As a veterinary healthcare provider, I cannot overstate the role of routine wellness exams and screenings for pet wellness care. Just as regular checkups are essential for human health, they are just as important for pets.
From wellness exams to bloodwork, each test gives veterinarians a deeper look into your pet’s overall health status and helps to flag potential issues before they become more serious.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
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Routine wellness exams and screenings help identify potential health issues early, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
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The tests recommended will vary depending on your pet's age, lifestyle, and overall health.
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Wellness exams involve visual and physical assessments, while screenings can include a variety of tests to evaluate different organ systems and overall health.
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You're investing in your pet's long-term health and happiness by staying up-to-date on recommended wellness screenings.
Why are Routine Wellness Tests Important?
Routine wellness tests help in the early detection and prevention of diseases, monitor chronic conditions, and help your pet remain in good health throughout the years. By detecting diseases in their earliest stages, we can often implement timely interventions and minimize discomfort and potential complications.
Furthermore, these tests help us monitor chronic conditions, ensuring your pet enjoys the highest quality of life possible.
The Pet Wellness Exam
A comprehensive pet wellness exam consists of two key components: the visual and physical examinations.
Visual Exam
A visual exam is performed by a veterinarian, who carefully observes your pet before physically touching them. They are evaluating their overall appearance, behavior, mobility, and specific body parts to identify any abnormalities or signs of illness.
Physical Exam
The physical exam is performed annually for adult pets and twice yearly for senior pets. It aims to assess the pet’s overall health, check for signs of illness, and discuss ongoing care.
A thorough pet physical exam typically includes an assessment of the eyes, ears, nose, teeth, throat, chest, abdomen, skin, haircoat, extremities/paws, lymph nodes, and pulses, all the way to the tip of the tail, as well as your pet’s:
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Weight
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Temperature
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Heart rate
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Respiratory rate
Common Wellness Screenings
The tests recommended will vary based on your pet's age, lifestyle, and overall health. Keep reading for a general overview of some of the most common wellness screenings by age.
Tests for Puppies and Kittens
Fecal Exam
Gastrointestinal parasites are relatively common in puppies and kittens, so fecal exams that check for parasites before and after treatment are a good idea.
Heartworm Test
Heartworm tests check for the presence of heartworm infection in puppies and dogs. This test typically starts around seven months of age and continues annually if you live in a heartworm-endemic area and use heartworm preventatives.
Feline Leukemia
A feline leukemia test is typically performed in kittens or adult cats before starting the feline leukemia vaccines or if there is a history of possible exposure.
Wellness Tests for Adult Pets
The tests below give detailed information about each organ system and detect metabolic and systemic diseases.
Fecal Exam
Fecal exams check for the presence of parasites and help diagnose underlying gastrointestinal issues that may cause vomiting or diarrhea. Your pet’s yearly wellness checkup should include an annual fecal examination.
Heartworm Test
Dogs should be tested yearly for heartworm infection, typically during a routine Wellness Exam.
Lyme Test
A yearly Lyme test is recommended for dogs who live in a tick-endemic area and is often combined with a heartworm test. Because Lyme disease is rare in cats, they are not typically tested for It.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
This test measures the level of the different types of cells in the blood: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It can detect infections, anemia, bleeding, and other blood disorders.
Biochemistry Profile
If warranted, your veterinarian may also order a biochemistry profile to assess organ function (kidneys, liver, pancreas) and other parameters such as electrolytes, protein levels, cholesterol, blood glucose, and creatinine kinase.
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
View Results
Should My Pet Be Seen by a Veterinarian?
1. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s appetite?
2. Does your pet have diarrhea or loose stools?
3. Have you noticed changes in your pet’s thirst/water consumption?
4. Is your pet having accidents in the house?
5. Is your pet pacing and unable to settle?
6. Is your pet panting more than usual?
7. Is your pet whining or vocalizing more than usual?
8. Is your pet shaking more than usual?
9. Is your pet hiding or avoiding physical contact more than usual?
10. Is your pet more lethargic and sleeping more than usual?
11. Are you concerned about changes in your pet’s behavior?
12. Is your pet scratching their ears?
13. Is your pet licking their paws more than usual?
14. Does your pet have a rash?
15. Is your pet moving more slowly than usual or having a harder time getting up or down?
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Senior Pet Wellness Screening
Besides the routine wellness tests for adult pets (mentioned above), veterinarians perform the following for senior pets:
Urinalysis
A routine urine test assesses the health of the kidneys and urinary system and can aid in diagnosing certain illnesses and pet health conditions, such as diabetes.
Thyroid Testing
The thyroid test is a blood test that assesses thyroid function and can be used to diagnose:
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Hypothyroidism (low thyroid), which is more common in dogs
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Hyperthyroidism (high thyroid), which is common in cats
Blood Pressure
Routine blood pressure measurement allows for regular assessment of your pet’s cardiovascular health, detecting diseases such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure).
Conclusion
By keeping your pet current on routine wellness screenings, you're taking proactive steps to support their long-term health and happiness.
These are general guidelines that may be different for your unique pet. The best way to determine the appropriate wellness screenings for your pet is through a consultation with your veterinarian.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a routine veterinary exam?
A routine veterinary exam is a comprehensive health checkup that includes a physical exam, vaccine updates, preventative care assessments, and ensuring a pet’s overall health & well-being.
What is the difference between a veterinary sick exam and a wellness exam?
A sick exam is performed when a pet is sick or injured and needs specific care to address the problem. A wellness exam is done annually or bi-annually to assess your pet’s overall health and well-being.
What does a wellness panel test for in dogs?
Wellness panels assess your dog’s internal organ function, giving your veterinarian information about your dog’s organ health and evaluating for metabolic and systemic diseases.
How do routine checkups establish a health baseline for my pet?
Routine checkups establish a health baseline by documenting the pet’s normal physical condition and vital statistics. This baseline can be used for comparison in the future, allowing detection of early signs of illness or changes in health.
What is a health screening for a dog?
A health screening is a series of evaluations that include a physical exam and diagnostic tests to detect early signs of illness and assess overall health.
