Pet Physical Exams

A Nose-to-Tail Assessment

During a comprehensive pet physical exam, our veterinarians evaluate every part of your dog or cat's body. We check your pet's eyes, ears, and mouth for signs of infection, dental disease, or other concerns. We listen to their heart and lungs, feel their abdomen for any abnormalities, assess their skin and coat condition, examine their joints and mobility, and check their lymph nodes. We also record their weight and body condition score, important indicators that we'll track over time.

This hands-on examination often reveals issues that pets can't tell us about and that owners might not notice at home. Early detection makes treatment easier, more effective, and often less expensive.

More Than Just a Physical

A wellness exam is also a conversation. We'll ask about your pet's diet, exercise habits, behavior, bathroom habits, and any changes you've noticed at home. These details help us understand your pet's overall health and quality of life. We'll discuss preventive care like vaccinations, parasite prevention, and dental health. And we'll answer any questions you have. No concern is too small.

For senior pets or those with chronic conditions, we may recommend bloodwork or other diagnostics during the wellness visit. These tests can detect conditions such as kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid problems before symptoms appear.

How Often Does Your Pet Need a Physical Exam?

For most healthy adult dogs and cats, an annual physical exam is recommended. Puppies and kittens need more frequent visits during their first year for vaccinations and developmental monitoring. Senior pets (generally those 7 years and older) benefit from exams every 6 months, as age-related conditions can develop quickly.

Pets with chronic health conditions may need more frequent checkups to monitor their progress and adjust treatments. Our team will recommend a schedule that makes sense for your pet's age, breed, and health status.

How much does a pet physical exam cost?

Costs vary by location and whether additional services, such as vaccinations or bloodwork, are included. For members, wellness exams are included in PetfolkCare plans.

How often should my dog or cat have a physical exam?

Healthy adults need exams at least once a year. Puppies and kittens need several visits in their first year. Senior pets (age 7+) benefit from checkups every six months. Pets with chronic conditions may need more frequent visits.

What does a vet check during a physical exam?

We evaluate eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, coat, joints, lymph nodes, and overall body condition. We also record weight, discuss diet and behavior, and review vaccination status.

Do I need to bring anything to my pet's wellness exam?

Bring any medical records from previous vets if your pet is new to Petfolk. A fresh stool sample is helpful for parasite screening. Cats need a secure carrier. Write down any questions or concerns beforehand.

Can a physical exam detect disease in pets?

Physical exams can detect dental disease, ear infections, skin conditions, heart murmurs, abdominal masses, joint problems, and weight concerns. Some diseases, especially early-stage ones, require blood tests or other diagnostic tests to detect.

What's the difference between a wellness exam and a sick visit?

A wellness exam is preventive, performed when your pet is healthy to maintain health and catch problems early. A sick visit addresses a specific concern, like vomiting or limping. Both are important.

Why does my pet need an exam every year if they seem healthy?

Pets age faster than humans and are experts at hiding discomfort. A pet who seems fine may have early dental disease, a heart murmur, or weight issues. Annual exams catch these before symptoms appear.

What happens if the vet finds something wrong during the exam?

We'll explain what we found and discuss options. Some issues, like mild dental tartar, can be addressed immediately. Others may require follow-up diagnostics, medication, or a treatment plan.

Should I get a physical exam for my new puppy or kitten?

Yes. New puppies and kittens should see a veterinarian within the first few days of coming home to establish a health baseline, check for issues, and start vaccinations and preventive care.

Do senior pets need different exams than younger pets?

Senior exams are more comprehensive because older pets face a higher risk of arthritis, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems, and cancer. We typically recommend bloodwork and urinalysis in addition to the physical exam.