Annual Wellness Exams

Because your pet ages more quickly than you do, it is essential that
you take your pet to the veterinarian at least once a year and
even more frequently as your pet gets older.  Taking your pet to
the veterinarian once a year is the same as if you were to see a
physician for a physical exam only once every six to eight years.  
Because so much can change with regard to your pet’s physical
health in such a short amount of time, you can’t afford to have
your pet miss even one exam.

An annual wellness exam gives your veterinarian the chance to
evaluate your pet’s overall health and to detect problems before
they turn into serious illnesses.  Because your pet can’t tell you in
words how he is feeling, the veterinarian must  rely on a thorough
physical examination and your observations of your pet in order
to determine if a pet is truly healthy.

As part of the wellness examination our veterinarians
may recommend blood work and urinalysis.  Early detection
is a new way of caring for your pet, that allows us to
diagnose potential diseases before they become a serious
issue.  By following our recommendations, many diseases
can be caught early, perhaps adding years to your pet's
life.

These annual exams are also time to discuss changes in your pet’s
lifestyle.
• Have you moved?
• Added another pet?
• Does your pet board?  
• Does your pet have trouble getting up in the morning?
These questions and more help your veterinarian to make
informed recommendations on your pets health care.

Do not underestimate the importance of your pet’s annual
wellness examination.  Taking your pet to the veterinarian once a
year or more means you are helping your pet live a longer and
healthier life!