Yearly Wellness Exams

Preventive Care for Every Life Stage

Routine wellness exams help veterinarians monitor a pet’s health, identify changes early, and recommend care appropriate for the animal’s age, lifestyle, and medical history. Even pets that appear healthy can benefit from regular examinations.

What a Wellness Exam May Include

• A review of health history, behavior, diet, activity, and current medications
• Measurement of weight and body condition
• Examination of the eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, skin, coat, joints, heart, lungs, and abdomen
• Discussion of vaccinations based on age, lifestyle, and exposure risks
• Review of flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal-parasite prevention
• Recommendations for dental care, nutrition, exercise, and screening tests

Preparing for the Appointment

Bring a list of medications and supplements, vaccination records from other clinics, and notes about any changes in appetite, thirst, weight, mobility, elimination, or behavior. A fresh stool sample may be useful if requested by the veterinary team.

When to Seek Care Earlier

Do not wait for a routine exam if a pet develops breathing difficulty, repeated vomiting, collapse, seizures, significant bleeding, inability to urinate, suspected poisoning, severe pain, or another sudden change. Contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary service promptly.