What is a wellness exam?

A wellness exam is a preventive veterinary checkup performed on a pet that shows no obvious signs of illness. During the visit, your veterinarian will conduct a complete physical examination, listening to the heart and lungs, feeling the abdomen, checking the teeth and gums, inspecting the eyes and ears, and assessing overall body condition. The vet will also review your pet's medical history and discuss lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and behavior.

Wellness exams typically include assessment of vaccination status. Your vet will recommend which vaccines your pet needs based on age, risk factors, and lifestyle (indoor versus outdoor, for example). These visits also provide an opportunity to discuss parasite prevention for fleas, ticks, and intestinal worms.

For senior pets (usually 7 years and older), wellness exams may be recommended more frequently, sometimes twice yearly, to catch age-related conditions early. Bloodwork or other diagnostics are not routine parts of a basic wellness exam but may be recommended based on findings or your pet's age and health status.

Regular wellness exams establish a baseline for your pet's health, allow your veterinarian to catch problems before they become serious, and help you make informed decisions about preventive care. If you're looking for providers in Austin, general practice veterinarians offer this essential service.