If you’ve ever wondered what your dog or cat really thinks about their annual checkups, we’re here to clear things up. Because while you’re focused on driving to your appointment, your pet has a completely different thought process happening in the backseat. You probably have a good idea of what to expect during a veterinary exam, but your pet might not.
Here’s how most annual wellness exams go…from your pet’s point of view.
“Where are we going?”
Dogs always assume they’re going to the park. Cats usually assume you’ve betrayed them.
Either way, the minute you grab the carrier or leash, your pet knows something is up. For pets who get nervous in the car, small comforts can make a big difference. A cozy carrier, familiar blanket, or cracked window can help calm their nerves. Safe, secure travel helps them relax before the appointment even starts.
“Why did you bring that?”
If you’re wondering whether you need to bring a stool sample to your annual exam, your pet definitely wonders the same thing.
A stool sample lets your vet check for intestinal parasites, which are common and easy to treat when they’re caught early. We’ll always let you know when a stool sample is needed, so there’s no need to worry your four-legged friend by following them around while they do their business. And to take some stress off of you, the sample doesn’t need to be fancy. Just fresh.
“Why does the vet want to know how I’ve been feeling?”
At the start of the exam, your veterinarian will ask questions about your pet’s eating habits, bathroom habits, behavior changes, and general routine.
If pets could answer honestly, they’d probably say:
- “I did chew on something weird last week, but I’m not telling you what it was.”
- “I nap more now because it’s my new hobby.”
- “Sometimes I act like mom didn’t feed me so that dad will give me a second breakfast.”
But since they can’t talk, your observations help your vet catch early signs of illness before they become real problems.
“Why are they touching me this way?”
During a physical exam, your vet will check your pet from nose to tail. That includes:
- Listening to their heart and lungs
- Taking their temperature
- Checking their teeth and gums
- Feeling their abdomen
- Looking at their skin, coat, and joints
Most pets think one of two things: this is a free massage, or it’s the worst thing that’s ever happened to them. There’s no in-between for cats and dogs. But this hands-on exam helps catch issues like arthritis, dental disease, lumps, bumps, and early organ changes.
“Is that a needle? It better come with treats.”
Every wellness exam includes keeping your pet up to date on vaccines. Because viruses and bacteria can show up unexpectedly, even indoor pets benefit from core vaccines.
Your pet may need booster shots for core vaccinations like:
- Rabies
- Distemper
- Parvo
- FVRCP (for cats)
- Bordetella (especially for social pets)
Vaccines keep your pet protected year-round, and although your pet may be wary of the needles, we always try to distract them with treats, pets, and our best baby-talk voices.
“Are we done yet?”
After the exam, it’s time for Q&A. Your vet will talk you through any general health observations, and make recommendations based on updated diet information, your pet’s weight, their dental health, and deworming or any other preventive care they might need.
Your pet hears none of this because they’re too busy licking the last traces of treats off their lips, but these notes will help you set your pet up for good health in the future.
Keeping Your Pet Healthy All Year Long
Annual wellness exams aren’t just routine. They’re also one of the best ways to keep your pet healthy. Regular checkups help us spot changes in behavior, mobility, and energy levels, and they help us detect any potential problems so we can keep your pet feeling great.
At LazyPaw Animal Hospital, our annual wellness exams are quick, simple, and stress-free. We love getting to know our patients through every goofy wiggle and confused head tilt. Whether it’s time for booster shots, or you just have a few questions, give us a call. We want to make every visit a good one for you and your best friend.
Photo by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 1/5/26.