Before the Visit
How to Prepare for a Wellness Exam
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Key Takeaways
- ✓ Wellness exams are about catching changes early, not just when something is wrong
- ✓ Write down what you have noticed at home before you go
- ✓ Bring a list of current medications and supplements
A wellness exam might feel routine, but it is one of the most important appointments you can schedule. It is your chance to catch small changes before they become bigger problems, and to ask the questions that have been sitting in the back of your mind.
What to note before you go
In the days before your appointment, pay attention to the everyday details. These are the things your vet cannot see in a 15-minute exam but that you notice every day at home.
- Has their appetite changed? Eating more, less, or differently?
- Any changes in energy: more tired, more restless, less playful?
- Drinking more or less water than usual?
- Any changes in bathroom habits?
- New lumps, limping, scratching, or shaking?
- Behavioral shifts: hiding, clinginess, anxiety?
What to bring
- A list of current medications and supplements (including dosages)
- Your notes on changes you have observed
- Any questions you want to ask
- Previous vet records if this is a new clinic
Questions worth asking
- Is my pet at a healthy weight?
- Are their teeth and gums in good shape?
- Are there any age-related screenings we should consider?
- Is their current diet still appropriate?
- When should we schedule the next visit?
A wellness exam is a conversation, not just a checkup. The more prepared you are, the more useful that conversation becomes, for you, your vet, and your pet.
Want a printable version of this checklist?
The Pause First™ Guide includes a reusable prep sheet for every visit.
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