You want your dog to stay healthy, happy, and active for as long as possible. One of the smartest ways to achieve this goal is scheduling regular wellness examinations with your veterinarian.
Since dogs can’t tell us when something hurts and many are surprisingly good at hiding health problems, routine wellness exams help catch issues before they become serious. Early diagnosis means your dog avoids unnecessary suffering while potentially saving you from expensive emergency treatments down the road.
Understanding Dog Wellness Examinations
A routine wellness exam works just like an annual physical for humans. It’s a preventive appointment you schedule when your dog is feeling well, not when they’re sick or injured.
These wellness visits allow your veterinarian to see your dog at their best rather than when they’re under the weather. This baseline helps them better assess your pet’s overall condition and typical behavior patterns. The appointment includes both a thorough hands-on physical examination and laboratory work to confirm your dog’s health status.
What Happens During the Exam
Before the physical examination begins, expect your vet to ask detailed questions about your dog’s lifestyle and daily habits. During the actual exam, they’ll carefully check your dog’s mouth, teeth, eyes, nose, ears, heart, lungs, abdomen, neck, legs, tail, skin, coat, nails, lymph nodes, pulse, and collect samples for fecal and blood analysis.
Your pet’s wellness exam provides the perfect opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns about your dog’s wellbeing. When scheduling your appointment, mention that you have topics to discuss so the office can allocate sufficient time for your conversation.
Complete Wellness Preparation Checklist
Use this comprehensive checklist to prepare for your veterinary visit and ensure you don’t forget important details:
Nutrition and Diet Information
- What specific brand and type of food does your dog eat?
- What serving sizes do you provide?
- Does your dog receive treats or chews regularly?
- What types of treats, and approximately how many calories from treats daily?
- How much water does your dog typically drink per day?
- Have you noticed any changes in drinking habits – more or less than usual?
Supplements and Medications
- What supplements or herbal products do you give your dog?
- What are the specific brands and serving sizes?
- What medications is your dog currently taking?
- Has any other veterinarian prescribed medications since your last visit?
Physical Changes and Observations
- Have you noticed any weight loss or gain?
- Does your dog have any dental issues like bad breath or avoiding chewing on one side?
- How active is your pet currently?
- Has their activity level changed since the last visit?
- Have you observed any behavioral changes?
- Do they show less interest in activities they once enjoyed?
Elimination and Digestive Health
- How frequently does your dog urinate and defecate?
- Does your dog have normal stools, or have you noticed changes in bathroom habits?
- Does your dog ever vomit or develop diarrhea without obvious reasons?
Sensory and Mobility Assessment
- Has your dog experienced any vision changes?
- Do you notice problems with seeing in low light, excessive eye watering, or other eye issues?
- Have you noticed changes in your dog’s hearing ability?
- Is your dog not responding to sounds they previously reacted to?
- Has your pet shown signs of stiffness or pain?
- Are they avoiding certain activities, having trouble standing, limping, or slowing down noticeably?
- Has your dog experienced any falls, been slipping on floors, or lost their balance?
Respiratory and Preventive Care
- Does your dog ever cough?
- Are you consistently using monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives?
- What specific brands are you using?
Sleep and General Wellbeing
- How well does your dog sleep?
- Have you noticed changes like restlessness or needing nighttime potty breaks?
- Has your dog been seen by other veterinarians or visited emergency clinics since their last appointment?
- If so, bring those medical records with you
- Have you noticed skin and coat changes like hair loss, dryness, or excessive itching?
- Do you have any new concerns about your pet’s overall health?
Recommended Wellness Exam Frequency
Dogs age much faster than humans, making regular wellness exams crucial throughout their lifetime. The old “one dog year equals seven human years” rule isn’t accurate – by age two, your dog is already equivalent to a 25-year-old human!
Discuss the ideal examination schedule with your veterinarian, but these general guidelines work well:
Very Young Puppies: Monthly examinations during their first several months Healthy Adult Dogs: Annual wellness exams Dogs with Existing Health Issues: More frequent visits as recommended by your vet Senior and Geriatric Dogs: Twice yearly examinations
Making the Most of Your Visit
Being well-prepared for wellness exams helps your veterinarian provide the best possible care for your dog. The more detailed information you can provide about your dog’s daily life, habits, and any changes you’ve observed, the better equipped your vet will be to assess their health status.
Remember, no observation is too small to mention. Sometimes seemingly minor changes can indicate developing health issues that are much easier to address when caught early.
Your dog’s wellness exam is also an excellent time to discuss preventive care strategies, nutrition optimization, exercise recommendations, and any behavioral concerns you might have. Think of your veterinarian as a partner in keeping your dog healthy and happy for years to come.
Regular wellness exams are one of the best investments you can make in your dog’s long-term health and quality of life. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your dog is healthy is invaluable, and early detection of potential problems can save both money and heartache in the future.