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The Importance of Regular Vet Visits

  • Writer: K9 Curator
    K9 Curator
  • Sep 29
  • 4 min read

...Even When Your Dog Seems Healthy


You know how people often skip their annual checkups when they feel fine? I used to think dogs were the same—if they’re wagging their tail, eating well, and sleeping soundly, what could go wrong? But life with my 3-year-old miniature schnauzer, Orson, has taught me that routine vet visits are one of the kindest things you can do for your pup. Let me share why—plus a few stories from Orson’s life that drive home what it means to care preventively, not just reactively.


image source: Taylor Cole

Why “No Symptoms” Isn’t the Same as “No Issues”

Veterinarians universally recommend wellness exams (sometimes called wellness visits) for dogs—even those that appear perfectly healthy. These visits let vets detect conditions early, before symptoms arise. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), early detection is key to more effective, less invasive treatment. source: AVMA


What kinds of things can your vet catch during a wellness visit? A whole lot:

  • Subtle changes in heart or lung sounds

  • Early signs of kidney, liver, or metabolic disease

  • Parasite infections (which may not show obvious signs)

  • Dental issues or gum disease

  • Early orthopedic joint problems

  • Preventive care planning (vaccines, parasite control)


VCA Animal Hospitals outlines that during routine exams, vets review diet, exercise, elimination habits, and past history; they also perform a full physical exam, listening to heart and lungs, palpating organs, checking skin, ears, teeth, joints, and more. Source: VCA

In other words: what seems “perfectly fine” to us may be hiding something that a trained vet can uncover.


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How Often Should You Visit the Vet?

For many adult dogs (ages ~1 to ~7 years), an annual wellness visit is the standard starting point. But depending on your dog’s breed, risk factors, and any health issues, your vet may recommend more frequent visits. Source: Stine Veterinary Hospital; Sploot Vets


The AVMA also notes that every six months can provide critical opportunities to catch conditions before they become severe. Source: AVMA


When I brought Orson in recently for his “healthy check,” I expected it to be a quick routine. But because he’s a schnauzer—a breed prone to issues like skin allergies and eye problems—my vet recommended a midyear check. I’m so glad she did.


What Happens During a Wellness Exam?

Let me walk you through a typical visit—so there are no surprises—and show why each step matters.

  1. History & Questions The vet or technician will ask about your dog’s diet, drinking habits, bowel and urine patterns, behavior changes, exercise, and more. Source: Madison Park Veterinary Hospital ; Regal Veterinary Center

  2. Physical Exam (Head-to-Tail)

  3. Diagnostic Tests

    Depending on age, breed, and health, your vet may recommend:

    • Bloodwork (CBC, kidney/liver panels, electrolytes)

    • Urinalysis

    • Fecal (stool) exam for parasites

    • Heartworm/ tick-borne disease tests

      Many of these detect conditions that aren’t obvious yet. Source: PetMD ; VCA ; Metrovet Veterinary Clinic ; AAHA

  4. Vaccines & Parasite Prevention Your vet reviews vaccine status, updates shots if needed, and advises on ongoing flea, tick, and heartworm control. Source: Metrovet Veterinary Clinic ; AAHA

  5. Lifestyle & Nutrition Review The vet may suggest diet adjustments, weight control, joint supplements, or behavior support, depending on your dog’s needs.

  6. Discussion & Plan Finally, the vet and you will discuss findings, recommended next steps (if any), and schedule the next visit.

Even if everything is normal, this visit gives foundational data (aka a “baseline”) so future changes are easier to spot.


Two Tales from Orson’s Wellness Visits

A. The “Sneaky Ear Infection” Orson’s ears always looked clean. I assumed they were fine. But during a routine exam, the vet noticed mild redness inside one ear and signs of irritation. It wasn’t something I would’ve caught early—but treating it early saved him from developing a full-blown ear infection that could have caused pain, scratching, or hearing damage.


B. The Silent Splinter I noticed Orson was licking his back right paw obsessively but I couldn't find anything lodged in his pads or the fur. Luckily this was a day before his wellness visit so when I brought him in, I was grateful that the vet discovered a small thorn stuck between his toes. Because we caught it early, we avoided the paw getting painfully infected and a costly recovery. A small thorn turned into a big lesson: it’s not just paw care, it’s worth the checkup.


Benefits of Staying Consistent

  • Early detection = easier treatment

  • Lower long-term costs vs waiting until severe problems emerge

  • Better quality of life for your pet

  • Peace of mind for you

  • Opportunity to fine-tune diet, weight, supplements

Wellness exams are preventive care in action—they help your vet catch and manage issues before they escalate.


Tips to Make Vet Visits Less Stressful

  • Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise)

  • Visit the clinic occasionally just for treats and socializing

  • Bring your pup's favorite toy or blanket

  • Schedule during quieter hours

  • Ask your vet what parts of the exam you can learn to help yourself


Invite & Share

If you’ve ever skipped vet visits because your dog seemed “fine,” I hope Orson’s stories encourage you to rethink that. Your pup can’t say “something hurts,” but regular vet care gives them a silent voice.

Share this post with fellow dog parents—because the more we talk about preventive care, the healthier our pups can be. 🐾 And let us know in the comments: when was your dog’s last “just because” vet visit?


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