All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital

Annual Wellness Exams

Preventive Care

Annual Wellness Exams

A yearly checkup is the single most important thing you can do for your pet's long-term health. We catch problems early — before they become expensive or life-threatening.

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What Is an Annual Wellness Exam?

An annual wellness exam is a comprehensive nose-to-tail physical examination performed once a year for adult pets in good health. Dr. Davis evaluates every major body system — eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, coat, and musculoskeletal structure — to establish a health baseline and detect any early changes that may signal disease.

What's Included in Your Pet's Annual Exam

  • Full physical examination by Dr. Annette Davis, DVM
  • Weight check and body condition scoring
  • Heart and lung auscultation
  • Dental health assessment
  • Ear and eye evaluation
  • Skin and coat inspection
  • Abdominal palpation
  • Vaccination review and updates as needed
  • Parasite prevention discussion (heartworm, fleas, ticks)
  • Nutritional and lifestyle counseling
  • Lab work recommendations based on age and risk factors

Why Annual Exams Matter

Pets age much faster than humans — one human year can equal 5–7 pet years. Conditions like dental disease, obesity, heart murmurs, and early kidney disease often show no outward symptoms until they are advanced. Annual exams allow Dr. Davis to detect these changes early, when treatment is most effective and least costly. They also give you a dedicated opportunity to ask questions about your pet's diet, behavior, and lifestyle.

Which Pets Need Annual Exams?

Annual wellness exams are recommended for all healthy adult dogs and cats — dogs ages 1–5 and cats ages 1–6. Exotic pets — including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, reptiles, and birds — also benefit greatly from yearly checkups, as they are skilled at hiding illness. Dogs 6 years and older, cats 7 years and older, or any pet with chronic conditions may benefit from our semi-annual senior wellness exam schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my healthy adult dog or cat see the vet?
Healthy adult dogs (ages 1–5) and cats (ages 1–6) should have a wellness exam once a year. Senior pets — dogs 6+ and cats 7+ — or those with chronic conditions benefit from exams every 6 months to catch age-related changes sooner.
What should I bring to my pet's annual wellness exam?
Bring any previous medical records if you're a new client, a list of current medications or supplements, and a fresh fecal sample if possible. If your pet has been showing any unusual symptoms, write them down beforehand so you don't forget to mention them.
Will my pet need vaccines at every annual exam?
Not necessarily. Dr. Davis will review your pet's vaccination history and lifestyle to recommend only the vaccines that are currently due or appropriate. We follow evidence-based guidelines and do not over-vaccinate.
Do you see exotic pets for annual wellness exams?
Yes. Dr. Davis has extensive experience with exotic and non-traditional species including rabbits, guinea pigs, ferrets, chinchillas, rats, hamsters, prairie dogs, reptiles, and birds. Annual exams are especially important for exotics because they hide illness well.
What is the cost of an annual wellness exam at ACGSVH?
Exam fees vary based on species and any additional services performed. We currently offer $10 off new patient exams. Call or text 210-349-3969 for current pricing and to schedule.

Ready to book an appointment?

Our team at All Creatures Great & Small Veterinary Hospital in San Antonio is here to help. Call or text us today.

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