Dog Wellness Exams at The Animal Hospital of Roxbury
At the Animal Hospital of Roxbury, your dog’s health is our top priority. Wellness exams are a vital part of keeping your pup happy, healthy, and thriving at every life stage. These routine visits help us catch potential health concerns early—before they become serious issues—and allow us to tailor care specifically to your dog’s needs.
During a wellness exam, our veterinarians will perform a thorough physical examination, discuss your dog’s lifestyle and behavior, update any necessary vaccines, and recommend parasite prevention and nutrition options. Whether your dog is a playful puppy, a lively adult, or a wise senior, wellness exams are the foundation for a long, healthy life.
We’re here to partner with you in giving your dog the best care possible—every tail wag, every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dog wellness exam and why is it important?
A dog wellness exam is an annual checkup when your dog seems healthy and happy. Even if nothing seems wrong, these exams help us catch problems early and keep your dog in the best possible health.
What does a dog wellness exam involve?
A wellness exam is a head-to-tail check of your dog. We examine the eyes, ears, nose, teeth, lymph nodes, coat, and body. We feel their belly, stretch their legs, move their head and neck, and listen to the heart and lungs. It’s a thorough look to make sure everything is working as it should.
What should I expect during a routine wellness exam at The Animal Hospital of Roxbury?
When you arrive, a technician will admit your dog and ask questions about their eating habits, energy, coughing, sneezing, vomiting, or diarrhea. Your dog will be weighed so we can track any changes over time.
How often should my dog have a wellness exam?
Healthy young dogs under about 5–7 years old usually come in once a year. As dogs age, exams twice a year can help catch health changes earlier.
What happens if the veterinarian finds something abnormal?
If something unusual is detected, we’ll discuss next steps. For example, ear discharge might lead to an ear cytology, cleaning, and medication. Lumps or bumps may require aspiration to examine the cells in the lab.
What vaccinations will my dog receive during a wellness exam?
Vaccines depend on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and exposure. Rabies is required by law and should always be up to date. Other vaccines may include distemper, bordetella, leptospirosis, Lyme, or influenza.
How can I prepare my dog for a wellness exam?
Help your dog get used to being handled, petted, or gently restrained. This makes the exam easier and less stressful for your dog, you, and our staff.
Will my dog need blood tests or lab work?
Sometimes, yes. We often do a yearly heartworm screen, which can also check for Lyme and Ehrlichia. Other tests might include a complete blood count, chemistry panel, urine, or fecal screen.
What common health issues can wellness exams detect?
Exams can find ear or eye infections, skin problems, lumps, bumps, or heart murmurs—things that can be hard to detect at home.
How can a wellness exam help manage my dog’s weight?
Weight management is easier when caught early. Wellness exams allow us to track changes, recommend diets, and adjust feeding to keep your dog healthy.
What should I bring to my dog’s wellness exam?
Bring details about your dog’s food, treats, and feeding schedule. If possible, bring urine or fecal samples, favorite toys, or treats to help your dog stay comfortable.
How can I keep my dog calm during the exam?
Every dog is different. Some love the vet, others are nervous. Bringing treats, practicing gentle handling at home, and walking on a leash can help make the visit easier.
Can a wellness exam detect early signs of serious disease?
Yes. Exams can catch early signs of heart disease, organ issues, or other conditions before they become serious problems.
What questions should I ask my veterinarian during the exam?
Ask about lumps, bumps, skin issues, scratching, external parasites, or weight changes. You can also ask how to help your dog maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What follow-up care might be needed?
Depending on findings, follow-ups could include lab results, heart evaluations (x-rays, ECG, echocardiogram), abdominal ultrasounds, or additional blood work.
Is there a specific senior wellness exam for dogs?
Senior exams are similar but may take extra time. We pay attention to arthritis, behavior changes, eating and drinking habits, and elimination patterns to keep older dogs comfortable and healthy.
See a Full Dog Physical Exam with Dr. Elia
Dr. Jamie Elia featuring Lager!
What is the first step in a dog wellness exam?
We start by examining your dog’s eyes. We check for redness, irritation, or discharge, and make sure the corneas and retinas look healthy. We also observe how your dog’s eyes react to light.
What do you check after examining the eyes?
Next, we examine the ears for any discharge, redness, irritation, swelling, or unusual odors that could indicate an infection.
Do you examine any other areas during the physical exam?
Yes! We feel for the lymph nodes under the neck and around the shoulders, check the teeth (including any unique bites, like an underbite), and inspect the nose for discharge.
Do you examine the dog’s coat as well?
Absolutely. We look over the coat to ensure it’s healthy and shiny, and we check for any lumps, bumps, scabs, or other irregularities.
How do you examine the dog’s belly?
We gently feel the belly to check for abnormalities. Some dogs relax easily, while others may tense up a bit—either way, we make sure to assess it carefully.
Are there other parts of the body you check during the exam?
Yes, we check under the tail and along the underside of the body. We also flex and extend the legs to make sure everything moves normally and to detect any issues.
Do you listen to the dog’s breathing as part of the exam?
Yes, we listen to the heart and lungs. If your dog is panting, the technician or owner may help by gently closing the mouth for a moment. Panting is normal, and we account for it while listening carefully to the lungs.
Lager gets a clean bill of health from me today. Good boy!
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (973) 691-1771, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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