3 Preventive Screenings Your Pet Shouldn’t Miss

Your pet depends on you to notice quiet changes. A slower walk. A smaller meal. A new lump. These small signs can point to serious disease. Early testing often means less pain, shorter treatment, and more time together. You do not need to wait for a crisis. You can use simple screenings to catch problems before they grow. Many conditions start long before you see clear symptoms. Regular checks help your vet find trouble while it is still small. That protects your pet’s comfort and your wallet. This guide walks you through 3 preventive screenings your pet should not miss. It explains what each test finds, when your pet needs it, and how it helps. If you already see a veterinary in Rock Hill, SC, you can ask about these screenings at your next visit. Your pet cannot speak. These tests speak for them.

1. Annual Physical Exam

The yearly exam is your pet’s basic safety net. During this visit, the vet checks the whole body from nose to tail. That includes heart, lungs, eyes, ears, teeth, skin, joints, and weight.

The American Veterinary Medical Association explains that regular wellness exams help catch disease early and support a longer life. You can read more at AVMA wellness exams.

During a physical exam, your vet may

• Listen to the heart and lungs to spot murmurs and breathing trouble
• Check eyes, ears, and mouth for infection or injury
• Feel the abdomen for pain, swelling, or masses
• Test joints and muscles for stiffness or weakness
• Review weight and body shape for early obesity or weight loss

You should schedule

• Once a year for healthy adult pets
• Twice a year for seniors
• Right away, if you see a sudden change in behavior, energy, or appetite

Three strong reasons to keep this visit on the calendar

• Hidden problems become clear before they turn severe
• You get direct answers to questions about food, behavior, and vaccines
• Your pet grows used to the clinic, which reduces fear during sick visits

2. Bloodwork and Urine Testing

Blood and urine tests show how organs work on the inside. You cannot see kidney or liver damage from the outside. You often cannot feel early diabetes or thyroid disease. These tests catch trouble in silence.

The American Animal Hospital Association explains that baseline blood tests help track change over time and guide treatment. You can see details at AAHA blood work guide.

Common tests include

• CBC to measure red and white blood cells and platelets
• Chemistry panel to check liver, kidneys, sugar, and proteins
• Thyroid test for some older dogs and cats
• Urinalysis to look for infection, crystals, protein, or sugar

These tests can reveal

• Kidney disease before your pet drinks more water or loses weight
• Liver strain before jaundice or vomiting starts
• Early diabetes before a crisis
• Infections that need quick care

Ask for bloodwork and a urine test

• Yearly for most adult pets
• Every 6 months for seniors or pets on long-term medicine
• Before surgery or dental cleaning

3. Dental Screening and Cleaning

Teeth and gums affect far more than a smile. Mouth disease is common in dogs and cats. It causes pain, trouble eating, and long-term organ strain if bacteria reach the blood.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that untreated dental disease can affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. You can read their advice at FDA dental products for your pet.

Your vet will

• Check teeth and gums for tartar, redness, and loose teeth
• Look for broken teeth or mouth masses
• Recommend cleaning under anesthesia when needed

During a full dental cleaning, the team will

• Take dental X-rays if needed
• Remove plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Polish teeth to slow new buildup
• Extract teeth that cause pain or infection

You can support mouth health at home through

• Daily tooth brushing with pet-safe paste
• Approved dental chews
• Food or water additives your vet trusts

When Should Each Screening Start

Use this simple table as a guide. Your vet may change the plan based on breed, size, or past health.

Screening	Puppy or Kitten	Adult Pet	Senior Pet
Physical exam	Every 3 to 4 weeks during the first vaccines	Once a year	Every 6 months
Bloodwork and urinalysis	Before spay or neuter if your vet suggests	Once a year	Every 6 months or as advised
Dental screening and cleaning	Exam at each visit	Mouth check yearly and cleaning as needed	Mouth check every 6 months and more frequent cleaning

How To Prepare For Each Screening

You can make each visit smoother with a short plan.

Before the physical exam

• Write down changes you noticed in energy, eating, drinking, and bathroom habits
• Bring a list of current food, treats, and medicines
• Record any past reactions to vaccines or drugs

Before bloodwork and urine tests

• Ask if your pet should fast
• Bring a fresh urine sample if your vet requests
• Plan calming support for nervous pets, such as a quiet carrier or favorite toy

Before a dental cleaning

• Follow fasting rules exactly
• Share past issues with anesthesia
• Plan quiet rest time at home after the visit

Taking The Next Step

Your pet trusts you with every breath. You cannot stop every disease. You can still tilt the odds in your favor with steady care.

Start with three steps

• Schedule the next wellness exam today
• Ask your vet about yearly blood and urine tests
• Plan a dental check if your pet has bad breath or visible tartar

These screenings protect comfort, protect time, and protect your peace of mind. You do not need to wait for clear pain. You can act while your pet still seems fine. That choice often changes the whole story.

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