what is a comprehensive pet exam: a helpful guide

Ever wonder what really happens during your pet’s checkup? It’s more than just a quick look and a couple of shots.

A comprehensive pet exam is a proactive, step-by-step health check that helps your veterinarian catch issues early and keep track of changes over time.

At Banfield, this exam is the foundation to our ability to provide preventive care. From checking ears, eyes, teeth, and skin to listening to the heart and lungs and evaluating weight and mobility, each part of the exam plays an important role in your pet’s long-term health.

We believe informed pet owners are the best advocates for their pets, so we put together this handy guide. It’ll walk you through what to expect so you feel confident and prepared every time you bring your pet in for a comprehensive exam.

What is a comprehensive wellness exam?

A comprehensive wellness exam is a proactive health assessment for your pet that’s designed to catch problems early before they get more serious. Think of it like your own yearly physical or annual checkup at the doctor — just tailored to your pet’s unique needs.

Banfield veterinarians often call this a “nose-to-tail” exam because it covers every part of your pet’s body, from checking eyes, ears, teeth, and skin to listening to the heart and lungs, examining joints, and more. It’s about getting a complete picture of your pet’s overall physical health, even if they seem perfectly fine.

Here's how it compares to a typical sick visit:

At Banfield, most of our comprehensive exams are drop-off appointments. This lets you about go about your day (work, errands, school pickup, etc.) while your pet receives quality care.

The exam starts with a conversation

Every comprehensive wellness exam begins with something simple but powerful: a conversation. The veterinary team will ask about your pet’s diet, daily routines, behavior, bathroom habits, energy levels, and lifestyle. These details paint a fuller picture of your pet’s health and can highlight changes that may not be obvious during the physical exam.

Remember: you know your pet best! Your observations and questions help guide the visit and ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Here are some great questions to ask your vet:

• Is my pet at a healthy weight for their age and breed?
• Are there diet or nutrition changes you recommend?
• How often should my pet get exercise, and what type is best?
• What preventive care (vaccines, parasite protection, dental care) is most important right now?
• Do you see any early signs of health issues I should watch for at home?

The hands-on physical exam: a visual tour

After the conversation, your veterinarian performs a careful nose-to-tail exam. Each part of this process serves a purpose — here’s what we look at and why it matters:

• The eyes, ears, nose, and mouth: We check the eyes for clarity and signs of infection, look inside the ears for inflammation or mites, examine the nose for discharge, and inspect the teeth and gums for tartar, gum disease, or oral pain. These areas often reveal early signs of common health issues.
• Chest and lungs: Using a stethoscope, we listen to your pet’s heart and lungs (a process called auscultation). This helps detect heart murmurs, irregular rhythms, or abnormal lung sounds that might signal infections or breathing problems.
• Abdomen: With gentle palpation (feeling with the hands), we check the size, shape, and texture of organs like the liver, kidneys, and intestines. This can reveal discomfort, swelling, or abnormalities that may need further testing.
• Skin and coat: Skin tells a big story about overall health. We look for lumps, bumps, parasites like fleas or ticks, signs of allergies, and the condition of the coat. Dullness or excessive shedding can be early clues to underlying problems.
• Legs and joints: By moving the legs and watching your pet walk, we assess mobility, flexibility, and comfort. This helps us spot early signs of arthritis, injuries, or other mobility concerns.
• Neurological check: Finally, we observe your pet’s alertness, coordination, and basic reflexes. These checks provide insight into brain, nerve, and spinal health.

Discussing key preventive care measures

Preventive care is about protecting your pet before problems arise. During a comprehensive exam, your veterinarian will typically discuss additional preventive care measures they recommend you take. This may include:

• Vaccination plan: Your vet will review your pet’s vaccine history and recommend the right mix of vaccines to help protect against serious diseases.
• Parasite prevention: Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites can affect pets year-round. Your vet will create a prevention plan tailored to your pet’s environment and lifestyle.
• Nutrition and weight management: Using a Body Condition Score (BCS), your vet can assess whether your pet is underweight, overweight, or just right, and work with you to create a nutrition and exercise plan for long-term health.

Beyond the physical: why we recommend diagnostic tests

Your pet's health is deeper than what we can see and feel on the outside. Diagnostic tests like bloodwork and fecal exams provide us with more information and help create an overall health baseline for your pet. Having a record of your pet’s normal values makes it easier to spot changes as they age or if health issues arise.

• Bloodwork (CBC and chemistry panel): Think of this as your pet’s internal report card. It checks organ function (like the kidneys and liver) and blood cell counts. It can also include specific screenings such as thyroid hormone testing, which is especially valuable for senior pets.
• Fecal exam: A small stool sample is examined under a microscope to detect intestinal parasite eggs that may be invisible to the naked eye but harmful to your pet’s health. (Results may take a few days.)

How to prepare for a smooth and stress-free vet visit

A little preparation can go a long way toward making your pet’s vet visit easier for both of you. Here’s a simple checklist to help you feel ready:

• Bring records: If you’re visiting a new clinic, bring copies of any previous medical or vaccination records. You can also email copies to the clinic. If you’re switching from one Banfield location to another, previous records will be available in your MyBanfield account, which your vet can see.
• Fresh stool sample: Banfield’s comprehensive exams include a parasite screening, so bring a fresh stool sample for us to check. The sample should be at least the size of a quarter and less than 24 hours old.
• List of questions: Write down any concerns you want to cover — diet, behavior, medications — so nothing gets forgotten.
• Treats and comfort items: A favorite toy or a few treats can help your pet stay calm and feel secure.

Tips for anxious pets:

• Dogs: Try a short walk beforehand to release energy. Practice car rides and reward calm behavior.
• Cats: Get them used to their carrier at home with cozy bedding and occasional treats. Covering the carrier with a light blanket can also help reduce stress.
• Extra support: Ask your vet about calming aids if your pet struggles with anxiety, and always let your veterinary team know ahead of time so they can provide extra support.

Understanding the cost and value of preventive care

We know cost is an important factor when it comes to caring for your pet. A comprehensive exam may feel like “just another vet bill,” but it’s truly an investment. Catching small issues early can prevent them from becoming painful and/or expensive problems down the road. Preventive care supports your pet today and helps avoid emergencies tomorrow.

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Important Notice: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian with any questions regarding your pet's health or medical condition. Never disregard or delay seeking professional veterinary advice based on information from this page.