Why Are Yearly Veterinary Visits So Important For Your Pets?

Here at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital, we believe an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Which is why yearly vet visits play an important role in every patient’s wellness plan! 

Why are yearly wellness exams so important? 

We see our pets every day, which can make it difficult to detect subtle changes in their behavior or appearance. During a yearly vet visit, your pet’s care team might notice things that aren’t obvious at home. The main benefits of yearly wellness exams include: 

Early Disease Detection

Because our pets can’t talk, they can’t tell us how they’re feeling. Our feline friends in particular are renowned for their ability to mask pain and discomfort. And, unfortunately, many chronic illnesses can go undetected until they’ve progressed to an advanced stage. With regular preventive care, veterinarians can detect early signs of illness or disease that may not be apparent to pet owners. In turn, early detection can lead to better outcomes and potentially help you avoid more serious (and costly) health problems in the future.

Keeping Vaccines Up-To-Date

New puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccines to protect them from serious illnesses such as rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Regular boosters to these vaccines help protect your pet for their lifetime. During your annual wellness visit, our vets will make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccine schedule.   

Parasite Prevention

Regular vet visits also help manage and prevent common parasites that can affect your pet's well-being. During your pet’s physical exam, the veterinarian will check their skin and coat for signs of fleas, ticks, mites, and other external parasites. An annual fecal exam tests for internal parasites, like worms, and a simple blood test checks for heartworm. Your vet can also advise on and prescribe the appropriate parasite preventative for your pet’s lifestyle, whether you have an active adventure dog or a catio-lounging kitty.   

Weight Management and Nutrition Advice

Keeping pets at a healthy weight lowers their risk of certain health problems and can keep them moving well for longer. Even a few extra pounds can put many pets at higher risk for arthritis, joint injuries, back problems, diabetes, and more serious health conditions. But because we see our pets every day, weight gain often goes unnoticed until it’s changed significantly. At your pet’s annual exam, we’ll record their weight and body composition score. Your pet’s care team then uses this information to keep their weight management on track. 

What to expect at your pet’s yearly wellness exams

Your pet’s annual wellness exam all starts with you! During check-in, we’ll ask important questions about your pet’s diet, medications, behavior, and any concerns you have. We’ll also record their weight and take their temperature. Next, the veterinarian will complete a thorough physical exam. This hands-on time with your pet provides a wealth of information about their health! 

Routinely, we’ll check the following: 

• Ears - Checking for mites, yeast, infections, polyps, or masses
• Eyes - Making sure the eyes are bright and clear; checking for corneal damage, cataracts, glaucoma, and even signs of chronic dry eye
• Skin & Coat - Making sure your pet isn’t dealing with dry itchy skin or hair loss, which can indicate a variety of underlying health issues 
• Mouth & Teeth - Looking for signs of gingivitis, tartar build-up, loose teeth, and oral masses
• Heart & Lungs - Listening to your pet’s heart and lungs to check for normal rhythm, check for new or louder heart murmurs, and make sure their lungs sound clear and healthy
• Abdomen - Feeling for normal organ size, abdominal masses, and any unusual pain response to normal palpation (or pressure)
• Muscles, Joints, Bones - Checking your pet’s muscle tone (especially for older pets) and making sure joints move normally and pain-free
  
  

During this physical exam, the veterinarian will also follow up on any concerns you brought up during check-in. After they’ve examined your pet from nose to tail, they may recommend follow-up diagnostics based on their findings.

Other recommendations will depend on your pet’s age, breed, and health history. Often, annual wellness visits will include routine lab work (such as heartworm testing, urinalysis, and fecal testing) and vaccine boosters. Additional diagnostics, such as X-rays and advanced imaging, may be recommended if your vet notices an issue during the exam. Help your furry friends live long, happy, and healthy lives by scheduling your routine wellness exam today!

Need to schedule your pet’s yearly wellness exam?

The team at Mountainside Veterinary Hospital is committed to providing exceptional care at every stage of life. Whether you’ve just welcomed a new friend into your home or you’re navigating your pet’s golden years, regular vet check-ups can help them live long, happy, and healthy lives. You can schedule your routine wellness exam today using our easy online appointment request form!