Proactive Annual Wellness Care for a Lifetime of Health

Preventive exams and vaccinations are designed to keep your pet happy and healthy for years to come.

A veterinarian gently petting a happy golden retriever on an exam table.

Why Annual Wellness Exams Are Essential

We educate clients every day on pet vaccinations, counseling many on which carry the highest medical priority and which can be postponed for a brief period. At a minimum, it is important to know which vaccines are required by Illinois state law.

Some pet owners neglect annual physical exams for their pets. Many dogs and cats we see due to serious symptoms have rarely, if ever, seen a veterinarian for well-care. Health problems we could have caught early are often advanced by the time we see them. We cannot overstate the importance of maintaining annually scheduled wellness exams. Veterinary science has brought advances in diagnostics and treatment, which give pets better options for living whole and healthy lives. It can also save you money in the long run.

Why You Should Remain Vigilant About Dental Exams

Research shows that an estimated 85% of dogs and cats who visit the vet for any reason have significant dental disease. In fact, virtually all pets over the age of three have dental disease of some kind. Left untreated, dental disease can lead to painful tooth decay as well as systemic illness due to chronic infection.

We have seen hundreds of cases where serious problems, such as cancer and heart disease, were discovered at an annual exam, even though the pets appeared normal at home. Annual physical exams often lead to early diagnosis, and early diagnosis increases the chances of successful treatment. Treatment of early-stage disease is often less expensive than advanced disease treatment, and it is less disruptive to your normal activities.

Veterinarian examining a dog's ear during a check-up.
Woman smiling while holding a small dog near a laptop.

Get Educated About Your Pet's Health and Home Care

Imagine that a human year is the equivalent of about five to six cat or dog years. By that calculation, missing even one or two annual exams would be the same as a human not having a check-up for ten years or more. Many diseases advance silently in humans, too, and we don't advise neglecting your health! However, the difference is that, in general, you know when you are experiencing pain or not feeling good. Your pet cannot tell you if there is a problem.
During your pet's annual exam, we listen to your observations about your pet's appetite and behavior. We observe differently than you do because of our extensive training and experience. We are able to make an accurate assessment to provide recommendations that keep your pet as healthy as possible. Recommendations we make are accompanied by deep education and insight about caring for your pet at home. When needed, we won't leave you in the dark about treatment, and we offer payment options that help make pet care more affordable. 
The annual wellness visit, including a thorough physical exam, is the best investment of time and money you can make in the long-term health of your pet.