Wellness exams are not just for vaccines. They allow early detection of silent problems---kidney disease, thyroid issues, dental disease, early arthritis, heart changes, and some cancers---while they are still manageable. Waiting until symptoms appear often means the disease is already advanced and more expensive to treat.
What a Thorough Wellness Visit Should Include
– Full physical examination (eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs,
abdomen, skin, joints, lymph nodes)
– Weight and body-condition assessment
– Discussion of appetite, thirst, energy, elimination, and behavior
changes
– Age- and breed-appropriate screening (bloodwork, urine testing,
blood pressure, etc.)
– Parasite checks and preventive recommendations
– Dental evaluation
Recommended Frequency
– Healthy adult dogs: at least once a year
– Senior dogs (and many large/giant breeds): every 6 months
– Dogs with chronic conditions: as directed by the veterinarian
Action step: Check the date of your dog’s last full
wellness exam. If it has been more than 12 months (or 6 months for a
senior), schedule one within the next few weeks. Early detection remains
one of the highest-value actions an owner can take.
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