As pet owners, we want our dogs and cats to live long, healthy, and happy lives. While proper nutrition, exercise, and love at home all play a role, one of the most important parts of pet care is the annual wellness exam. These routine visits are essential for catching health issues early, maintaining preventative care, and ensuring your pet’s overall well-being at every stage of life.

What Is an Annual Wellness Exam?

An annual wellness exam is a comprehensive checkup designed to evaluate your pet’s overall health, even when they appear to be feeling fine. During the exam, your veterinarian assesses your pet from nose to tail, looking for subtle changes that may indicate underlying health concerns.

A typical wellness exam may include:

• A full physical examination

• Weight and body condition assessment

• Heart and lung evaluation

• Oral and dental health check

• Skin and coat evaluation

• Joint and mobility assessment

• Review of diet, behavior, and lifestyle

• Recommended vaccinations and parasite prevention

• Diagnostic testing when appropriate

These exams are tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and health history.

Early Detection Can Save Lives

Pets are experts at hiding discomfort or illness. Many serious conditions - such as kidney disease, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and thyroid disorders - can develop quietly with few outward signs in the early stages. Annual wellness exams allow veterinarians to identify small changes before they become major health problems. Early detection often means:

• More treatment options

• Less invasive care

• Lower long-term costs

• Better quality of life for your pet

Catching issues early can make a life-changing difference.

Preventative Care Keeps Pets Healthier Longer

Wellness exams are not just about finding problems - they are about preventing them. During these visits, your veterinarian can:

• Ensure vaccinations are up to date

• Recommend flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

• Monitor dental health to prevent pain and infection

• Address weight management and nutrition

• Discuss lifestyle adjustments to support long-term health

Preventative care helps reduce the risk of illness and supports your pet’s overall longevity.

Monitoring Changes Year After Year

Annual exams create a consistent health record for your pet. By comparing exam findings year after year, veterinarians can identify trends such as gradual weight changes, mobility decline, or shifts in lab values that might otherwise go unnoticed.

This ongoing monitoring is especially important as pets age, as senior pets often require more frequent evaluations and adjustments to their care plans.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today

Annual wellness exams are one of the most important investments you can make in your pet’s health. They support early detection, preventative care, and long-term monitoring - helping your pet live a longer, more comfortable life. Even if your pet seems perfectly healthy, routine checkups are essential to staying ahead of potential issues and maintaining their overall well-being.

Contact The Pets Place Animal Hospital to schedule your pet’s annual wellness exam and take a proactive step toward lifelong health and happiness. Visit our office in Riverside, California, or call (951) 684-2181 to book an appointment today.