Canine Wellness

How often your canine companion will need a wellness exam will largely depend on their age, breed, and health history. Some dogs will need more frequent check-ups than others.

For puppies, frequent wellness exams are crucial. During their first year, puppies should have several check-ups, typically every three to four weeks, until they are fully vaccinated. These early-life visits are essential in establishing a health baseline and ensuring the young pups are growing and developing appropriately. 

As your dog transitions into adulthood (around one to seven years old), we recommend annual wellness exams. Adult dogs still need regular check-ups, but not as frequently as puppies. An annual check-up usually includes a full physical examination, heartworm testing, and vaccinations. Even if your dog seems perfectly healthy, regular exams can catch potential problems early, allowing for prompt treatment.

Senior dogs require more frequent visits to the vet. When an adult dog becomes a “senior dog” depends on their breed. Large breeds are considered seniors when they turn six or seven, while medium breeds become seniors when they turn eight or nine. Smaller breeds are not usually considered seniors until they turn ten to twelve years old. As dogs age, they become more susceptible to certain health issues, including arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. We often recommend a wellness exam every six months. Semi-annual visits allow us to closely monitor your senior dog’s health, manage ongoing issues, and detect new conditions early. 

Being a responsible pet owner means staying vigilant for signs that your dog may need immediate veterinary care. If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog, you should not wait to bring them to Belle Meade Animal Hospital. Our veterinarians will leverage powerful diagnostic tools to quickly determine what is wrong and begin the appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.

During your puppy’s first visit to our animal hospital, you can expect comprehensive canine wellness care in Nashville, TN, that fully examines your new furry friend’s overall health. We ask that you bring a stool sample and any information you have on the dog’s health status, including any vaccination and deworming history.

Our veterinary team will complete a complete physical examination, where we will inspect their overall body condition and coat health and note any abnormalities in their eyes, ears, mouth, or other parts of the body. We will also listen to their heart and lungs, check their joints and muscles for any signs of discomfort or issues, and palpate their abdomen to ensure their internal organs are healthy.

In addition to the physical examination, our veterinary team is prepared to perform a series of essential diagnostic tests in addition to the physical examination. These tests include fecal exams to check for intestinal parasites, heartworm testing, and bloodwork to examine your puppy’s internal health. These initial tests provide crucial information about your puppy’s health status and help us establish a health baseline for their subsequent visits.

One of the key services we provide during your puppy’s first visit is vaccinations. Puppies are vulnerable to many infectious diseases, and providing them with appropriate vaccinations at the right time is crucial for their health. Our team will recommend a customized vaccination schedule based on your puppy’s age, breed, health status, and risk exposure. This may include vaccines for diseases such as canine distemper, parvovirus, and rabies.

We are also ready to assist with microchipping your new puppy. A microchip is a small device about the size of a grain of rice containing a unique identification number. It is implanted under the skin, usually between shoulder blades, quickly and simply. Microchipping your puppy is a safe and effective way to ensure they can be identified and returned to you in case they get lost. Our team will explain the process, answer any questions you may have, and skillfully perform the procedure, causing minimal discomfort to your puppy.

Your puppy’s first visit is an ideal opportunity for our team to provide you with essential information and guidance about puppy care. This includes advice on proper diet and nutrition, training, dental care, parasite prevention, and spaying or neutering. Our team will take the time to listen to and address any concerns and provide practical solutions to help prepare you for puppy parenthood.

Learn more about our canine wellness care in Nashville, TN, by calling (615) 247-6984 or booking online! We accept cash, checks, debit cards, and credit cards as service payment.