Why Annual Checkups Matter
Your pet can’t tell you when something feels off, or make themselves an appointment. That’s one reason we recommend annual checkups as a cornerstone of lifelong pet health. These visits allow us to detect potential problems early. They also allow us to track changes over time, so we can keep your furry friend on track for a long, happy life.
Whether you’re caring for a spry puppy or a mellow senior cat, wellness exams are your chance to check in and catch anything that may be brewing beneath the surface. Read on as a Matthews, NC veterinarian offers some insight into wellness care.
What’s Included in a Pet Wellness Exam?
A wellness check is more than just a quick glance. It’s a head-to-tail assessment, personalized to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and medical history.
What to Expect:
- Weight check & body condition scoring
- Physical exam (eyes, ears, skin, heart, lungs, joints, abdomen)
- Vaccination review & updates
- Dental health check
- Parasite prevention recommendations
- Bloodwork, urinalysis, or fecal testing (based on age or risk)
We keep detailed records to spot subtle changes over time—and build a wellness plan that evolves as your pet ages.
How Often Should Your Pet See their Matthews, NC Vet?
Most adult pets benefit from a yearly exam, while seniors or pets with chronic issues may need checkups every 6 months.
General Guidelines:
- Puppies & Kittens: Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old
- Healthy Adults (1–7 years): Annually
- Seniors (7+ years): Twice a year, plus age-specific screenings
If your pet is due for a checkup, give us a call! This is also a good time to review diet, exercise, behavior, and more with your Matthews, NC vet.
Early Detection = Better Outcomes
Wellness exams help us catch problems before they become symptoms. Earlier treatment often means better results, and also often means lower costs in the long run.
Things We Commonly Catch Early:
- Dental disease
- Arthritis and joint stiffness
- Heart murmurs
- Kidney or liver changes
- Lumps or skin issues
Fun Fact: Many pets appear totally normal even with early signs of disease. Annual exams help spot the invisible.
Making the Most of Your Vet Visit
To get the most from your pet’s exam, come prepared with a few notes:
- Behavior changes: Increased thirst, pacing, hiding, etc.
- Diet & treat routines: Bring the food label if you can!
- Questions or concerns: No issue is too small—we’ve heard it all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my indoor cat need annual exams?
Even indoor cats can develop dental disease, arthritis, obesity, or organ issues. Early detection is key.
Can bloodwork really help if my pet looks fine?
Yes! Many issues don’t cause noticeable symptoms until they’re advanced. Bloodwork gives us a window inside your pet’s physiology, allowing us to detect minor changes.
Are wellness exams different from sick visits?
Definitely. Sick visits address a current issue. Wellness exams are proactive—they’re about keeping problems from happening in the first place.
Visit Our Matthews, NC Animal Clinic
Routine wellness exams are one of the best things you can do for your pet’s health. They allow your vet to spot changes early, prevent disease, and give you peace of mind.
Visit our Service Page to learn more about the services we offer and the types of pets we see. If you’re looking for a great veterinary hospital in Matthews, NC, you can try googling “best vet near me” … or just come to us!
Healthy habits start with regular checkups—schedule your pet’s next exam here at Fullwood Animal Hospital today.
