A veterinarian’s guidance centers on the animal’s age when deciding how often a visit is needed. For a young pet under ten years old, an annual check is typically sufficient, while older animals tend to require more frequent assessments. This approach was explained to Socialbites.ca by Alexander Kablukov, a veterinary oncologist who emphasizes practical health monitoring across the lifespan of companion animals.
According to Kablukov, the yearly schedule for younger animals usually includes a routine vaccination review, standard blood work, general physical examinations, and abdominal ultrasound if indicated by symptoms or risk factors. Occasionally, veterinarians may opt for a chest radiograph to evaluate lung health; however, such imaging is not a reliable method for detecting cancer or metastasis in most cases. When a pet surpasses ten years of age, owners should anticipate two visits per year to ensure early detection of age-related changes and to adjust preventive care plans as needed.
Recent research emerging from the United States points toward adjusting the timing of cancer screening for some dogs. Reports indicate that certain dogs may develop cancer at younger ages than previously thought, particularly larger breeds or those with specific breeding histories. Specifically, dogs weighing more than 75 kilograms, intact males, and some large mastiff-type breeds appear to be at higher risk for earlier onset. The findings suggest that at-risk animals may benefit from a more proactive and earlier health assessment, tailored to their size, sex, and breed predispositions. In these cases, veterinarians might recommend starting more vigilant monitoring earlier in life to catch potential issues before they progress.
Comprehensive discussions on breed-related susceptibility to cancer and the implications for preventive care are explored in greater depth in the companion material on Socialbites.ca, which examines how genetic and breed factors influence cancer risk and how veterinarians tailor screening strategies accordingly.