Annual wellness exams are one of the most important parts of preventive veterinary care for dogs and cats. Pets can develop health problems gradually, and many conditions may not show obvious signs at home until they are more advanced.

At East Side Animal Hospital in Scarborough, our veterinary team provides wellness exams for puppies, kittens, adult pets, and senior dogs and cats. These visits help us assess your pet’s overall health, update preventive care recommendations, and detect concerns early.

What Is an Annual Wellness Exam?

An annual wellness exam is a complete physical examination and preventive healthcare visit. During the visit, the veterinarian evaluates your pet from nose to tail and discusses lifestyle, diet, vaccines, parasite prevention, dental health, behavior, and any concerns you have noticed at home.

What the Veterinarian Checks

• Weight and body condition
• Eyes, ears, nose, and mouth
• Teeth, gums, tartar, and dental disease
• Heart and lungs
• Skin, coat, lumps, and bumps
• Abdomen and hydration
• Joints, mobility, and pain signs
• Vaccination status
• Parasite prevention needs

Why Wellness Exams Are Important for Dogs

Dogs may hide discomfort or continue acting normally despite dental disease, arthritis, weight changes, skin problems, or early internal disease. Routine exams help detect issues before they become more serious.

Why Wellness Exams Are Important for Cats

Cats are very good at hiding illness. Changes in appetite, thirst, urination, weight, behavior, or grooming habits may be subtle. Annual exams help identify problems earlier.

• Weight loss or weight gain
• Dental disease or oral pain
• Kidney or thyroid concerns
• Arthritis or reduced jumping
• Changes in litter box habits
• Skin, coat, or grooming changes

Wellness Bloodwork

Bloodwork may be recommended based on your pet’s age, symptoms, medical history, medications, or upcoming procedures. Wellness blood testing can help evaluate internal organ function and detect early changes not visible during physical exam alone.

• Complete blood count
• Kidney and liver values
• Blood sugar screening
• Protein and electrolyte levels
• Thyroid testing when recommended
• Urinalysis when appropriate

How Often Should Pets Have Wellness Exams?

Most healthy adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam at least once per year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets, and pets with chronic medical conditions may need more frequent visits.

• Puppies and kittens: multiple visits during vaccine series
• Healthy adult pets: usually once yearly
• Senior pets: often every 6–12 months depending on health
• Pets with chronic disease: schedule based on veterinarian recommendation

What to Bring to Your Pet’s Wellness Visit

• Previous vaccine records if available
• List of current medications and supplements
• Your pet’s current food and feeding amount
• Any recent changes in appetite, thirst, urination, weight, or behavior
• Questions about vaccines, diet, dental care, or parasite prevention

Book a Pet Wellness Exam in Scarborough

East Side Animal Hospital provides annual wellness exams, vaccinations, parasite prevention, dental assessment, wellness bloodwork, and preventive veterinary care for dogs and cats in Scarborough and Toronto.

If your pet is due for a checkup, our team is here to help keep them healthy, comfortable, and protected.