Importance of
Regular Check-Ups to Prevent Disease
Routine veterinary check-ups are a vital part of your pet’s long-term health and well-being. Just like humans, animals can develop illnesses that may not show visible symptoms right away.
Regular wellness exams help our veterinary team detect potential health issues early—when they’re most treatable and less costly.
These visits also allow us to track your pet’s overall health trends over time, making it easier to tailor care to their specific needs.
Prevention is always better than cure, and routine check-ups
are the first step in ensuring a happy, healthy life for your furry family members.
Components of a Wellness Exam
A comprehensive wellness exam at our hospital includes several key components designed to assess your pet’s full health profile.
Physical Examination
We evaluate your pet from nose to tail—checking their eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin, coat, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system for any abnormalities or concerns.
Parasite Screening
We test for internal parasites like heartworms and intestinal worms, and discuss flea, tick, and external parasite prevention. Some parasites can also pose a risk to humans, making routine screening crucial for your household.
Vaccinations
Keeping vaccinations up to date is essential to protect your pet from common but serious diseases such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, panleukopenia and more. We tailor vaccine schedules based on your pet’s lifestyle and risk factors.
Dental Evaluation
Oral health is closely linked to overall health. We examine your pet’s teeth and gums for signs of dental disease, which can lead to pain, infection, and other systemic issues if left untreated.
Life-Stage-Specific Wellness Advice
Your pet’s needs change as they age, and we’re here to guide you through every stage of their life:
Puppies and Kittens
Frequent wellness exams (every 3-4 weeks) are necessary to monitor growth, provide vaccinations and deworming, guidance on nutrition, as well as establishing good behavior and socialization habits. We also discuss spaying/neutering, microchipping, parasite prevention, and any other questions or concerns you may have!
Adult Pets
For healthy adult pets, annual exams help maintain wellness and catch problems early. We review diet, exercise, dental care, and ongoing parasite prevention.
Senior Pets
As pets age, they become more prone to conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, and cancer. Senior exams may include blood work, urinalysis, and more frequent visits to monitor for age-related changes and ensure a good quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my pet have a wellness exam?
Most adult pets should have a wellness exam once a year, but puppies, kittens, and senior pets may need more frequent visits to monitor their changing health.
What can I expect during a wellness visit?
We’ll perform a nose-to-tail physical exam, discuss any changes in behavior or appetite, check weight and vitals, and recommend vaccines, tests, or preventive care based on your pet’s lifestyle.
Are wellness exams different for puppies/kittens and senior pets?
Yes—young pets may need monthly exams to support their rapid growth, while senior pets often benefit from more frequent checkups and age-specific screenings for early detection of issues.
Can a wellness exam detect hidden health issues?
Absolutely. Many conditions—like dental disease, early kidney issues, or weight-related concerns—can be caught before symptoms show, helping you avoid more serious problems down the road.
Should I bring anything to the appointment?
Yes! Please bring a list of any medications, your pet’s current diet, recent records (if you’re a new client), and any questions or concerns you want to discuss—we’re here to help.
