What tests does my dog really need?

In addition to vaccinations and annual physicals, dogs also need comprehensive blood tests. The value of getting your dog blood tested is assurance your dog is healthy. With blood work, veterinarians will be able to evaluate your dog’s overall health down to the microscopic detail.

Why Wellness exams are important for pets?

Why Are Wellness Exams Important for my Pet? Pets are genetically wired to hide any illness. Through routine wellness exams, preventable diseases like obesity, ear infections and dental disease can be addressed, and early screenings for arthritis, diabetes and kidney disease can be performed.

What is included in a wellness check for dogs?

During a routine wellness examination, your veterinarian will ask you questions about your dog’s diet, exercise, thirst, breathing, behavior, habits, elimination patterns (i.e., bowel movements and urination), lifestyle, and general health. Your veterinarian will also perform a physical examination of your dog.

How often should dogs have blood tests?

The recommendation is to have your pet’s blood work done annually to ensure the pet’s wellbeing. Senior pets—dogs 8 years old or older and cats 11 years old or older—should have routine blood work performed every 6 months, because their health tends to deteriorate faster the older they become.

Do dogs really need an annual exam?

In general, all dogs should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. Think of it as routine maintenance for your dog. These “wellness exams” give you a chance to track your dog’s growth and development, and discuss any concerns with your vet.

How often should my dog have a wellness exam?

Wellness exams – or pet checkups – take place once or twice a year while your pet appears to be perfectly healthy. These examinations are a great way to help your pet achieve optimal health by focusing on prevention and early disease detection.

Do dogs need a 1 year checkup?

What does a vet do during a checkup?

Your Pet’s Physical Checkup Listening to your animal’s lungs and heart. Checking your cat or dog’s stance, gait, and weight. Examining your pet’s eyes for signs of excessive tearing, discharge, redness, cloudiness, or eyelid issues. Checking your companion’s coat for overall condition, abnormal hair loss, or dandruff.

How often should my pet be examined?

Adult pets should be examined at least once a year. Older pets may need to be seen more often. This schedule allows the veterinarian to learn how your pet normally looks and behaves and makes it easier to spot abnormalities when they occur.