Dog Annual Exams

For Every Dog We See

For dogs to stay healthy and avoid serious conditions later on in life, it's important that they see their veterinarian at least once a year. Dogs benefit greatly from yearly exams, which can help detect underlying issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. For senior dogs (7 years and older), we recommend exams twice yearly. For puppies, quarterly exams are recommended based on vaccination protocols. At Town and Country Animal Hospital in Fairfax, annual exam care is the keystone of your dog's lifelong health program. It encompasses a large array of different veterinary services that contribute to your pet's overall care. We love seeing your dog walk through our doors, happy and healthy, and we want to preserve their good health for as long as possible. Call us today at (703) 273-2110.

All of Our Annual Exam Services Are Designed to Help Your Dog Live Their Healthiest Life, From One Stage to the Next:

Dog Wellness Exams

Dogs receive thorough attention during their annual or bi-annual exam visits, which begin with a physical exam. Your veterinarian will examine their:

Your veterinarian will discuss any abnormalities or other notable characteristics with you once they've completed this exam

If your dog is in good shape, they can have their vaccinations. To test for heartworm, we'll draw a small blood sample. We recommend bringing in a fresh stool sample so that we can check for intestinal parasites and administer treatment if necessary. Come to this appointment prepared with any questions or concerns you might have, so your veterinarian can address them promptly.

Puppy Care

Newly adopted puppies need to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible so we can begin their healthcare regimen and catch any illnesses or diseases in their earliest stages. Bring a fresh stool sample to your appointment, as most puppies are born with some form of intestinal parasites (roundworms are very common). If your puppy is old enough (6-8 weeks), we can administer their first in a series of 4 distemper boosters. During this visit, we'll go over house training, dietary recommendations, and much more.

Senior Dog Care

Comprehensive senior care protocols and procedures help you to help your dog age gracefully, healthily, and happily. Our veterinarians recommend twice-yearly exams for senior dogs. These exams may include additional lab work and other services as necessary. Your canine family member deserves the best routine care available, and we're happy to offer so many annual exam care services for them here in Fairfax. If you have any questions about your dog's medical needs or need to make an appointment, give us a call at (703) 273-2110.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Annual Wellness Exams

What does a dog wellness exam actually include?
A full physical from nose to tail: weight, temperature, heart and lung sounds, lymph nodes, teeth and gums, eyes, ears, skin and coat, abdomen, joints, and overall body condition. We also review your dog's vaccination status, discuss parasite prevention, and talk through any behavioral or lifestyle changes you've noticed. Depending on your dog's age and history, we may recommend bloodwork or other diagnostics.

How often does my dog need a wellness exam?
Adult dogs should come in once a year at minimum. Senior dogs (generally 7 years and older, or earlier for large breeds) benefit from twice-yearly visits because age-related conditions can develop quickly and are much easier to manage when caught early.

My dog seems perfectly healthy. Do we still need to come in?
Yes. Dogs are good at hiding discomfort, and many conditions — dental disease, early kidney disease, thyroid issues, heart murmurs — don't produce obvious symptoms until they've been progressing for a while. The annual exam is how we find those things before they become serious problems.

Every appointment at Town and Country Animal Hospital is a Fear Free visit. Our entire team is certified in Fear Free techniques to keep your dog calm and comfortable throughout their annual exam. Learn more about our Fear Free Certified practice.