Wellness Basics: How Routine Checks Help Pets Stay Healthy

Small brown dog and black-and-white cat lying together on a rug indoors

Routine wellness exams are one of the most effective tools available for keeping your dog or cat healthy. They give your veterinarian a complete picture of your pet’s health at a given moment in time, help detect problems early, and make it easier to stay on top of preventive care like vaccinations and parasite control.

This guide explains what a wellness exam involves, how often your pet should have one, and what you can do between visits to support their long-term health.

What is a pet wellness exam?

A wellness exam, sometimes called a checkup or physical, is a routine visit with your veterinarian when your pet appears healthy. The goal is not to address a specific illness but to confirm your pet is in good health, catch any early changes, and update their preventive care plan.

Your veterinarian will typically start by asking about your pet’s diet, exercise habits, behavior, drinking and elimination patterns, and any changes you’ve noticed at home. From there, they’ll conduct a hands-on physical exam and make recommendations based on what they find. This is also an opportunity for you to raise any questions or concerns, even small ones.

For a detailed look at what cat visits involve, see our article on what to expect when you take your cat to the vet.

Why routine wellness checks matter

Early detection makes a difference

Many health conditions in dogs and cats develop gradually without obvious symptoms. By the time a pet parent notices something is wrong, the condition may have been progressing for some time. Regular wellness exams give your veterinarian the opportunity to catch changes early, when they tend to be easier to manage and less costly to treat.

Routine lab work adds another layer of visibility. Blood tests, urinalysis, and fecal testing can reveal conditions that may not show up during a physical exam, including kidney changes, thyroid issues, parasites, and blood sugar irregularities.

Pets age faster than people

A single year in a pet’s life can represent several years of aging depending on the species, breed, and size. This is why annual exams are the minimum for adult dogs and cats, and why more frequent visits are recommended as pets get older. A lot can change in 12 months, and staying consistent with wellness visits makes it easier to track trends over time.

Pets cannot tell you how they feel

Dogs and cats are often good at masking discomfort or illness. A pet that seems fine at home may have early dental disease, a developing heart murmur, or early organ changes that only a thorough exam can detect. Your veterinarian is trained to find what isn’t visible on the surface.

How often should your pet have a wellness exam?

The right frequency depends on your pet’s age, species, and health history. General guidelines from veterinary organizations include:

Puppies and kittens: Monthly visits through the first few months of life to complete vaccination series, monitor development, and start parasite prevention.
Adult dogs and cats: At least once a year. More frequent visits may be recommended for pets with ongoing health conditions.
Senior pets: Every six months. Dogs and cats are generally considered senior around age seven, though this varies by breed and size. More frequent exams help catch age-related changes early.

Your veterinarian is the best resource for recommending the right schedule for your specific pet based on their individual health history and lifestyle.

What happens during a wellness exam?

A comprehensive wellness exam typically covers a head-to-tail physical assessment. Your veterinarian will check:

Eyes and nose: Looking for discharge, cloudiness, redness, or other signs of concern.
Ears: Checking for signs of infection, mites, wax buildup, or inflammation.
Mouth and teeth: Assessing gum health, plaque and tartar buildup, tooth condition, and early signs of dental disease. This is often where significant findings occur, as dental disease is among the most common health issues in adult dogs and cats.
Heart and lungs: Listening with a stethoscope for murmurs, irregular rhythms, or abnormal breathing sounds.
Skin and coat: Checking for lumps, bumps, parasites, dryness, hair loss, or other changes.
Weight and body condition: Assessing whether your pet is at a healthy weight for their size and life stage. Weight changes can signal a range of health issues.
Abdomen: Feeling for organ size, tenderness, or any abnormalities in the digestive system.
Joints and movement: Watching how your pet walks and moves, and palpating joints for pain or stiffness, especially in older pets.

Based on these findings, your veterinarian will also discuss vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental care needs, nutrition, and whether any additional lab work or diagnostics would be useful.

