Routine wellness exams are one of the most important ways to keep your pets healthy and happy throughout their lives. Many pet owners wonder how often these visits are really necessary - especially if their dog or cat seems perfectly fine. The answer depends on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and overall health, but regular checkups play a key role in prevention and early detection.

What Is a Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is a comprehensive, nose-to-tail health check for your pet. During this visit, your veterinarian evaluates your pet’s weight, heart and lung function, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, and joints. Wellness exams also provide an opportunity to discuss nutrition, behavior, parasite prevention, vaccinations, and any changes you’ve noticed at home.

Even when your pet isn’t showing obvious symptoms, a wellness exam can uncover early signs of illness that may not yet be visible.

How Often Do Puppies and Kittens Need Wellness Exams?

Young pets grow and change rapidly, which means they need more frequent veterinary visits early in life. Puppies and kittens typically require wellness exams every 3-4 weeks until they are about 16 weeks old. These visits focus on:

• Monitoring growth and development

• Administering vaccinations

• Discussing training, socialization, and nutrition

• Preventing parasites and common illnesses

These early exams help set the foundation for a healthy adulthood.

Annual Wellness Exams for Adult Pets

For most healthy adult dogs and cats, an annual wellness exam is recommended. One year in a pet’s life is roughly equivalent to several human years, so a lot can change in a short time. Yearly exams allow your veterinarian to track trends in weight, detect dental disease, and catch conditions such as allergies, arthritis, or early organ changes before they become serious. Annual visits are also a good time to update vaccines, refill preventatives, and talk about lifestyle changes.

Senior Pets May Need Exams Twice a Year

As pets age, their risk for chronic conditions like arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease increases. Senior pets often benefit from wellness exams every six months. These more frequent checkups help identify subtle changes earlier and allow for timely adjustments to diet, medication, or care plans. Early detection can significantly improve quality of life and help your pet stay comfortable longer.

Catch Health Issues Before They Start

No matter your pet’s age, regular wellness exams are an essential part of responsible pet ownership. From energetic puppies and kittens to calm senior companions, these visits help ensure your pet enjoys a long, healthy life by your side. Staying proactive with veterinary care is one of the best ways to show your pet how much you care.

Schedule a wellness exam at The Pets Place Animal Hospital and give your furry family member the preventive care they deserve. Visit our office in Riverside, California, or call (951) 684-2181 to book an appointment today.