Pets can seem perfectly well while small changes are easy to miss in day-to-day life. A regular health check gives you an opportunity to share what you have noticed at home, review preventive care and decide with your veterinary team whether anything needs closer attention. It is valuable preventive care, but it cannot guarantee that every condition will be found.
Why regular check-ups matter
Your observations are an important part of the visit. Let us know about changes in appetite, drinking, toileting, activity, sleep, mobility, weight, skin or coat, breathing, comfort or behaviour. Mention new lumps, bad breath, itching, discharge from the eyes or nose, or anything that simply seems out of character. A short video or photo can be helpful when a sign comes and goes.
The consultation gives the veterinary team a chance to take a history and perform an examination, then discuss any findings and next steps with you. Oral health is worth raising even if your pet is eating normally, because dental problems may not be obvious at home. A check-up can also be a practical time to make sure your pet’s microchip record is current.
Prevention is part of the picture
Vaccination status and parasite prevention are sensible topics for a health check. The most suitable plan depends on your pet’s age, medical history, environment and lifestyle, including travel, boarding, training or contact with other animals. Bring your vaccination record and details or photos of any parasite-prevention products you use so the team can review them with you.
You can also use the appointment to talk about food, exercise, behaviour or a recent change at home. These details help build a fuller picture of your pet’s health and wellbeing. For more information, see our dog vaccination guidance and parasite-prevention article.
How often should my pet have a check-up?
Healthy adult pets should have at least one veterinary health check each year. Puppies, kittens, senior pets and animals with ongoing medical conditions may need examinations more often. Your veterinarian can recommend the appropriate frequency for your pet’s age, health, lifestyle and individual circumstances. For related information, see how often to take your pet to the vet.
Do not wait for a routine check-up if your pet becomes unwell or you are worried about a sudden change. Contact your veterinary team so they can advise on the most appropriate next step.
Make the most of the visit
Before the appointment, make a short list of questions and changes you have noticed. Include current medications, supplements or recent procedures, and bring relevant records where possible. This helps make sure the issues that matter most to you are discussed.
If you would like to review your pet’s preventive care or have noticed a change, contact Vets of Geelong to arrange a health check. Vets of Geelong is a family-owned veterinary group with clinics in Highton, Geelong West, Lara and East Geelong.