Author: Wayne R. Deason DVM
At Deason Animal Hospital they emphasize that regular wellness exams are the foundation of a longer and healthier life for dogs. For puppies and adult dogs they recommend annual exams. For senior dogs they suggest twice-yearly evaluations.
During the wellness exam the veterinarian will review your dog’s medical history, record weight, check vital signs and conduct a full physical examination. It’s also an excellent time to discuss topics such as nutrition, dental care, mobility issues, age-related changes, lifestyle, breed-specific concerns and vaccination schedules.
Create an individualized plan based on your dog’s age, breed, lifestyle and environment. This includes vaccinations, heartworm and parasite prevention, fecal and urine testing, and preventive diagnostics.
Appropriate diet and maintaining a healthy weight contribute significantly to your dog’s overall wellbeing. Monitor changes in appetite, weight and energy levels and bring such concerns to your veterinarian.
Oral health is linked to systemic health. Tartar, plaque, bad breath or gum disease can lead to more serious conditions. Regular check-ups and home dental care are important.
Puppies require a different approach than adult or senior dogs. For example, Deason Animal Hospital develops a preventive health plan tailored for puppies that considers size, breed, environment and activity level.
closer monitoring is recommended. Twice-yearly exams help to detect early signs of age-related issues such as joint disease, dental problems and internal organ changes.
Consistent communication with your veterinarian ensures that care evolves as your dog grows and changes. Use wellness visits to ask questions about behavior, diet, vaccinations, diagnostic testing and emerging concerns.
Most dogs benefit from an annual wellness exam. Senior dogs and those with chronic conditions may require checkups every six months for closer monitoring.
Preventive care helps identify health concerns early, supports disease prevention through vaccinations and parasite control, and promotes long-term wellbeing through regular assessments.
Changes in appetite, weight, behavior, mobility, energy level or bathroom habits can all signal a need for evaluation. Persistent coughing, vomiting or skin issues also warrant a visit.
Maintain a balanced diet, ensure routine dental care, provide daily exercise and enrichment, keep vaccinations up to date and follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for preventive testing.
Canine wellness is built on a foundation of preventive care, early detection and consistent communication with a trusted veterinary team. Regular wellness exams allow veterinarians to evaluate your dog’s overall health, review medical history, monitor weight, identify changes in behavior or mobility and recommend age-appropriate screenings. A comprehensive approach to prevention includes vaccinations, parasite control, nutritional guidance and routine dental assessments that protect both oral and systemic health. Because dogs have evolving needs at each life stage, puppies, adult dogs and senior dogs require tailored plans that address growth, activity level, breed-specific risks and age-related conditions. By working closely with your veterinarian and maintaining a proactive care schedule, you support a longer, healthier and more comfortable life for your dog while ensuring that any emerging concerns are managed before they become significant problems.
