You track your own health with annual physicals, dental visits, and screenings. Your dog deserves the same organized approach. This annual checklist covers everything a thorough dog parent should be monitoring, scheduling, and maintaining throughout the year.
Print it. Pin it to your refrigerator. Share it with your partner, your dog sitter, and anyone else involved in your dog's care. A shared system means nothing falls through the cracks.
Monthly Tasks
Body Condition Check
- Feel ribs: you should be able to feel them easily without pressing hard. If you can't feel them, your dog may be overweight.
- View from above: there should be a visible waist (narrowing behind the ribs)
- View from side: the belly should tuck up behind the ribcage, not hang level or below
- Weigh if possible (many vet offices have scales available for quick weigh ins at no charge)
Full Body Feel
- Run hands over entire body feeling for new lumps, bumps, or tender spots
- Check ears for redness, odor, or discharge
- Check eyes for cloudiness, redness, or unusual discharge
- Inspect paw pads for cracks, cuts, or foreign objects
- Check nails; trim or schedule grinding if overdue
Dental Assessment
- Lift lips and check gum color (should be pink, not red or pale)
- Look for tartar buildup on teeth (brown or yellow deposits)
- Note any changes in breath (sudden worsening may indicate dental disease or other issues)
- Confirm dental care routine is being maintained
Mobility Observation
- How long does morning stiffness last?
- Any hesitation before jumping, climbing stairs, or getting into the car?
- Any changes in walking speed or gait?
- Any reluctance to exercise or play?
Supplement and Medication Review
- Confirm all supplements and medications are in stock
- Verify consistent daily administration (no missed doses)
- Check expiration dates
- Note any changes in your dog's response to supplements
Quarterly Tasks
Parasite Prevention Check
- Confirm flea/tick prevention is current
- Confirm heartworm prevention is current
- Check for signs of parasite activity (scratching, visible fleas, changes in stool)
Diet Evaluation
- Is your dog maintaining a healthy weight on their current food amount?
- Are they eating with consistent appetite?
- Any digestive changes (stool quality, gas, vomiting)?
- Are treats within a reasonable percentage of daily calories (under 10%)?
Behavioral Check In
- Any changes in sleep patterns?
- Any new anxiety behaviors (pacing, whining, clinginess)?
- Any signs of confusion or disorientation (especially in senior dogs)?
- Any changes in social behavior (withdrawal, irritability)?
Twice Yearly Tasks
Veterinary Wellness Visit (for dogs over 7; annual for younger dogs)
- Complete physical examination
- Bloodwork: complete blood count, chemistry panel
- Urinalysis (especially important for senior dogs)
- Thyroid function check (for dogs over 7)
- Blood pressure (if your vet offers it)
- Weight recording and body condition scoring by vet
- Discussion of any new concerns or observations
Home Environment Audit
- Check bedding for wear, cleanliness, and continued support
- Inspect ramps, steps, and mobility aids for stability
- Verify non slip surfaces are in place on hard floors
- Check food and water bowl height (should be comfortable for your dog's current posture)
- Remove or secure any new hazards (toxic plants, accessible chemicals, small objects)
Annual Tasks
Vaccination Review
- Confirm core vaccinations are current
- Discuss with vet whether titer testing is appropriate as an alternative to re vaccination (especially for senior dogs)
- Update any lifestyle vaccinations based on your dog's exposure risk
Dental Professional Evaluation
- Discuss with vet whether professional dental cleaning is recommended
- Schedule cleaning if tartar buildup is significant
- Address any dental issues identified during monthly home checks
Insurance/Financial Review
- Review pet insurance policy if applicable (check for new exclusions, premium changes, coverage limits)
- Assess pet health savings fund balance
- Budget for anticipated veterinary costs in the coming year
- Research any available financial assistance programs
Emergency Preparedness
- Confirm emergency vet contact information is current and accessible
- Update pet first aid kit (check expiration dates on all items)
- Confirm pet identification (microchip registration current, collar tags legible)
- Update any pet emergency contact cards (vet info, medication list, emergency contacts)
Supplement Protocol Review
- Discuss current supplement routine with your vet
- Evaluate whether additions, removals, or dose adjustments are needed based on your dog's current health status and age
- Research any new products or ingredients that have gained veterinary support
- Confirm your current product meets transparency and dosing standards
Age Specific Additions
For Dogs Under 3
- Spay/neuter discussion with vet (timing varies by breed and size)
- Establish bloodwork baselines while young and healthy
- Begin dental care habits early
For Dogs 3 to 7
- Annual bloodwork to maintain baselines
- Begin preventive supplementation by age 5 to 7 (joint support, cellular health)
- Monitor for breed specific predispositions
For Dogs Over 7
- Twice yearly vet visits with comprehensive bloodwork
- Cognitive assessment (watch for signs of canine cognitive dysfunction)
- Mobility assessment with potential rehabilitation referral
- Quality of life check ins (use HHHHHMM scale or similar framework)
- Discussion of pain management as needed
How to Use This Checklist
Don't try to do everything at once. Use the monthly tasks as your regular routine. Schedule quarterly and biannual tasks on your calendar in advance. Treat the annual tasks as a year end or year start ritual.
The goal isn't perfection. The goal is organized, consistent attention to your dog's health. A missed check here or there is fine. A system that keeps you generally on track is infinitely better than no system at all.
Your dog can't manage their own health. This checklist is how you manage it for them. Print it. Use it. Share it. Your dog will never read it, but they'll feel the difference.
