Keeping your pet healthy isn’t just about treating illness - it’s about preventing problems before they start. One of the simplest and most effective ways to support your pet’s long-term health is through regular wellness exams. But how often should your pet be seen, and why do these routine visits matter so much?

What Is a Pet Wellness Exam?

A pet wellness exam is a comprehensive, nose-to-tail health evaluation designed to assess your pet’s overall well-being. Unlike sick visits, which focus on treating a specific illness or injury, wellness exams emphasize prevention and early detection.

During a wellness exam, your veterinarian may:

• Check your pet’s weight and body condition

• Examine the eyes, ears, mouth, skin, and coat

• Listen to the heart and lungs

•Palpate the abdomen and joints

• Review diet, behavior, and lifestyle

• Discuss parasite prevention, vaccinations, and dental health

• Recommend routine diagnostic testing, such as bloodwork or fecal exams, when appropriate

These visits are also an excellent opportunity to ask questions and address any subtle changes you may have noticed at home.

Why Regular Wellness Exams Are So Important

Pets age much faster than humans, which means health changes can occur quickly. Regular wellness exams allow your veterinarian to identify potential problems before they become serious.

Benefits of routine wellness exams include:

• Early detection of diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, arthritis, or heart conditions

• Monitoring long-term health trends, including weight and lab values

• Preventing illness through timely vaccinations and parasite control

• Supporting better quality of life through early intervention and personalized care

Often, pets instinctively hide signs of pain or illness. A wellness exam may reveal issues that aren’t obvious at home.

How Often Does My Pet Need a Wellness Exam?

The ideal frequency of wellness exams depends on your pet’s age, health status, and lifestyle.

Puppies and Kittens

Young pets typically need wellness exams every 3-4 weeks until they are about four months old. These frequent visits allow for growth monitoring, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early behavioral guidance.

Adult Pets

Healthy adult dogs and cats generally benefit from a wellness exam once a year. Annual visits help maintain preventive care and establish a consistent health baseline.

Senior Pets

As pets enter their senior years - usually around age 7 for dogs and cats - wellness exams are recommended every six months. Older pets are more prone to chronic conditions, and more frequent exams allow for earlier diagnosis and management.

Your veterinarian may recommend a customized schedule if your pet has underlying medical conditions or specific risk factors.

Partner With Us in Your Pet’s Preventive Care

Wellness exams are a cornerstone of preventive veterinary care. By scheduling regular visits, you’re actively protecting your pet’s health and longevity. From puppies and kittens to senior companions, routine wellness exams help ensure your pet stays comfortable, active, and thriving at every stage of life.

If your pet is due for a checkup, contact French Valley Veterinary Hospital to schedule your pet’s next wellness exam today. Visit our office in Winchester, California, or call (951) 926-8000 to book an appointment.