Keeping Your Pup Healthy Year After Year
At Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital, your trusted vet clinic and animal hospital serving Jensen Beach, FLS, we believe that one of the best gifts you can give your pup is a yearly wellness exam. Just like people, dogs benefit from routine checkups—even when they seem perfectly healthy. If you’ve been Googling “vet near me” to find out whether it’s really necessary to visit the veterinarian every year, the answer is a resounding yes.
Our experienced veterinarians at Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital are here to explain why those yearly visits matter, what’s involved in a canine wellness exam, and how they can help your furry bestie live a longer, healthier life.
Why Yearly Exams Are So Important
Dogs Age Faster Than We Do
Your pooch may always feel like your baby, but dogs age much faster than humans. A lot can change in a year for your canine companion. That’s why annual vet visits are critical for catching health issues early—when they’re most treatable.
For example, a 7-year-old dog is already considered a senior. Regular checkups help us monitor aging-related changes in real time.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Annual visits aren’t just about treating illness—they’re about preventing it. During your dog’s wellness exam, our vets assess everything from heart and lung function to joint health and dental hygiene. We can identify problems early and recommend steps to keep your pup thriving.
Prevention often includes:
- Core vaccinations
- Heartworm and fecal testing
- Flea, tick, and parasite control
- Bloodwork to check organ function
- Dental checks
What Happens During a Dog’s Annual Vet Visit?
A Nose-to-Tail Exam
Our veterinarians perform a thorough physical exam that includes:
- Checking eyes, ears, teeth, and gums
- Listening to the heart and lungs
- Palpating the abdomen
- Assessing skin, coat, and paws
- Monitoring weight and muscle condition
This hands-on approach helps detect lumps, infections, and early signs of disease.
Vaccinations and Preventive Care
We review your pup’s vaccine history and administer any needed boosters. Core vaccines protect against distemper, parvovirus, rabies, and more. Depending on your dog’s lifestyle, we might recommend non-core vaccines like Bordetella (kennel cough) or Lyme disease.
We also discuss flea, tick, and heartworm prevention—especially important in Jensen Beach, FLS, where parasite exposure can be a year-round concern.
Bloodwork and Diagnostic Screening
Routine blood tests and urinalysis allow us to evaluate your dog’s liver, kidney, thyroid, and more. These internal checks are essential, especially for senior dogs or breeds prone to genetic conditions.
How Annual Exams Can Add Years to Your Dog’s Life
Early detection can be life-saving. Catching conditions like:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Dental disease
- Heart murmurs
- Skin infections
- Kidney disease
…allows for faster, more effective treatment. In many cases, we can manage chronic conditions with medication or lifestyle changes that help your canine buddy live comfortably for years.
For puppies and seniors, we may recommend more frequent visits. Young dogs need a series of vaccines and developmental checks, while older dogs benefit from closer monitoring.
FAQs
What if my dog seems perfectly healthy?
That’s great—but even healthy dogs can hide problems. Annual exams catch early warning signs before they become serious.
Are annual visits really necessary for indoor dogs?
Yes. Even indoor pups need vaccines, parasite prevention, and dental care. Plus, underlying conditions don’t discriminate based on indoor vs. outdoor status.
What vaccines does my dog need every year?
Core vaccines like rabies and DHPP are essential. Non-core vaccines depend on your dog’s exposure risk. We’ll tailor the vaccine plan to fit his needs.
How long does a wellness exam take?
Usually about 30–45 minutes. If we’re doing bloodwork or vaccines, it may take a bit longer. We’ll make sure your pooch gets plenty of love and treats along the way.
What should I bring to the appointment?
Bring your dog’s previous vet records (if you’re new), a stool sample if requested, and a list of questions or concerns you have. And your pup, of course!
Come See Us at Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital in Jensen Beach, FLS
Your pup deserves more than just belly rubs—he deserves the best veterinary care, year after year. At Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital, your dedicated vet clinic in Jensen Beach, FLS, our veterinarians are here to help your furry pal live a long, healthy life with the people he loves most.
If it’s been a while since your dog’s last wellness exam, now’s the perfect time to schedule one. Our friendly team is ready to welcome your pooch and make his visit comfortable and stress-free. Book your annual visit at our animal hospital today and give your canine companion the lifelong care he deserves.
