Wellness visits are a key part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Like people, dogs and cats need regular checkups or routine exams to catch early pet health problems, prevent certain diseases, and ensure they live their best four-legged lives. Here are some key benefits of routine wellness visits for dogs and cats and why scheduling them should be a priority year after year.
The foundation of preventive care
Preventive veterinary care is a primary focus of your pet’s annual wellness visits. In addition to your pet’s hands-on exam, routine visits provide an opportunity for your pet to receive necessary vaccines, parasite prevention, and screening tests. These proactive measures protect your pet from serious conditions, including heartworms, infectious diseases such as parvo or feline leukemia, intestinal parasites, and some cancers.
In addition to saving your pet from unnecessary suffering, preventive care can also save you money by helping you avoid costly treatments. That means more money for treats and toys!
“Preventive care is the cornerstone of keeping pets healthy and happy,” said Mark Thompson, DVM, MBA, CCRP. “Regular wellness visits not only catch potential health issues early but also create opportunities for personalized care, ensuring that each pet’s unique needs are met. A proactive approach to veterinary care can lead to better outcomes, fewer treatments, and more cherished moments with your furry friend. I still remember a sweet older dog named Bella whose early arthritis signs were caught during a routine visit. With a few simple adjustments, she was back to running with her family—proof that a little prevention goes a long way.”
Early disease detection
Many common pet illnesses, such as kidney disease, arthritis, and diabetes, start with subtle signs that are easy to miss at home. Routine wellness visits with your AAHA-accredited veterinarian ensure these changes will be noted and addressed through testing or imaging to confirm or rule out potential issues. When diseases are diagnosed in their earliest stages, your pet will have more treatment options, better outcomes, and less stress and discomfort.
Improved dental health
Dental disease is one of the most common preventable pet health issues. Left untreated, your pet’s bad breath and gingivitis can lead to serious problems, including broken teeth, chronic pain, and infection. Regular wellness exams allow the veterinarian to track your pet’s oral health and make recommendations for early professional care, including cleanings and dental X-rays under anesthesia. Proactively supporting your pet’s dental health—rather than waiting for damage to occur—can protect them from discomfort, infection, and complications such as heart or kidney disease.
Supporting your pet’s weight and body condition
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for your pet’s overall well-being and a key part of preventive care. During their annual wellness exam, your vet will evaluate your pet’s weight and body condition and provide guidance on nutrition and exercise. Keeping your pet at their ideal body weight reduces their risk for harmful conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and potentially some cancers. Plus, it helps your pet stay active so they can enjoy more adventures with you.
More personalized care
Pet wellness exams are about more than physical health—they also help you and your veterinarian understand your pet on a deeper level. Regular conversations about your pet’s behavior, habits, emotional well-being, and any concerns you have can provide valuable insights and opportunities for truly personalized care. This creates more targeted solutions to help your pet live their best life and strengthens the relationship between you, your pet, and the veterinary team.
They are also the perfect time for discussing and identifying your pet’s changing needs. As your pet enters their senior years, there are unique health problems and care recommendations to consider. By sharing any changes you have noticed with your veterinarian, you can work together to create a plan to best support your senior pet. This often includes more frequent wellness visits moving forward.
Powerful peace of mind for pet owners
Wellness exams give you peace of mind about your pet. Knowing your pet’s health is protected—including taking steps to address any issues—lets you enjoy life with your furry friend without unnecessary worry or guilt. Regular visits to your AAHA-accredited veterinarian and dedicated at-home care ensure you do everything possible to help your dog or cat thrive.
Another way your pet’s wellness visit can contribute to your peace of mind is by double-checking your pet’s microchip, especially if your contact information has recently changed. Your veterinarian can scan and verify your pet’s microchip number. Enter this number into AAHA’s Microchip Registry Lookup Tool to find out which registry contains the pet’s ID. You can then go to that registry and submit the necessary changes.
More years of health and happiness
Finally, wellness visits can help you and your pet enjoy more years together by maximizing their health at every life stage and identifying small health changes that may indicate hidden illnesses. By making minor adjustments to your pet’s care routine, such as adjusting their diet, treating a developing condition, or managing age-related concerns, you and your veterinarian can support greater pet health and well-being for many years to come.
Is your pet due for a wellness visit?
Whether your pet is due for their six-month checkup or it’s been a while since their last vet visit, you can show them you care by scheduling their next wellness visit today. While they may seem healthy now, regular checkups and care help them stay that way for years to come. Wellness visits are one of the best and easiest ways to improve your pet’s quality—and hopefully quantity—of life!
