Do I need to take my pet to the vet for wellness check-ups if they seem healthy?

When your pet is in the prime of their life, with behavioral coaching in the rearview mirror and age-related ailments still distant, it may seem like all it requires to keep them feeling their best is a full water bowl and a daily snuggle session. However, diligently keeping up with preventive veterinary care during this period is actually crucial to maintaining your pet’s health in the long run. 

What is preventive veterinary care?

Preventive care includes any treatment, service or procedure recommended by your vet to maintain your pet’s overall health and to avoid illness or injury. Some examples of common preventive care procedures include physical exams, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, spaying and neutering, dental prophylaxis and diagnostic services like blood, urine and fecal testing. 

Some preventive care treatments only need to be administered once (like spaying or neutering), while others should happen on an annual basis or at specific seasonal touchpoints. It’s best to work with your dog or cat’s veterinarian to establish a personalized schedule for check-ups and wellness visits.

How do preventive visits keep pets healthy?

With veterinary care costs on the rise, some pet parents may wonder if they can skip occasional wellness visits without compromising their furry friend’s health. Our informed answer? Not really. To better understand why skipping routine care can have a negative impact on your pet’s health, let’s dive into the benefits of preventive care.

‍Full nose-to-tail examinations ensure your pet’s major body systems are healthy‍

A comprehensive physical exam by your veterinarian is a hallmark of wellness care. It might not seem like much from the outside, but this exam is critical for evaluating the eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, skin, muscles, joints, nerves, digestive tract and other body systems. It’s also a valuable opportunity for the veterinary team to collect information from you about your pet’s lifestyle, behavior and diet.

‍Lab work uncovers trends in your pet’s internal organ function

Blood work and urine tests measure cells, electrolytes, proteins, hormones and other substances in your pet’s body. Vets watch for trends to understand the function of your pet’s major organs, like their liver and kidneys. Blood tests also screen for hidden infections like heartworm and Lyme disease. Fecal testing checks for intestinal parasites that can impact growth in young pets. With the right information, your vet can help catch issues early and make solid decisions about ongoing care and treatment for your pet.

Vaccinations protect both pets and pet parents

Without the proper protection, dangerous illnesses like rabies and leptospirosis can impact both pets and humans. That’s why vaccines are not just essential — sometimes they’re even legally required to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. During your wellness visits, your vet will recommend a vaccine schedule based on factors like your pet’s age, breed, location and lifestyle. 

Latent health issues are often found during wellness visits

Pets (especially cats) are excellent at hiding signs of illness. It’s a skill that was essential to their survival before they became domesticated animals. In addition, subtle changes in physical appearance can easily be missed in day-to-day observation. Vets are specially trained to identify even subtle abnormalities, including gradual weight change, dental tartar and suspicious lumps. Problems that are caught early are easier and less expensive to treat. 

An established relationship with your vet benefits your pet’s long-term health

Wellness visits are a great opportunity for you and your pet to get acquainted with your care team. Each pet has their own unique quirks, so having a veterinary team that’s familiar with their temperament and health history makes it easier to design the optimal treatment plan in the event of a serious illness or injury. 

Things you can do to make vet visits less stressful for your pet

If you’re hesitant to schedule vet visits because it’s difficult to get your pet to cooperate, try these tips:

• ‍Start crate or carrier training early: Use positive reinforcement to get your pet used to traveling in a crate or carrier. Try leaving the carrier out with the door open and rewarding them with treats every time they approach or climb inside it.

• Consider sedatives for pets with serious vet anxiety: Talk to your vet about sedatives for pets that are highly stressed during travel and vet exams. It’s safer for everyone when a fearful pet is sedated; vets can perform a thorough exam and a sedated pet won’t experience intense fear and anxiety.

• Opt for telehealth consultations when appropriate: While some procedures have to be performed in-person, virtual visits can be great options for discussing follow-up care, behavioral issues and nutritional advice. Use a mix of both in-office and telehealth appointments to ensure your pet is getting the best care with minimal stress. 

Even if you think your pet is perfectly healthy, an annual exam with a veterinarian is still essential to confirm their health, establish a baseline and catch any potential health issues early. Consistent preventive care improves your pet’s quality of life and strengthens your bond with them.

Not sure where to begin your pet’s wellness journey? Visit Vetster for expert veterinary advice. If you’re worried about the cost of check-ups, consider adding a preventive care plan — like Fetch Wellness — to your existing pet insurance to help protect your pet and your wallet.