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Wellness Care
Yearly Wellness Checks for Your Pet
Annual, routine checkups for your pet at East Ridge Animal Hospital are very important when it comes to preventing any health risks and making sure their needs are met. During the annual pet exam, our doctors will perform a thorough physical examination to check for any changes. Copies of medical records are available upon request. We’ll also discuss all diagnostic tests with you that are appropriate for your pet and can be completed in our clinic.
Canine Wellness Tests
Heartworm tests are performed annually for all dogs. We also recommend blood panels to check their blood sugar, kidney and liver functions, and electrolytes. Vaccines and parasite control is also administered as part of their exam. A urinalysis may also be helpful. Our annual canine wellness exam includes:
Physical exam
Bordetella vaccination
DHPP
Fecal exam for intestinal parasites
Heartworm and tick-borne disease test
Leptospirosis
Rabies vaccination
Feline Wellness Tests
Heartworm tests for cats are recommended but not required. We also recommend the FeLV and FIV vaccinations are given as part of their exam. Our services for felines vary depending on where your pet spends most of their time. All our annual exams include a deworming and are broken down as follows:
Physical exam
Feline leukemia test/ FIV vaccination
FVRCP
Profender
Rabies vaccination
Additionally, Dr. Karen Knarr is specially trained in traditional Chinese medicine, which she incorporates into her nutritional recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wellness exam cost?
The cost of a wellness exam can vary depending on your pet’s individual needs and any treatments required during the visit. We believe in transparent care, so our veterinary team will always provide a detailed estimate for any recommended services before they are performed. This ensures the treatment plan fits your budget. Think of a wellness exam as an investment in your pet’s long-term health; it is often more affordable to prevent disease through regular check-ups than to treat a serious illness caught in its later stages.
How often should my pet have a wellness visit?
Generally, we recommend annual wellness exams for most healthy adult pets. For senior pets or those with chronic health conditions, more frequent visits—such as every six months—can be beneficial to monitor their health and maintain their quality of life. We can also discuss a schedule for young or adolescent pets to ensure they are growing properly. Your veterinarian will help determine the best visit frequency based on your pet’s specific needs.
What questions should I ask during a wellness visit?
A wellness visit is a perfect time to partner with your vet in your pet’s healthcare. To make the most of your appointment, we encourage you to come prepared with questions. Key topics might include:
- Parasite Prevention: “What are the most common parasite risks in our area, and what prevention products do you recommend?”
- Nutrition & Weight: “Is my pet at an ideal body weight? Is their current diet meeting their nutritional needs?”
- Behavior: “We’ve noticed [new behavior]. Is this normal, or is there something we should address together?”
