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

• Puppies: Multiple visits in the first year (aligned with the vaccine schedule)

• Adult dogs (1–7 years): Once per year minimum

• 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:

• Eyes, ears, nose, and throat

• Teeth and gums (dental disease affects 80–90% of dogs by age 3)

• Lymph nodes — swollen nodes can indicate infection or cancer

• Heart and lungs with a stethoscope (detects murmurs, arrhythmias, fluid)

• Abdomen — palpating the organs to feel for enlargement, pain, or masses

• Skin and coat condition

• Weight and body condition scoring

• Joint mobility and muscle mass

• Neurological reflexes

What May Be Recommended

• Bloodwork: Complete blood count and chemistry panel — evaluates organ function, blood cells, and screens for diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, thyroid disease

• Urinalysis: Evaluates kidney function, screens for UTIs and diabetes

• Fecal exam: Checks for intestinal parasites — bring a fresh sample

• Heartworm test: Annual recommendation regardless of prevention

• Vaccines & boosters: As scheduled for age and lifestyle

• 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.