As pet parents, we want our furry friends to live long, happy, and healthy lives. National Pet Wellness Month is the perfect reminder that keeping your pet healthy is about more than vaccines and routine checkups. Even pets that seem perfectly healthy at home can have hidden issues that only a veterinarian can catch.
To kick off National Pet Wellness Month, we created this guide to walk you through some of the often-overlooked aspects of veterinary wellness care.
Comprehensive Physical Exams
A wellness visit isn’t just about taking your pet’s temperature or weighing them. Veterinarians perform a full head-to-tail examination, checking:
- Eyes and ears
- Teeth and gums
- Skin, coat, and body condition
- Lymph nodes and abdomen
Even subtle changes, like small lumps, early dental disease, or minor skin irritation, can be detected early. Catching these issues sooner often makes treatment simpler, less stressful, more effective, and often less costly.
Tip for pet parents: Bring a brief history of any changes you’ve noticed at home, even small ones! Your veterinarian can use that information to spot patterns and prevent future problems.
Bloodwork and Laboratory Testing
Blood panels, urinalysis, and other lab tests are vital tools in preventive care. They can uncover:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Early signs of infection or other systemic issues
Many of these conditions develop quietly, so your pet may appear healthy even while an underlying problem is starting. Early detection allows for treatments that are less invasive and more effective.
Tip for pet parents: Ask your veterinarian which lab tests are appropriate for your pet’s age and breed! Routine screening can vary, and personalized testing ensures nothing is missed.
Vaccinations and Immunity Checks
Wellness exams give your veterinarian a chance to review your pet’s vaccination history and ensure protection against preventable diseases. Sometimes boosters are necessary to confirm immunity.
Tip for pet parents: Keeping a record of your pet’s vaccines can help your vet tailor a plan that’s specific to your pet’s needs, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Parasite Screening and Prevention
Even indoor pets can be at risk for fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Routine screenings and preventive treatments administered or recommended by a veterinarian can prevent serious complications.
Tip for pet parents: Ask your vet about year-round parasite prevention, even for pets that rarely go outside. Prevention is always safer and more cost-effective than treatment after an infection.
Life Stage–Focused Care
Pets’ needs change as they grow. Puppies, kittens, adults, and seniors all benefit from care tailored to their stage of life. During wellness visits, your vet can:
- Adjust diagnostic testing based on age
- Recommend preventive treatments and nutrition
- Provide guidance for lifestyle adjustments that support long-term health
Tip for pet parents: Keep track of your pet’s birthdays or adoption anniversaries and schedule wellness exams around life-stage milestones. This ensures your veterinarian can proactively adjust care for growth, aging, and changing health needs.
Wellness care is about looking at the whole pet, from head to tail, inside and out. It’s a proactive approach to prevent illness, manage chronic conditions, and ensure your pet enjoys a long, vibrant life.
This National Pet Wellness Month, use this guide to make sure your pet is getting the professional care they deserve. Your veterinarian is there to help every step of the way, so your furry friend can thrive for years to come.
Schedule your pet’s wellness exam today and take a proactive step toward their longterm health and happiness.