CardioBird

When a major player in veterinary medicine makes a move, it’s wise for us all to pay attention. Banfield Pet Hospital, part of the Mars Veterinary Health family and one of the largest providers of preventive care in the U.S. with over 1,000 hospitals, has recently set a new benchmark for senior pet care. [1] The practice has launched its first-ever Senior Care Optimum Wellness Plans® (OWPs), and a key component of these robust packages is the electrocardiogram (ECG), alongside Bloodwork, Radiographs (X-rays), Urine testing and Blood pressure monitoring.  [1][2] 

This is a significant development for our profession. For years, Banfield has championed preventive medicine through its OWPs, and this latest evolution underscores a critical, data-informed shift toward more comprehensive diagnostics for our aging patients. [1] The inclusion of ECGs, alongside bloodwork, radiographs, and blood pressure monitoring, in their standard senior plans signals a clear recognition of the rising importance of early cardiac disease detection. [1]

As primary care veterinarians, we are on the front lines of senior pet health. We know that age is a primary risk factor for heart disease. [3] Studies indicate that approximately 10% of dogs and 15% of cats are affected by cardiac conditions. [4][5] For senior dogs, that number can jump dramatically, with some form of heart disease present in 75% of them. [6] Yet, animals are masters at hiding illness, and clinical signs of heart disease often don’t appear until the condition is advanced. [4][5]

This is precisely where proactive screening with an ECG proves invaluable. An ECG is a non-invasive, pain-free test that provides a detailed look at the heart’s electrical activity, allowing for the detection of arrhythmias and other abnormalities that a stethoscope might miss. [7][8] Identifying these issues early, before symptoms like coughing or fainting occur, enables timely intervention that can slow disease progression and significantly improve a pet’s quality of life. [3][9]

Banfield’s decision to make ECGs a cornerstone of its senior wellness protocol was informed by industry best practices, including the American Animal Hospital Association’s (AAHA) Senior Care Guidelines. [1] It represents a commitment to providing the highest quality of care by catching age-related illnesses when they are most manageable. [1]

This move by an industry leader is more than just an update to a wellness plan; it’s a call to action for all of us. It reinforces the value of integrating advanced diagnostics into our routine preventive care. By incorporating ECG screenings into your own senior wellness plans, you not only elevate your standard of care but also align your practice with the forward-thinking, evidence-based approach that clients are coming to expect.

At CardioBird, we are committed to making this standard accessible to all. Let’s embrace this new benchmark and ensure every senior pet receives the comprehensive cardiac assessment they deserve.

Learn more:

1. Banfield Delivers its Most Robust Preventive Care Packages Yet to Support Pets in their Golden Years – PR Newswire
2. Weekly Companion Animal News: June 16, 2025 | Vet Advantage
3. The Importance of Veterinary Cardiology Check-Ups for Your Pet’s Heart Health
4. Cardiac Conditions | Purina Institute
5. Cardiac Disease in Dogs and Cats | Horner Vets | Vets in Sheldon, Birmingham
6. Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs | Small Door Veterinary
7. Electrocardiogram and anesthesia protocols – veterinarian Karlsruhe – Small Animal Center Arndt
8. Pet Electrocardiogram Frisco, Aubrey, McKinney, Plano – PetNest Animal Hospital
9. Arrhythmia in Dogs and Cats: How a Veterinary ECG Can Help – Animal Wellness Center of Bonita