Why is an annual wellness visit and physical exam important for all pets?
A complete physical examination allows your veterinarian to identify signs of disease early when it will most likely be easier to treat. During this wellness visit your veterinarian will determine the appropriate vaccination schedule for your pet based on your pets age, health status, lifestyle, and exposure to other animals. Ideally, a pet should have a thorough annual physical examination. During this wellness visit your veterinarian will discuss appropriate parasite control and prevention. An annual stool check for intestinal parasites and a blood test to check for heartworm disease are recommended. This is also a good time to get your pets heartworm and flea and tick prevention since he/she has just been weighed and the appropriate dosages/products can be given. During the examination the veterinarian may also recommend blood work and urinalysis to check for changes in function of kidneys, liver, and other internal body organs that may not always be apparent on a physical exam. The
