Annual Wellness Exam
FOR DOGS AND CATS
The #1 Proven Way to Protect Your Pet’s Health
Year after year, the data has shown one thing clearly: pets who get annual wellness exams live longer, healthier lives. It’s the single most effective way to catch hidden illness early, keep chronic issues under control, and give your pet the healthiest possible life.
Our experienced and caring veterinary team is waiting to see you!
Puppies & Kittens
For puppies and kittens, the first wellness exam is especially important, and it should be done as soon as possible; within the first week of adoption. Our gentle, friendly doctors will check your new pet’s vital systems, establish a baseline for future health comparisons, and proactively address any concerns. This early care sets the stage for a lifetime of wellness. Don’t wait to schedule, you can set up an appointment even if you have not picked your new family member up yet!
New clients are eligible for a free wellness exam!
Dogs and cats are experts at hiding pain and illness
Many life-threatening conditions show no symptoms in the early stages—or the signs are subtle and easy to mistake. Treating conditions in their early stages is less invasive, less costly, and far more effective than waiting until your pet is visibly ill.
Silent and Life-Threatening Diseases in Dogs and Cats
Both dogs and cats are susceptible to several serious diseases that can go unnoticed without regular veterinary care:
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DOGS: Heart disease, internal parasites or infections (including heartworm & Lyme disease), periodontal disease, kidney disease, ear infections, weight and blood pressure problems, hypothyroidism, skin, toenail, anal gland and digestive problems often progress with few or no early symptoms.
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CATS: Heart disease, internal parasites or infections (including roundworms & feline leukemia), kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, periodontal disease, skin, toenail, and digestive problems are among the “silent” diseases that may not show signs until advanced stages.
What to Expect at Your Wellness Exam
Whether it’s your puppy’s first visit or your senior cat’s annual check-up, our warm and experienced veterinary team makes every visit thorough, gentle, and supportive.
During your pet’s annual wellness exam, you can expect a full nose-to-tail evaluation that includes:
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Physical Examination: Eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, coat, joints, and nervous system.
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Vital Signs: Vital Signs: Weight, temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate are measured to monitor for problems and any changes over time. Annual blood pressure measurements are recommended for all older
patients.
Some breeds like Pugs, Boston Terrier, Shih Tzu, and Persians need their eye pressures checked once a year as they get older.
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Vaccinations: Core and lifestyle-based vaccines are updated to protect against infectious diseases. If you are traveling frequently with your pet, or your lifestyle has changed to include or exclude activities, please note these on the Annual Check-In Form so we can make sure to discuss what is best for your pet!
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Parasite Prevention: Screening tests and recommendations for the prevention of heartworm disease, flea and tick bites, and internal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworm prevention are discussed. We want to recommend everything your pet needs, and nothing they don’t need, so be sure to fill out the form!
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Nutrition: Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s body condition (link to body condition scoring, 1-9 system) and advise you on diet, exercise and weight management.
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Behavior and Training: Your veterinarian and veterinary technician will discuss your primary concerns; however, in-depth behavioral evaluations require time and care, and separate appointments will be scheduled to fully address more complex behavioral issues.
Telemedicine for Behavior and Training: We understand how important your pet is to your family and how challenging it can be to come to our office for behavioral consultations. That’s why we offer telemedicine appointments at convenient times to thoroughly cover behavioral topics, create an initial treatment plan, and monitor progress.
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Dental Check: Assessment of teeth and gums, with recommendations for professional periodontal treatment if needed. We perform advanced dental and periodontal care right on site.
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Diagnostic Testing: Depending on your pet’s age and health, tests may be recommended including blood work, urinalysis, fecal screening for parasites, and sometimes blood pressure or heart evaluations.
Pets cannot tell us what is wrong, so veterinarians rely on diagnostic testing to help them figure it out. One of the most important things you can do to help your pet is have baseline testing performed when you pet is feeling well; this provides your pet’s doctor with priceless information to compare results to if they every get sick.
The Proven Benefits: Longer, Healthier Lives
Data from a study following pets from 2010 to 2023 shows that dogs and cats who receive preventive care - including regular exams and vaccinations - enjoy longer average lifespans, with improvements of up to 15% for cats and 12% for dogs over the decade. This is due to earlier detection of disease, better management of chronic conditions, and ongoing support for optimal health.
Free Wellness Exam
for New Clients
All new clients are eligible for a free head-to-tail wellness exam by one of our caring veterinarians. This is a great way to get to know us and to for us to establish an important baseline for future healthcare.
*Immunizations, preventative medicine, diagnostic testing, and sick visits do not apply.