Wellness Exams
What We Check During
Your Pet's Wellness Exam
A wellness exam is a thorough, systematic health assessment — not just a quick look. Our veterinarian evaluates your pet from head to tail, looking for early signs of disease, changes since the last visit, and anything that might affect their quality of life.
Prevention and Early Detection
Pets age faster than people and can't always show us when something is wrong. A yearly wellness exam gives us a clear picture of your pet's health at every stage of life — and catches problems early, when they're most treatable. It's also an opportunity to ask any questions about nutrition, behaviour, dental care, or anything else you've noticed.
A Head-to-Tail Assessment
Here's exactly what we evaluate during a wellness exam.
Skin & Coat
We assess coat condition, look for signs of allergies, parasites, lumps, or skin irritation that might indicate a broader health issue.
Musculoskeletal
We check joints, muscle tone, and range of motion — especially important for detecting early arthritis in senior pets.
Cardiovascular
Heart rate and rhythm are assessed with a stethoscope. Murmurs or irregular rhythms that need monitoring or follow-up can often be caught here.
Respiratory
Breathing rate, lung sounds, and airway are evaluated. Abnormalities can indicate infection, allergies, or structural issues.
Urogenital
We assess for signs of bladder, kidney, or reproductive issues — particularly relevant in older or intact animals.
Ears
Ears are examined for infection, mites, wax buildup, and inflammation. Many ear problems are caught before a pet shows obvious discomfort.
Neurologic
Basic neurologic function is assessed including reflexes and coordination. This helps detect issues that can affect quality of life if left unaddressed.
Abdomen
Abdominal palpation lets us check the size and feel of internal organs including the liver, spleen, kidneys, and bladder for irregularities.
Lymph Nodes
Swollen lymph nodes can be an early sign of infection or immune system issues. We check key nodes throughout the body.
Mucous Membranes
Gum colour and moisture are a quick indicator of circulation, hydration, and overall systemic health.
Oral Health
Dental disease is extremely common in pets and often underdiagnosed. We check for tartar buildup, gum recession, and signs of pain.
Senior Pets Need More
Pets over 7–10 years old are considered senior and benefit from exams every six months. As pets age, health can change rapidly — joint disease, kidney function, thyroid issues, and dental disease become more common. More frequent exams let us stay ahead of these changes and manage them early.
What to Bring
- • Any previous vaccine records (if this is your first visit)
- • A list of medications or supplements your pet currently takes
- • A fresh stool sample if you want parasite testing included
- • Your questions — there are no silly ones
Common Questions
Book Your Pet's Wellness Exam
Annual exams are the foundation of good pet health. Book today and we'll take care of the rest.
Already a client? Book via the DaySmart PetCare app
Also see: Cat Vaccines · Puppy Vaccines · Parasite Control