Many pet owners only visit the veterinarian when their dog or cat is sick or injured, but routine wellness visits offer benefits that go far beyond treating acute problems.
Understanding what happens during these appointments and why they matter can help you make informed decisions about your pet’s care and build a stronger relationship with your veterinary team.
What Happens During a Wellness Visit
Routine wellness visits include a comprehensive physical examination in which your veterinarian checks your pet from nose to tail, including the eyes, ears, mouth, heart, lungs, abdomen, limbs, skin, and joints.
Your veterinarian will also discuss your pet’s diet, exercise routine, and behavior, and ask whether you have noticed any concerns at home.
Early Detection Benefits
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, veterinarians recommend regular wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist recommend them; if you can detect a problem in its early stages, it’s more likely to be treated and resolved with less expense, less difficulty, and better success¹.
Many health conditions develop gradually, and pets naturally hide signs of illness as an evolutionary survival instinct.
During wellness visits, veterinarians can identify changes that pet owners might not notice at home.
Establishing Health Baselines
Regular visits help establish what’s normal for your pet, which becomes crucial information if health problems arise later.
Your veterinarian learns your pet’s typical weight, behavior patterns, energy levels, and physical characteristics, helping distinguish between normal aging changes and potential health concerns.
Preventive Care Planning
Wellness visits provide the opportunity to discuss vaccination schedules, parasite prevention, dental care, and nutritional needs based on your pet’s age, breed, and activity level.
Preventive planning during wellness visits may also help prevent more serious problems from developing later.
Age-Specific Benefits
Young pets benefit from wellness visits to ensure proper growth and development, while adult pets need routine monitoring to maintain optimal health.
Senior pets particularly benefit from more frequent wellness visits, as aging brings changes that require closer monitoring.
Keep in mind, pets don’t all become “seniors” at the same age.
Your veterinarian can help you understand when your pet is entering this life stage based on factors such as species, breed, size, and overall health, allowing you to adjust their care as their needs change.
The American Animal Hospital Association recommends medical workups for senior pets once or twice a year².
Cost Considerations
While wellness visits require an upfront investment, they can often save money over time by preventing expensive emergency treatments or catching problems when they’re less costly to address.
Many veterinary practices offer wellness plans that spread costs over monthly payments, making preventive care more budget-friendly.
Pet insurance is also a consideration and can make it easier to manage the cost of veterinary care throughout a pet’s life.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Come prepared with questions about your pet’s behavior, eating habits, and any changes you’ve noticed.
Bring a list of current medications and supplements your pet receives.
Don’t hesitate to ask your veterinarian to explain anything you don’t understand and request written instructions for any new care recommendations they provide.
The Bottom Line
Routine wellness visits are one of the most valuable investments you can make in your pet’s health and quality of life.
These visits provide opportunities for early detection, health baselines, preventive planning, and building positive veterinary relationships.
Work with your veterinary team to establish a wellness visit schedule that meets your pet’s individual needs and fits within your budget.
Your Pets are our Priority!
At the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC), our number one priority is to promote the health and well-being of your pets.
That is why we created the NASC quality programs and the NASC Quality Seal, which help you identify animal health and nutritional supplements from responsible suppliers committed to producing the highest-quality, most consistent products available.
Visit our website to learn more and to see a list of NASC members who have earned the Quality Seal.
Sources:
- American Veterinary Medical Association. “Importance of wellness exams.”
- American Animal Hospital Association. “2023 AAHA Senior Care Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.”
