The Complete Annual Vet Visit Checklist for Dogs

Your dog's annual wellness exam is more than just a routine appointment—it's your best tool for catching health issues early and ensuring your furry friend lives a long, healthy life. Yet many pet parents walk into the vet's office unprepared, leave with unanswered questions, or get surprised by the bill.

This comprehensive checklist will help you make the most of your dog's annual vet visit, understand what to expect, and budget appropriately for this essential aspect of preventive care.

📋 Before the Appointment: Preparation Checklist

The work begins before you even arrive at the clinic. Being prepared ensures you get the most value from your vet visit and don't forget important concerns.

What to Bring

• Previous medical records if you're seeing a new veterinarian
• Current medications list including dosages and frequency
• Recent stool sample (within 24 hours) for parasite screening
• List of questions and concerns written down beforehand
• Your dog's favorite treats for positive reinforcement

Questions to Prepare

Write these down so you don't forget in the moment:

• Have you noticed any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels?
• Any new lumps, bumps, or skin issues?
• Changes in drinking, urination, or bowel movements?
• Concerns about diet, weight, or exercise?
• Questions about age-appropriate preventive care?

🚑 What Happens During the Annual Exam

Understanding what your veterinarian checks helps you appreciate the value of the wellness exam and know what's normal.

Physical Examination Components

Weight and Body Condition: Your vet will weigh your dog and assess body condition score (BCS). Even small weight changes can be significant, especially in smaller breeds. This is your opportunity to discuss nutrition and exercise if needed.

Dental Health: Approximately 80% of dogs show signs of dental disease by age three. Your vet will check teeth and gums for tartar buildup, gingivitis, broken teeth, and oral masses. This often leads to recommendations for dental cleaning.

Eyes, Ears, and Nose: The exam includes checking for cloudiness, discharge, ear infections, or nasal concerns. Early detection of issues like cataracts or chronic ear problems can prevent more serious complications.

Heart and Lungs: Using a stethoscope, your vet listens for heart murmurs, irregular rhythms, or abnormal lung sounds. Heart disease can be silent in early stages, making this check crucial.

Abdomen: Palpating the abdomen allows your vet to feel for enlarged organs, masses, or areas of discomfort. This non-invasive check can reveal issues with kidneys, liver, spleen, or intestines.

Skin and Coat: Your vet examines the skin for parasites, lumps, lesions, or signs of allergies. They'll also check for proper coat condition, which can indicate nutritional or hormonal issues.

Joints and Mobility: Especially important for larger breeds and senior dogs, your vet will assess gait, range of motion, and signs of arthritis or pain.

Recommended Screening Tests

Fecal Examination: Checks for intestinal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and giardia. Even indoor dogs should have annual fecal tests.

Heartworm Test: An annual blood test to detect heartworm infection, even for dogs on year-round prevention. This disease is preventable but potentially fatal.

Blood Work (recommended for dogs 7+): A chemistry panel and complete blood count (CBC) establish baseline values and screen for kidney disease, liver problems, diabetes, and other conditions before symptoms appear.

💬 Essential Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian

Don't leave without asking these important questions:

• "Based on today's exam, are there any health concerns I should watch for?"
• "Is my dog at a healthy weight? What should I be feeding?"
• "Are we current on all recommended vaccines and preventive care?"
• "What signs would indicate I should call before the next annual visit?"
• "Are there breed-specific health issues I should monitor as my dog ages?"
• "When should we start senior wellness protocols?"

💰 Typical Cost Breakdown

Understanding the costs helps you budget for annual wellness care. Prices vary significantly by region and practice type.

Additional costs may include optional vaccines (Bordetella, Lyme, Influenza), dental cleaning if needed ($300-$800), or treatment for any issues discovered during the exam.

📝 After the Visit: Follow-Up Actions

Your work doesn't end when you leave the clinic:

• Update your pet health records with today's information
• Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments before you forget
• Fill prescriptions for preventive medications or treatments
• Set reminders for next year's wellness exam (most clinics will do this)
• Implement any dietary or lifestyle changes discussed with your vet

Making Annual Exams a Priority

Think of your dog's annual wellness exam as preventive maintenance rather than an expense. Early detection of health issues is almost always less expensive—and less heartbreaking—than treating advanced disease. Many pet insurance policies cover annual wellness exams, making them even more affordable.

By staying consistent with annual exams throughout your dog's life, you're giving them the best chance at a long, healthy life by your side. That's something every member of your fur family deserves.