The What and Why of Annual
Health Checks
What does an annual health check involve?
Annual checks include a nose-to-tail check-up by a qualified veterinarian to ensure that there are not detectable conditions flying under the radar. Pets hide their problems very well from their families, so a good physical examination can identify problems before your pet will tell you about them. Vets like to check weight, oral health, heart, joints, skin and fur, etc. to ensure that your pet is in good condition and give advice if needed. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask anything you need; there are no bad questions when it comes to caring for your beloved pet.
Why does my pet need yearly checks?
Even if your pet is receiving a triennial (every three years) vaccine, it is strongly recommended to take them in for annual health checks. Certain conditions may not show symptoms that we would normally pick up on, that can be detected by an experienced vet. You also need to monitor your pet’s oral health, as dental disease and tooth pain can easily go undetected. Discussing your pet’s behaviour, age, nutrition, feeding routine etc. helps to create an understanding of your pet’s ‘normal’, which in turn helps you notice when something is wrong. If you have any particular concerns about your pet’s health or behaviour, give your vet clinic notice so that they can allocate extra time if needed.