Annual Exams
by Dr. Lauren Ritchey, Veterinarian, Humane Society of Harrisburg Area
Annual veterinary examinations are incredibly important. On average, pets age an equivalent of five to seven years for every one human year. This means that a lot of changes can occur to a pet’s health over the span of just one year.
While routine vaccinations are very important to protect your pet’s overall health, they should not be the only annual care that your pet receives. Annual physical examinations can allow for your veterinarian to detect abnormalities and address them quickly. Annual examinations let your veterinarian check your pet for common concerning conditions like heart disease, dental disease, skin and ear infections, abnormal weight changes, and masses.
If your pet has any concerning issues or if they are considered geriatric (> 7 years old), your veterinarian may recommend a blood screening to monitor internal organ function. This type of testing can provide very useful information and allow for quick intervention if something is wrong.
During your pet’s annual veterinary examination, your veterinarian may discuss preventive medical care like vaccinations, deworming, and flea/tick/heartworm prevention. It is great time to discuss any concerns you have about your pet’s health and well-being. You can schedule your pet’s annual examination through HSHA’s Veterinary Resource Center. We look forward to seeing you and your pet!
For additional information on what to expect during an annual exam, please check out our veterinary care check-up information sheets: