One of the most important things you can do for your dog's health is bring them in for a wellness exam even when they seem completely fine. Most serious diseases, cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, diabetes, develop silently. A wellness exam is how you find them before they become emergencies.
How Often
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Puppies: Multiple visits in the first year (aligned with the vaccine schedule)
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Adult dogs (1–7 years): Once per year minimum
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Senior dogs (7+ years for large breeds; 10+ for small breeds): Twice per year, every 6 months. A dog ages roughly 5–7 human years for every calendar year; a lot can change in 6 months.
What Happens at a Wellness Exam
Your vet performs a head-to-tail physical examination. They check:
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Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
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Teeth and gums (dental disease affects 80–90% of dogs by age 3)
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Lymph nodes, swollen nodes can indicate infection or cancer
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Heart and lungs with a stethoscope (detects murmurs, arrhythmias, fluid)
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Abdomen, palpating the organs to feel for enlargement, pain, or masses
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Skin and coat condition
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Weight and body condition scoring
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Joint mobility and muscle mass
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Neurological reflexes
What May Be Recommended
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Bloodwork: Complete blood count and chemistry panel, evaluates organ function, blood cells, and screens for diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease
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Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function, screens for UTIs and diabetes
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Fecal exam: Checks for intestinal parasites, bring a fresh sample
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Heartworm test: Annual recommendation regardless of prevention
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Vaccines & boosters: As scheduled for age and lifestyle
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Dental cleaning: If tartar buildup or gum disease is present
Pro Tip: Bring a written list to every vet visit. Note anything you've observed in the past year, even small things like changes in sleep, water intake, energy, or stool. A 5-second observation from you can be diagnostically significant. Use our free Monthly Wellness Guide regularly to keep track of any changes.
