Introducing the canine checklist in IDEXX SmartFlow

2 mins

Caring for ageing dogs requires a structured and proactive approach. The BSAVA PetSavers Ageing Canine Toolkit (ACT) is a research-based tool designed to help veterinarians and veterinary nurses identify changes in senior dogs’ health and behaviour early on. For SmartFlow users, we have great news: the ACT checklist is now digitally integrated into SmartFlow, making it easier than ever to manage geriatric patient care within your practice workflow.

Why use the BSAVA ACT?

Developed by the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) and based on research from the University of Liverpool, the checklist helps pet owners recognise signs of ageing-related health issues, such as mobility decline, behavioural changes, or weight loss. By identifying these issues early and documenting them properly, veterinary teams can provide proactive guidance and tailor treatment plans accordingly.

Key benefits of the checklist:

• Early detection of health concerns
• Improved communication between veterinarians and pet owners
• Objective tracking of changes over time
• Support in decision-making for quality of life and treatment options

The ACT checklist in SmartFlow

With the digital integration in SmartFlow, veterinarians and veterinary nurses can seamlessly incorporate the BSAVA ACT checklist into their daily workflow. This integration provides:

1. Efficient documentation: Easily complete and store the checklist in the (Practice Management Software) patient record.
2. Easy sharing with owners: Send a digital version for at-home monitoring.
3. Improved team collaboration: Track trends and discuss results within the practice.

How to share the checklist:

1. Make sure you have access to change SmartFlow settings.=
2. Go to “Settings”
3. Go to “Forms”
4. Select “Ageing Canine Checklist” from the dropdown
5. Press “Send to iPads” (button at the top).

Additional resources for IDEXX Animana Users

If you use SmartFlow alongside Animana, you can also access PetSavers’ content via the Veterinary Content Cloud. This collection of informative materials helps pet owners better understand the ageing process, recognise early signs of health concerns, and take proactive steps for their dog’s well-being.

Through Animana, you can easily share this content with pet owners via email or print it directly from the patient file, making it simple to provide reliable, research-based guidance on senior pet care, helping owners stay informed and involved in their pet’s health. If you prefer professionally printed materials, these can be ordered directly from BSAVA via this link. Either route ensures that your practice always has high-quality resources to support pet owners caring for their senior dogs.

Setting a new standard for senior pet care

Integrating the BSAVA ACT checklist into IDEXX Veterinary Software makes geriatric patient care more structured and effective. Practices can better monitor senior patients, make data-driven treatment decisions, and engage pet owners in their dog’s health journey.

Ready to take senior pet care to the next level? Try the BSAVA ACT checklist in SmartFlow and Animana today!