Regular veterinary visits are essential for maintaining your dog's health. During these visits, the vet will perform a comprehensive physical examination including:
1. **Head-to-Tail Physical Exam**
- Eyes: Checking for cataracts or dry eye
- Ears: Looking for infections or mites
- Mouth: Evaluating dental health and plaque buildup
- Skin/Coat: Checking for allergies or parasites
- Joints: Assessing mobility and pain
2. **Preventive Care Services**
- Core vaccinations (rabies, distemper, parvovirus)
- Optional vaccines based on lifestyle (bordetella, leptospirosis)
- Parasite prevention (fleas, ticks, heartworm)
- Nutritional counseling
3. **Diagnostic Testing**
- Annual blood work for senior dogs
- Fecal exams for parasites
- Urinalysis for kidney health
**Pro Tip:** Create a 'vet visit kit' with your dog's favorite treats, medical history, and a comfort item to reduce stress.
