Should I Schedule Annual Wellness Visits?

Wellness visits are an essential part of your pets healthcare. Responsible pet ownership begins with a veterinary consult and physical examination.  There are many reasons why you should schedule regular visits to your veterinarian.  Some of these include:

• Just because your pet looks OK to you, doesn't necessarily mean your pet is reaching his or her maximum potential. 10% of all healthy looking pets are diagnosed with a "hidden" disease during their annual exam,that is a disease that your pet showed no signs of having.
• In animals, many conditions show no or very few signs at the beginning of the disease.  By the time signs become visible, the disease has become more serious and more difficult to treat.
• Your pets health will change as he or she gets older.  Since pets age faster than humans, major health changes can occur faster.  Owners often confuse signs of illness with aging changes.
• Early detection and treatment can ensure that your pet can live a longer and healthier life.  Annual wellness exams will help ensure a continuation of your pets loving bond with you.

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Additionally, dogs and cats 12 years of age and older should have regular wellness exams every 6 months, as a way of early detection or monitoring any pre-existing conditions.