5371 Merchants View Square, Haymarket, VA 20169
Pets can’t tell us when something feels wrong, which is why routine wellness exams are one of the most important aspects of veterinary care. At Dominion Valley Animal Hospital, we emphasize preventive medicine to help pets stay healthy and happy throughout every stage of life.
An annual wellness exam is far more than a quick checkup. It’s a comprehensive look at your pet’s overall health, including physical condition, lifestyle, weight, behavior, and any subtle changes you may have noticed. Our veterinarians take the time to examine your pet from nose to tail, including listening to the heart and lungs, checking the eyes and ears, examining the skin and coat, palpating the abdomen, and assessing joints and mobility.
During these visits, we also evaluate your pet’s vaccine status and recommend any updates needed based on lifestyle and risk exposure. Some pets may need core vaccines only, while others—especially those who board, groom, or hike—may need additional protection like Bordetella or Lyme disease prevention.
Another essential part of the wellness visit is discussing parasite prevention. Fleas, ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites are active year-round and can cause serious health problems if left untreated. We’ll recommend effective, veterinarian-approved preventatives based on your pet’s age, weight, and daily habits.
For aging pets, wellness exams may include lab work to check for signs of disease that aren’t outwardly visible. Bloodwork, urinalysis, and other diagnostics give us a deeper understanding of your pet’s internal health, allowing for early detection of kidney disease, liver issues, thyroid imbalance, or diabetes.
These appointments are also a great time to bring up questions or concerns. Whether you’re curious about behavior changes, diet, weight gain, or dental care, we’re here to offer answers and guidance.
The goal of preventive care is not just to extend your pet’s life, but to enhance their quality of life. Wellness exams are the foundation of that care. If your pet is due—or overdue—for their next checkup, contact Dominion Valley Animal Hospital at (703) 753-4444 or visit us at 5371 Merchants View Square, Haymarket, VA 20169 to schedule an appointment today.
