As pet parents, we want our pets to live the longest, happiest and healthiest lives possible with us. Regular checkups are an essential part of keeping any pet healthy. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Animal Hospital Association's preventive care guidelines say that dogs and cats should visit the veterinarian at least annually; in many cases, more frequent healthy-pet checkups are necessary. Below, learn more about the importance of bringing your pet to the veterinarian for checkups, as well as some surprising things that may prompt a visit to the veterinarian.
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups Video: The Importance of Annual Veterinary Visits Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer Not sure your dog or cat needs to go to the vet? Check out this video! |
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups But My Pet's Healthy! Why Should I See My Veterinarian? Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer It’s actually really important to have your pet examined, blood work and all, at least once a year. Why? Think about it: as humans age, checkups become more and more important in order to monitor for conditions that become more common with aging. The same goes for your pet. |
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups Why Should I Take a "Healthy" Pet to the Veterinarian? By Dr. Mike Paul Most pet owners seek medical care relatively soon when things go wrong with their pet: Injuries, or sudden onset of diseases are obvious issues calling for care. But perhaps the greatest value and need for veterinary attention lies in providing reassurance of the well-being of our pets and early detection of problems before they become critical. |
 | Healthy-Dog Checkups Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer While it’s important to start cuddling and training your new puppy early, it’s also crucial to get a head start on your puppy’s health. Depending on your new puppy’s age and expected lifestyle, there are a lot of different things you can expect from your veterinarian. |
 | Healthy-Cat Checkups Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer You want to make sure your new friend gets off on the right foot, and this means scheduling your kitten’s first veterinary visit. Depending on your new kitten’s age and expected lifestyle, there are a lot of different things you can expect from your veterinarian. Read on to learn more. |
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups Five Tests Every New Pet Should Have By Dr. Ruth MacPete Getting a new pet is a big deal and everyone knows it’s important to get off to a good start. So besides buying supplies and making your home pet-safe, what else should you be doing if you’re adding a new, furry, four-legged member to the family? Read on to learn more. |
 | Healthy-Dog Checkups 10 Surprising Signs Your Dog May Be Sick Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer Regardless of your dog’s age, you play a key role in helping her combat illness and remain as healthy as possible. Remember, your dog cannot describe symptoms to you, but she can show you signs of disease. Find out some of the most common signs that your dog may be sick. |
 | Healthy-Cat Checkups 10 Surprising Signs Your Cat May Be Sick By Dr. Phil Zeltzman Cats are masters of disguise -- disguising illness, that is. Find out ten subtle signs your cat may be sick and make sure to schedule kitty for a regular checkup. |
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups Paging Dr. Google? Not So Fast By Dr. Mike Paul More than 70% of pet parents say they research their pet's health before or after veterinary visits. The Internet can be a useful tool to help you ask your veterinarian the right questions, but how do you know you're getting "vetted" information? Read on to learn more. |
 | Healthy-Pet Checkups Five Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian By Dr. Ernie Ward To optimize your pet’s next routine appointment, I suggest you jot down your own version of these five simple questions. By preparing questions you want answered before you go, you’re less likely to forget them during the time crunch that hampers many visits. |