Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- Preventative care is easier and less expensive than treating illness later.
- Staying consistent with vet visits, parasite prevention, and dental care supports long-term health.
- A yearly checklist helps you catch issues early and keep your pet thriving.
Annual Vet Visit Checklist (Once Per Year Minimum)
Your pet’s annual wellness exam is the foundation of preventative care. Even if your pet seems healthy, routine checkups help detect early signs of disease that may not be visible at home. During this visit, your vet will check weight, heart and lung health, mobility, skin, teeth, and overall body condition.
Annual vet visit checklist includes:
- Full physical exam
- Vaccine updates (as recommended)
- Parasite screening and prevention review
- Weight and diet evaluation
- Discussion of behavior, sleep, and lifestyle changes
- Senior pets may need exams every 6 months
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Vaccines and Preventative Medicine Checklist
Vaccines protect pets from highly contagious and potentially life-threatening illnesses. Your vet will recommend vaccines based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment (such as boarding, grooming, hiking, or daycare exposure).
Annual prevention checklist includes:
- Rabies vaccine (based on legal schedule)
- Core vaccines (distemper/parvo for dogs, FVRCP for cats)
- Lifestyle vaccines (like Bordetella or Lyme)
- Heartworm testing (typically yearly for dogs)
- Flea/tick prevention plan review
- Deworming or stool screening as needed
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Dental and Oral Health Checklist
Dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets, and it can impact more than just their breath. Infections in the mouth can affect organs like the heart and kidneys if left untreated. Annual dental check-ins can prevent major problems later.
Annual dental checklist includes:
- Vet dental exam (during wellness visit)
- Professional cleaning recommendation if needed
- At-home brushing routine check
- Restocking dental chews or vet-approved oral products
- Watching for signs like bad breath, drooling, or pawing at the mouth
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Monthly and Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
While annual visits are important, most pet health maintenance happens at home. Building monthly habits helps you spot subtle changes early and keeps your pet comfortable year-round.
Monthly/seasonal checklist includes:
- Flea/tick prevention (monthly or as directed)
- Heartworm prevention (monthly for dogs)
- Nail trimming
- Coat brushing and skin checks
- Ear checks and cleaning (if recommended)
- Seasonal allergy monitoring (spring/summer)
- Winter paw protection and dry skin care
- Summer heat safety (hydration, avoiding hot pavement)
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At-Home Health Checks to Do Throughout the Year
Pets can’t tell us when something feels wrong, which is why simple at-home checks are so valuable. A quick “nose-to-tail” check once a month can help you catch lumps, soreness, or changes before they become serious.
At-home health checklist includes:
- Checking eyes for redness or discharge
- Checking ears for odor or buildup
- Feeling for new lumps or swelling
- Monitoring weight and body shape
- Watching eating, drinking, and bathroom habits
- Looking for changes in energy, behavior, or movement
- Checking paws for cracks, cuts, or irritation
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Annual Planning Checklist: What to Restock and Schedule
One of the easiest ways to stay consistent is to plan ahead. Most pet owners fall behind on care simply because life gets busy. Scheduling key appointments early and keeping supplies on hand makes the entire year smoother.
Annual planning checklist includes:
- Schedule wellness exam(s)
- Schedule grooming (if needed)
- Schedule dental cleaning (if recommended)
- Update microchip info and ID tags
- Restock parasite prevention medications
- Replace worn toys, leashes, and collars
- Review emergency vet contact information
- Refresh pet first-aid kit
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