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Small Animal Preventive Care Exam

What Is a Veterinary Preventive Exam—and Why Does Your Pet Need One?

Just like people, pets benefit from regular check-ups to stay healthy and catch potential problems early. A veterinary preventive exam, often called a wellness exam, is a nose-to-tail evaluation of your pet’s overall health. Think of it as your pet’s annual physical!
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A long-haired dachshund puppy with brown fur and dark ears is being held up by two people over a stainless steel examination table.
Two individuals are attending to a black cat on a metal examination table, with one person holding the cat and the other administering an injection.

During this exam, your veterinarian will:

  • Check your pet’s weight and body condition to ensure they’re maintaining a healthy size.
  • Listen to their heart and lungs to detect early signs of heart or respiratory issues.
  • Examine eyes, ears, teeth, and skin to look for infections, growths, or early signs of disease.
  • Feel the abdomen and lymph nodes for anything unusual.
  • Check joints and mobility, especially important for older pets.
  • Review diet, behavior, and lifestyle to ensure their needs are being met.
  • Update vaccines and parasite prevention to protect against common illnesses like rabies, distemper, Lyme disease, heartworms, fleas, and ticks.
  • Recommend routine screening tests (like bloodwork or urine tests) to catch hidden problems before symptoms appear.
  • Examine eyes, ears, teeth, and skin to look for infections, growths, or early signs of disease. You can also track your pet’s scratching and skin discomfort at home using this Dog and Cat Itch Scale (PDF).

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Why It Matters

Pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong, and many health issues don’t show obvious symptoms until they’re advanced. Preventive exams allow your veterinarian to catch early warning signs, tailor care to your pet’s age and lifestyle, and help them live a longer, healthier life.

Whether your pet is young and playful or entering their golden years, annual (or semi-annual for seniors or those with chronic conditions) exams are one of the most important steps in responsible pet care.

A person applies ear drops to a dog while another person holds the dog's head.

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