October is National Pet Wellness Month, and the veterinarians at Animal Humane Society want pet parents to know why keeping up with your animal’s regular checkups are so important throughout the course of their life. 

Just like people, healthcare for your pet is extremely important. The goal of regular vet exams is to prevent illness and keep your pet healthy. Veterinarians are trained to notice when your pet might not be feeling well, or something might be bothering them, and can help guide your care decisions. Other signs your pet is unwell might go unnoticed by merely observing them, and that’s why regular lab work and physical exams are also important.  

How often should you take your pet to the vet?  

Animal Humane Society Veterinarian Dr. Erika Wehmhoff says the stage of your pet’s life can help determine how often they should be seen by a vet. Puppies and kittens are recommended to have regular visits to ensure they are healthy, fully up to date on their shots, and started on regular parasite preventatives. These first trips to the vet can also be a great chance for pet parents to ask additional questions about behavior and training, spaying or neutering, and nutrition.  

Dr. Erika says once your pet is an adult, and they are otherwise healthy, yearly visits are recommended. These visits are to keep your pet up to date on vaccines, conduct a physical exam, and discuss any lab work to determine if any health issues have occurred in the last year. In your pet’s senior years, visits to the vet are recommended more frequently, typically two times a year or anytime you notice a change in your pet’s health or behavior.  

If your pet is diagnosed with a health condition, vet visits may be recommended more frequently to help manage their condition.  

What to expect during your visit?  

At a wellness exam, you can expect vet staff to ask you questions about how your pet is doing at home and if there are any concerns you might have noticed since your last visit, including changes in appetite, haircoat, or weight. 

After the physical examination of your pet, the vet staff will make recommendations about preventive care, treatment, or other next steps. If there are any concerns found during the exam, vet staff will work with you to develop a plan to address them. 

Tips for a successful visit  

• Send your pet’s records to the vet clinic ahead of time if they have received vaccines or medical care elsewhere.  
• Include any notes that might help staff make your pet more comfortable, for example your pet’s love of peanut butter or that they do well having a towel wrap. 
• Ask your vet for pre-visit medication if your pet gets nervous at the vet. This can help minimize stress and make the visit as fear-free as possible. 

Remember, the entire vet staff cares about your pet and wants to work with you to develop a plan that works for your entire family and your lifestyle. 

If you have questions about when to bring your pet in for a vet visit, reach out to your primary veterinarian or schedule an exam.