There is not enough support for general recommendations, but breed-specific screening may be indicated |
These recommendations are based on the opinion of the task force, for apparently healthy dogs and do not include recommendations for preanesthetic bloodwork.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase); BUN (blood urea nitrogen); ECG (electrocardiogram); HCT (hematocrit); RBC (red blood cell); SDMA (symmetric dimethylarginine); TP (total protein); USpG (urine specific gravity); WBC (white blood cell)
The 2019 AAHA Canine Life Stage Guidelines are supported by generous educational grants from Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., CareCredit, Elanco Animal Health, Hill’s ® Pet Nutrition, Inc., IDEXX Laboratories, Inc., Merck Animal Health and Zoetis Petcare.
