Dogs age much faster than humans, which means that a lot can change in just one year. A dog who seemed perfectly healthy at their last annual exam may be developing early signs of arthritis, dental disease, or internal organ changes that are only detectable through a thorough physical examination and routine bloodwork. This is why we recommend annual wellness visits for adult dogs and more frequent visits for puppies and senior dogs.

During your dog’s wellness exam, Dr. Paul will perform a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical examination, checking everything from their eyes, ears, and teeth to their heart, lungs, abdomen, and musculoskeletal system. We will review your dog’s vaccination status and administer any boosters that are due, discuss parasite prevention strategies tailored to your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors, and address any behavioral or nutritional concerns you may have.

For senior dogs (generally those 7 years and older), we recommend twice-yearly wellness visits and routine bloodwork to monitor organ function and catch age-related conditions early. Early detection of conditions like kidney disease, hypothyroidism, or diabetes can dramatically improve outcomes and quality of life.