A visit to the vet is stressful for many pets, which can inspire their loving owners to only bring their furry friend in for care when something is wrong. Skipping your animal pal’s annual wellness testing appointment does them a big disservice, however. Even if everything seems in order, a regular checkup by a veterinarian is essential to ensuring your pet lives their happiest and healthiest life.

Just like people, animals can develop many illnesses that progress before showing discernible symptoms. Some animals will also try to hide signals of illness from the outside world. A wellness check, including a blood test, is the best way to catch signs of disease early on, allowing for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Additionally, annual wellness testing forms an important element of your pet’s medical record. Tracking the results over time allows your veterinarian to make recommendations regarding lifestyle changes — from diet to exercise — that can benefit an animal’s overall well-being. It also makes it easier to spot red flags if something is amiss.

How often does your pet need to get a checkup? During their first year, they’ll likely need multiple visits to get up to speed on vaccinations. After that, dogs and cats from seven to 10 years of age — depending on the breed — should undergo wellness testing once per year. Beyond this point, twice-yearly visits are recommended. Note that some breeds are more prone to health problems and may require more frequent wellness checks. Talk to your vet to be sure.

If you need to schedule wellness testing for your pet in Southgate, KY, put your trust in Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital. This friendly team is comprised of true animal lovers who will treat your furry family member as one of their own. Your pet is sure to feel at ease in their relaxed and welcoming environment. Find out more about their services online, and make an appointment by calling (859) 781-1800.