Supporting your pet’s health between visits

Routine exams provide a strong foundation, but wellness is also built day by day. A few key habits help keep your dog or cat healthy between appointments:

Nutrition

Feeding your pet a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their life stage is one of the most consistent things you can do for their health. If you’re unsure whether your pet’s current food is the right fit, your veterinarian can offer guidance. Browse dog food and cat food options at PetSmart to find formulas suited to your pet’s age and needs.

Dental care

Dental disease is one of the most common and preventable health issues in pets. Daily tooth brushing is the most effective at-home option, though dental treats and water additives can also help support oral health between professional cleanings. For more guidance, see our Learning Center articles on dental health for dogs and 5 tips for healthy cat teeth. Browse dog dental care and cat dental care products at PetSmart.

Parasite prevention

Staying consistent with flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round is one of the most important wellness habits for both dogs and cats. Your veterinarian can recommend the right product for your pet’s lifestyle and your geographic area. Browse dog flea and tick treatment and cat flea and tick treatments at PetSmart.

Vitamins and supplements

Some pets benefit from targeted supplements to support specific health areas such as joint function, digestive health, skin and coat condition, or immune support. Always check with your veterinarian before adding supplements to your pet’s routine to make sure they are appropriate and won’t interact with any existing medications or conditions. For more context, see our article on does my dog need supplements? Browse dog vitamins and supplements and cat vitamins and supplements at PetSmart.

Weight management

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your pet’s risk of joint problems, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions. If your veterinarian identifies a weight concern during an exam, they can help you build a realistic plan. Our article on how to manage your dog’s weight covers the basics for dog parents.

Access to veterinary care and support

Regular veterinary care is an important part of keeping your pet healthy. Routine wellness exams, vaccinations, and preventive care help monitor your pet’s overall health and catch potential issues early. Having access to professional guidance also makes it easier to address questions, track changes over time, and make informed decisions about your pet’s care.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a wellness exam and a sick visit?

A wellness exam is a routine checkup for a pet that appears healthy. The goal is prevention, early detection, and staying current on vaccinations and parasite control. A sick visit is scheduled when your pet is showing specific symptoms or is not acting like themselves. Both types of visits are important, but they serve different purposes.

Do indoor cats need wellness exams?

Yes. Indoor cats benefit from regular wellness visits for many of the same reasons outdoor cats do. Dental disease, weight changes, kidney function, thyroid issues, and other common conditions are not limited to pets with outdoor exposure. Annual exams are the standard recommendation, with more frequent visits for older cats.

What should I bring to a wellness exam?

Bring a list of any medications, supplements, or over-the-counter products your pet is currently taking, along with the brand and type of food they eat. If your veterinarian has asked for a fecal sample, collect a small, fresh sample before the visit. It also helps to write down any behavioral or physical changes you’ve noticed, even minor ones, so you don’t forget to mention them.

How do I know if my pet is due for a wellness exam?

A good general guideline is once a year for adult dogs and cats, more often for puppies, kittens, and senior pets. If it has been over a year since your pet’s last visit with a veterinarian, it’s a good time to schedule one. Your veterinarian may also send reminders based on your pet’s individual care schedule.

What does a vet look for during a dental check?

During a wellness exam, your veterinarian will check your pet’s teeth and gums for plaque and tartar buildup, gum inflammation (gingivitis), broken or loose teeth, and signs of more advanced periodontal disease. Dental disease is among the most common findings in adult pets, so this part of the exam is particularly important.

Can wellness exams catch serious conditions early?

Yes. Regular exams improve the likelihood of catching conditions like kidney disease, thyroid dysfunction, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer at earlier, more manageable stages. Lab work completed alongside a physical exam adds significant diagnostic value, particularly for pets seven years and older. Consistent, preventive care is one of the most meaningful things a pet parent can do for their pet’s long-term health.

Information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure your pet and is not a substitute for veterinary care provided by a licensed veterinarian. For any medical or health-related advice concerning the care and treatment of your pet, contact your veterinarian.