Regular wellness examinations are the foundation of your pet’s long-term health. At Agave Grove Animal Hospital, wellness visits allow us to evaluate your pet from nose to tail, identify concerns before they become serious, and develop a preventive care plan tailored to their age, breed, and lifestyle.
Because pets often hide signs of illness, conditions such as dental disease, heart murmurs, early kidney changes, skin growths, and gradual weight gain can go unnoticed at home. A thorough examination, combined with a conversation about how your pet is doing, gives us the best opportunity to detect these changes early, when they are most manageable.
What to Expect During a Wellness Exam
Every wellness visit includes a comprehensive physical examination and an opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your pet’s health.
During your pet’s exam, we may evaluate:
- Weight and body condition
- Heart and lung health
- Eyes, ears, and skin
- Teeth and oral health
- Joint mobility and comfort
- Nutrition and lifestyle
- Behavior and overall well-being
- Age-related health concerns
These visits help us establish a baseline for your pet’s health and detect subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Based on the examination, we may recommend preventive care such as vaccinations and parasite prevention, or diagnostic testing when it will help us understand your pet’s health more completely.
How Often Should My Pet Have a Wellness Exam?
Puppies and kittens are typically seen several times during their first months for vaccinations and growth checks. Healthy adult dogs and cats are generally examined once a year. As pets enter their senior years, we recommend examinations every six months, since age-related conditions can develop and progress more quickly. Learn more about our approach to senior pet care. We will recommend a schedule that fits your pet’s individual needs.
Preparing for Your Visit
If you’re visiting us for the first time, please bring any previous medical records, along with a list of your pet’s current medications, supplements, and diet. If we’ve requested a stool sample, bringing a fresh sample can help us provide the most complete evaluation.
We also encourage you to bring any questions or concerns you may have. Wellness visits are an opportunity to discuss your pet’s health, behavior, lifestyle, and preventive care needs, and we’re always happy to help.
For a comfortable visit, cats should arrive in a secure carrier, ideally one that has been left out at home for a few days beforehand. Dogs should arrive on a leash and be accompanied by a favorite treat or comfort item if that helps them feel more at ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
My pet seems healthy. Is a wellness exam still necessary?
Yes. Wellness examinations are designed to identify concerns before symptoms appear. Many conditions, including dental disease and early kidney or heart changes, are far more manageable when they are detected early.
How long does a wellness visit take?
Please plan on approximately 30 minutes. First visits and pets with a more extensive medical history may take a little longer.
Can a wellness exam be performed at my home?
Yes. Wellness examinations are among the most common services we provide through mobile veterinary care, and house calls are often a good option for anxious pets and multi-pet households.
