At Southern Crossing Animal Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, we know your pet is more than just an animal—they’re a member of your family. One of the most effective ways to ensure your companion enjoys a long, healthy life is through regular wellness exams. These preventive checkups do far more than update vaccines; they’re essential for detecting health issues early, maintaining overall wellness, and guiding personalized care as your pet ages.

What Is a Wellness Exam?

A wellness exam is a comprehensive health check that evaluates your pet’s physical condition, internal health, and lifestyle. These exams typically include:

  • Full physical examination
  • Vaccinations and parasite prevention
  • Blood and urine testing
  • Weight and diet assessment
  • Age-specific health screenings

Regular exams allow your veterinarian to detect issues before they become serious, saving you stress, time, and money—and protecting your pet’s long-term health.

Learn more about the importance of wellness exams – AVMA

Why Wellness Exams Matter

1. Early Detection of Health Conditions

Many serious illnesses—including kidney disease, diabetes, and heart disease—don’t show obvious symptoms until advanced stages. Regular exams can identify early warning signs and allow for timely treatment.

2. Preventive Care Saves Lives

Routine checkups ensure your pet receives vital vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental assessments. These reduce the risk of illness, pain, and infection.

3. A Customized Approach to Long-Term Health

Every pet is unique. Wellness visits help tailor care to your pet’s breed, age, lifestyle, and medical history.

What’s Included in a Wellness Exam

Physical Exam

Your veterinarian will assess your pet from nose to tail—checking their eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, joints, skin, and more. This helps detect:

  • Lumps or tumors
  • Arthritis
  • Dental disease
  • Skin issues

Vaccinations & Parasite Prevention

  • Core vaccines (like rabies and distemper) protect against widespread threats.
  • Non-core vaccines may be recommended based on lifestyle and exposure risk.
  • Flea, tick, and heartworm prevention are crucial for year-round protection.

Blood Work & Diagnostic Testing

Routine diagnostics reveal what’s going on inside the body:

  • Blood tests evaluate kidney, liver, and thyroid function.
  • Urinalysis checks for infections or early signs of diabetes and kidney disease.

Learn more about blood work for your dog – Pet Health Network

Nutritional & Weight Assessment

Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic disease. Your vet will:

  • Evaluate your pet’s body condition score
  • Discuss dietary needs
  • Make recommendations to support energy, weight, and longevity

Wellness Care by Life Stage

Puppies & Kittens

  • Frequent visits for vaccinations, deworming, and growth tracking
  • Discussion on spaying/neutering, behavior, and nutrition
  • Early detection of congenital or developmental issues

Adult Pets (1–7 years)

  • Annual checkups to monitor health and update vaccines
  • Screening for parasites, heart disease, and early joint issues
  • Emphasis on dental health and nutrition

Senior Pets (7+ years)

  • More frequent exams—every 6 months is often recommended
  • Focus on age-related conditions such as:
    • Arthritis
    • Heart disease
    • Cognitive dysfunction
  • Additional diagnostics like X-rays, blood pressure monitoring, or thyroid testing

Read more: Recognizing Senior Pet Health Problems – AAHA

The Risks of Skipping Wellness Exams

1. Missed Early Warnings

Without regular exams, conditions like cancer, diabetes, or kidney disease may go unnoticed until symptoms become severe—making treatment more difficult and outcomes less favorable.

2. Preventable Diseases and Complications

Without routine care, pets may miss vaccines or fall behind on heartworm and parasite prevention, increasing the risk of infection, pain, and long-term damage.

What to Expect Before, During, and After the Exam

Before the Visit

  • Bring a list of your pet’s current medications
  • Note any behavior changes, appetite shifts, or symptoms
  • Be prepared to discuss your pet’s diet, routine, and lifestyle

During the Visit

  • Full physical exam and diagnostic testing (as needed)
  • Dental, weight, and mobility assessment
  • Vaccines or preventive medications

After the Visit

  • Personalized health recommendations
  • Updates to your pet’s vaccination and parasite prevention schedule
  • Follow-up testing or treatments, if required

The Long-Term Benefits of Preventive Care

Early Detection Saves Lives

Catching diseases early gives you more treatment options, a better chance of recovery, and a longer life for your pet.

It’s More Cost-Effective

Wellness exams can help avoid expensive emergency care or prolonged treatment for preventable illnesses.

Peace of Mind

Knowing you’re doing everything possible to keep your pet healthy brings confidence and reassurance as they grow older.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today

Investing in your pet’s routine care is one of the most loving choices you can make. Whether your pet is young, aging, or somewhere in between, Southern Crossing Animal Hospital is here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us today to schedule your pet’s wellness exam!

A lifetime of good health begins with regular checkups. Let’s partner together to give your pet the long, happy life they deserve.