The Annual Wellness Exam: What Your Vet Checks and Why
Prepared by the Waggle editorial team. This article is educational, not a diagnosis or an individual veterinary review.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov on Pexels. Illustrative photo; not a patient or clinical diagnosis.
A yearly wellness exam is one of the best things you can do for your pet's long-term health. Pets hide illness well, and a thorough exam can catch problems before you'd notice them at home.
What your vet checks
- Weight and body condition: trends over time matter
- Eyes and ears: discharge, redness, infection and vision changes
- Mouth and teeth: tartar, gum disease, loose or broken teeth
- Heart and lungs: murmurs, irregular rhythms and breathing sounds
- Abdomen: gentle palpation for pain, masses or enlarged organs
- Skin and coat: parasites, lumps, allergies and hot spots
- Joints and mobility: early arthritis and pain
- Lymph nodes: swelling that can signal illness
Questions your vet will ask
Expect questions about appetite, thirst, energy, bathroom habits, behavior, diet, exercise and travel. Honest, detailed answers help your vet more than you may think.
Tests and vaccines
Depending on age and lifestyle, your vet may recommend vaccines, heartworm testing, stool tests for intestinal parasites, bloodwork and urine tests. Senior pets often benefit from more frequent screening.
How often should pets go?
Most healthy adult pets benefit from a visit once a year. Puppies, kittens and seniors usually need more frequent exams. Your vet will set the right schedule.
How to prepare
- Write down questions and any changes you've noticed
- Bring a fresh stool sample if requested
- Gather records, medications and food labels, ideally from your pet health vault
- Take photos or videos of anything that comes and goes, such as limping
Ready to book? Find a vet near me.
FAQs
Is a yearly exam necessary if my pet seems healthy?
Yes. Many conditions develop quietly, and early detection often means easier, less costly treatment.
What if I have questions between visits?
Chat with a licensed vet on Waggle Vet, any time. Check current access and eligibility in the app.
Related reading
- Dental Care for Pets: Preventing Disease Before It Starts
- Parasite Prevention 101: Fleas, Ticks, and Worms
- What Belongs in Your Pet's Complete Health File
Waggle resources
Store pet documents with Waggle Vault
Find nearby US veterinary clinics
Sources and further guidance
- Merck Veterinary Manual: veterinary-reviewed pet owner resources
- AAHA: senior care guidance for dogs and cats
Sources checked October 13, 2026. These references inform the guidance; they do not mean the authors medically reviewed or endorsed this article.
Still have questions?
For non-emergency questions, explore Waggle Vet. Trouble breathing, collapse, suspected poisoning or other severe signs need immediate in-person emergency care—do not wait for an online chat.
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