Routine Wellness Exams for Cats and Dogs

by | Sep 1, 2024 | Pet adoption, Pet Care

wellness exams

One of the most important things people can do to keep pets healthy and happy for as long as possible is to get their routine wellness exams. Wellness exams allow veterinarians to assess the state of a pet’s health, identify issues as early as possible, and work to prevent disease. Unfortunately, for various reasons, many people don’t seek routine care for pets. Here, we address some common questions, concerns, and misconceptions.

 

How often do dogs and cats need wellness exams?

Typically, pets should have exams once per year. This can become more frequent depending on the pet’s health status or age. Veterinarians recommend the frequency of wellness exams based on individual needs.

  

Why do some pets need more than one annual visit?

While most pets require only annual wellness exams, very young or old pets and those being monitored or treated for certain conditions require more frequent visits.

Kittens and puppies need several visits during their first year of life. Multiple visits allow veterinarians to:

  • Administer a complete round of necessary vaccines
  • Monitor growth and development during this critical time
  • Adjust dosage of preventive medication prescribed by weight

Senior pets often require biannual wellness exams to closely monitor them for life-altering conditions that are common in later life stages such as:

  • Cancer 
  • Diabetes 
  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Decline in vision and hearing 
  • Heart, kidney, and liver problems
  • Cognitive decline

Some dogs and cats are predisposed to or at increased risk for certain conditions. These pets, and those already suffering from illness or disease, also may require more than an annual checkup. More frequent exams are critical for monitoring disease progression and efficacy of treatment.

 

What happens during a wellness exam?

What happens during a pet’s wellness exam depends on many factors. As with visit frequency, the checks performed during exams depend on the age and health status of a pet. 

What we typically do during each wellness exam includes the following:  

  • Observe stance and gait 
  • Observe overall demeanor 
  • Record weight and assess body condition
  • Inspect condition of skin and coat 
  • Examine nose, ears, teeth and gums, and eyes 
  • Palpate abdomen and lymph nodes, making note of anything abnormal such as distention, lumps, bumps, or any signs of pain
  • Listen to the heart and lungs
  • Take body temperature
  • Discuss lifestyle, nutrition, changes in behavior, and any concerns owners may have
  • Review history and records to determine if pets are due for vaccinations, heartworm testing, or parasite preventives

Some of the most important aspects of a pet’s health that we like to discuss with owners are healthy weight, vaccinations and preventives, dental hygiene, and predisposition to certain conditions. 

In addition to the above, there are several tests and preventive diagnostics veterinarians may perform during a wellness check. Whether or not we perform these depends on the age and well-being of each individual pet. These help determine organ health; joint health; presence of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer; presence of parasitic infection; and any signs of internal masses or urinary blockages. These tests include:

  • Simple bloodwork
  • Complete blood count
  • Urinalysis
  • Radiographs (Chest and/or abdominal)
  • Fecal exam

During every visit, we welcome questions and concerns, even the smallest ones. Having open conversations with veterinarians is essential in keeping pets healthy and happy.

 

Common Concerns and Misconceptions

 

Pets don’t need to visit a veterinarian if they’re not sick

A recent survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 36% of pet owners do not get routine care for their pets. Over the past few years, national pet ownership has increased while the number of veterinarian visits have decreased. Owners are also extending time between visits. 

One reason owners don’t get their dog or cat’s wellness exams is their pets don’t appear sick. Their cat or dog is eating, drinking, pooping, and playing normally. In many cases, the pet really is fine and healthy. 

On the other hand, disease or illness could be developing and progressing with little or no outward signs. Dogs and cats often can’t or won’t let us know when they’re hurting, feeling ill, or when something’s just not right. This is especially true for cats, who often hide illness.

Bloodwork, palpation, visual examination, or even subtle variations in annual test results can tell us that arthritis, diabetes, cancer, dental disease, or other disorders may be present or developing. 

We want to keep pets healthy for as long as possible, and to do that we urge owners to get routine checks to stave off disease and to catch any potential problems early. Preventive care is always better than reactive care.

 

Cats don’t need to see the vet as often as dogs do

It’s a common misconception that cats need veterinary visits less often than dogs do, which results in owners skipping routine care for their cats. Several factors could lead to this misunderstanding. These include the belief that cats are no-maintenance pets, cats’ ability to hide signs of illness and pain, and the belief cats are at decreased risk for parasites and infectious disease. 

Whether they dwell primarily indoors or outdoors, cats should have wellness exams at least annually. Here’s why:

  • By the time they begin showing outward signs of pain or illness, cats’ health issues are often already advanced
  • We see many common ailments in cats including periodontal disease, diabetes, feline lower urinary tract disease, kidney disease, arthritis, and cognitive decline
  • Vaccines and parasite prevention may be different for indoor cats than for outdoor cats, but they are still necessary, and in some cases required by law
  • Cats who spend any time outside are at an increased risk for respiratory illnesses, feline leukemia, rabies, and numerous parasites

Skipping or postponing cats’ routine exams and preventive care can result in serious disease or illness progressing without notice.

 

Veterinary visits are too expensive

Cutting costs is a significant reason some pet owners skip or postpone wellness exams. In the recent survey conducted by the AVMA, 87% of respondents who don’t regularly visit a veterinarian cited perceived value and affordability as primary reasons. In another survey, over 30% of pet owners said they avoid veterinary visits to prevent an expensive bill. However, avoiding routine care can result in sizable veterinary medical bills later down the line.

Routine visits can save owners money (and pets trauma) on costly and invasive treatments for progressed diseases. For example, for conditions such as dental disease, heartworm infection, tick-borne disease, and the many other diseases covered by preventives and vaccines, prevention is almost always cheaper than treatment. Conditions and diseases that affect certain breeds or that develop with age are often less expensive to treat when they’re detected early rather than allowed to progress. Costs for treatment of preventable and progressed diseases can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.  

According to one Forbes survey of pet owners, 50% of dog owners say they’re very or somewhat concerned about having means to pay an unexpected veterinary bill. Getting pets routine care can reduce the risk of an unexpected bill.

Resources are also available for those unable to afford veterinary care for their pets. Here are a few ideas:

  • Many cities and states have local resources and programs for low-income households
  • Local animal charities and rescue groups may be able to help with veterinary care 
  • The Humane Society has a generous compilation of resources for those needing assistance with pet care including medical funding, food, and other supplies
  • Credit cards and financing specific to pet care are available

Pet insurance is also worth consideration. There are many companies that offer ranges of coverage for most budgets. These can include wellness plans or accident/injury/illness only. Insurance can save owners considerable money. It’s best to shop around and read all the fine print to find what’s best for owners and pets.

 

Veterinarians want pets coming in so they can find something wrong and make money

This is just not true. Our primary concern is for our patients’ well-being. Our goal is to prevent illness and support animals throughout their lives, helping them live healthy and happily. We never want to find something wrong, but if something is wrong, we want to know about it as soon as possible so we can treat it, cure it if possible, and provide some relief. Most veterinarians will tell you, we’re in this business because we love animals, love science, and want to serve the health needs of animals. 

The bottom line here is that lifelong health and happiness for pets begins with routine wellness exams. Establish a relationship with a veterinarian as early as possible and get pets in for routine exams to prevent disease, catch problems early, and to save money down the line. We’re here for the life and health of your pet, aiming to provide the best care possible.

If your pet is due for an exam or if you have any concerns, please call us at (505) 299-9533 or fill out our online form.    

 

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