When it comes to your pet’s health, proactive care is one of the most powerful tools you have. At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we believe wellness exams are more than just an annual obligation—they’re an essential part of your pet’s lifelong health plan.

Routine wellness exams help us detect early signs of illness, provide preventive treatments, and keep your dog or cat happy, active, and thriving at every life stage.

What Is a Wellness Exam—and Why Does It Matter?

A wellness exam is a full-body check-up that evaluates your pet’s physical condition and internal health. It’s designed to:

  • Catch health issues early—before they become serious
  • Prevent disease through vaccines and medications
  • Establish baselines for weight, dental health, and internal organ function

Preventive care can add years to your pet’s life and improve the quality of each day. Learn more about the importance of wellness exams from the AVMA.

Core Components of a Wellness Exam

At Peak Pet Urgent Care, our wellness exams are comprehensive and customized to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle.

1. Physical Examination

We perform a nose-to-tail assessment, checking:

  • Skin and coat condition
  • Ears, eyes, and oral health
  • Heart and lung function
  • Joints and muscle tone
  • Abdomen and lymph nodes

This exam helps identify early signs of arthritis, allergies, infections, and chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

2. Vaccinations and Preventive Medications

Vaccines are essential for protecting your pet from contagious diseases. We tailor each vaccine protocol to your pet’s risk factors, including lifestyle, environment, and travel history.

We’ll also discuss flea, tick, and heartworm prevention—critical year-round in Nevada.

Explore AVMA’s pet care vaccination guidelines

3. Diagnostic Blood Work and Lab Testing

Even healthy-looking pets can have silent issues developing internally. Bloodwork allows us to:

  • Assess kidney and liver function
  • Detect infections or metabolic disorders
  • Check for heartworm, Lyme disease, intestinal worms, or other parasitic infections
  • Establish health baselines for future comparison

Read more on the value of pet bloodwork from Pet Health Network

4. Nutritional and Weight Evaluation

Maintaining a healthy weight helps prevent:

  • Joint issues
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Reduced mobility

We’ll review your pet’s diet and activity level and offer customized feeding recommendations based on their needs. For home care tips, visit Kinship’s DIY Dog Checkup Guide.

5. Dental Health Assessment

Oral health is often overlooked but directly linked to heart, kidney, and liver health. During the exam, we’ll check for:

  • Tartar buildup and gingivitis
  • Broken or loose teeth
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Signs of infection

Learn more about how dental disease affects pets

Age-Specific Wellness Considerations

Your pet’s health needs evolve as they age. Wellness exams help us adapt care appropriately for each life stage.

Puppies and Kittens: Early Foundations

Frequent checkups are essential to:

  • Administer core vaccines
  • Check growth and development
  • Screen for parasites
  • Guide socialization and training

These visits establish a strong foundation for lifelong health.

Adult Pets: Ongoing Maintenance

Annual exams for pets aged 1–7 help detect:

  • Weight gain or loss
  • Early signs of chronic disease
  • Subtle behavioral or appetite changes

Regular assessments help maintain optimal health through adulthood.

Senior Pets: Extra Vigilance

Pets over seven years old benefit from bi-annual exams due to their increased risk of:

  • Arthritis
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Cognitive decline
  • Cancer

These visits often include additional diagnostics, such as X-rays or urinalysis.
 Learn more about signs of aging in pets from AAHA

Catching diseases like cancer, diabetes, or organ dysfunction early often means more treatment options and less invasive care. Early diagnosis can extend both lifespan and quality of life.

Managing Chronic Conditions

For pets already living with health issues, wellness exams allow us to:

  • Monitor medication efficacy
  • Adjust treatment plans
  • Track changes in symptoms or lab values

These check-ins are essential to keeping your pet comfortable and stable.

How Often Should My Pet Get a Wellness Exam?

Life Stage Exam Frequency
Puppies & Kittens Every 3–4 weeks until 16–20 weeks old
Healthy Adults Once per year
Senior Pets (7+ years) Every 6 months
Pets with Medical Needs As recommended by your veterinarian

Risks of Skipping Wellness Visits

Skipping a wellness exam may not seem like a big deal—until a preventable condition becomes an emergency. Delaying care increases the risk of:

  • Undiagnosed illness
  • Progression of chronic diseases
  • Higher veterinary costs down the road

Proactive care is not only better for your pet—it’s better for your peace of mind and your wallet.

What to Expect During a Wellness Exam

Before the Exam

Prepare by:

  • Tracking recent behavioral or appetite changes
  • Noting diet, exercise routines, and supplement use
  • Gathering previous medical records or vaccine history

During the Exam

Expect a gentle, thorough assessment that may include:

  • Full physical examination
  • Vaccine updates
  • Blood and urine testing
  • Weight and nutrition consultation

After the Exam

We’ll review findings and create a plan that may include:

  • At-home care instructions
  • Medication or supplement recommendations
  • Follow-up visits if needed

How You Can Help: Be Your Pet’s Health Advocate

Keep a Health Journal

Document changes in energy, appetite, bathroom habits, and behavior. These small details can provide valuable insight during exams.

Stick to Your Vet’s Plan

If follow-up visits, diagnostics, or treatments are recommended, don’t delay. Consistency is key to successful preventive care.

Wellness Exams Are an Investment in Your Pet’s Future

From vaccinations to early disease detection, wellness exams are one of the most effective tools we have to protect your pet’s health and happiness.

At Peak Pet Urgent Care, we’re here to make preventive care simple, accessible, and centered around your pet’s individual needs.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today

Contact us to book your pet’s exam and take the first step toward a healthier future.

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