Why health checks matter
Pets can’t tell us when something doesn’t feel right, and many health issues develop gradually. Regular check-ups help us:
- Detect early signs of common illness
- Monitor weight, skin, teeth and joints
- Check heart and lung health
- Assess nutrition and lifestyle
- Discuss behaviour or changes you’ve noticed
- Make personalised preventative care recommendations
Even animals that seem perfectly healthy benefit from an annual head-to-tail review.
What to expect during a health check
Every visit includes a gentle but thorough examination from nose to tail (or beak to claws!). We might:
- Take weight and body condition
- Listen to heart and lungs
- Check teeth and gums
- Assess skin, coat and paws
- Observe mobility and posture
- Ask about behaviour, appetite or changes
- Talk through parasite prevention and nutrition
We take time to answer your questions and tailor advice to your animal’s lifestyle and species.
How often should my pet have a health check?
For most healthy adult dogs and cats, we recommend an annual health check. We usually time this to coincide with their yearly vaccinations, so their preventative care is reviewed in one convenient visit.
However, animals age much more quickly than we do. A helpful way to think about it is that one year in a dog’s life can equal roughly 5–7 human years (and even more for large breeds). Because of this, changes in health can occur more rapidly than we might expect.
For pets on long-term medications (such as for arthritis, heart disease, thyroid conditions or other chronic illnesses) we require health checks every six months. These visits allow us to:
- Monitor how their condition is progressing
- Check that medication dosages are still appropriate
- Assess weight, organ function and overall wellbeing
- Adjust treatment if needed
Regular reassessment helps ensure medications remain safe and effective, particularly as pets move through different life stages.
Senior pets may also benefit from six-monthly checks, even if they are not on medication, as age-related changes can develop gradually and subtly.
If you’re ever unsure how often your companion should be seen, we’re always happy to guide you.
Pets we love to care for
Our health checks are tailored to a wide range of companions, including:
- Dogs & cats – from playful puppies and kittens to wise seniors
- Birds – from chicken to parrots and all our smaller feathered friends
- Small mammals – such as guinea pigs
Every species has unique needs and we’re here to support them with thoughtful, evidence-based care.
Seniors and pets with special needs
As pets age, ongoing monitoring becomes even more important. For older animals, we may recommend:
- More frequent check-ups (at least 6-monthly)
- Blood or urine testing
- Mobility and comfort assessments
- Dietary adjustments and supportive care
Our team will work with you to keep your senior companion comfortable and enjoying life.
Booking your pet’s health check
Appointments are available in-clinic or as home visits, where we bring our care to your pet’s familiar environment if that helps reduce stress (read more about home visits here >).
If you’re unsure about what your pet needs, it’s probably best to give us a call so the team can ensure enough time is assigned for your visit. Home visits can only be booked via phone call.
Veterinary care in the comfort of home
Some pets would rather skip the car ride, the waiting room and the whole “where are we going?!” situation. Our veterinary home visits bring experienced, compassionate care straight to your door, so your pet can be examined in familiar surroundings – on their favourite rug, in their own backyard, or wherever they feel safest. It’s thoughtful, personalised care with a whole lot less stress (for everyone). Read more about the benefits of home visits here >
Health Check FAQs
How often should my pet have a health check?
Most healthy adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual health check, which we usually schedule alongside their yearly vaccinations for convenience.
Pets on long-term medications require six-monthly check-ups. Because animals age much faster than humans (one year for a dog can equal several human years), health changes can happen quickly. Regular reviews allow us to monitor their condition and ensure medications remain safe and effective.
Senior pets may also benefit from checks every six months, even if they are not on medication.
Why are six-monthly checks required for pets on medication?
Medications need ongoing monitoring. Weight changes, ageing, and progression of disease can all affect how a drug works in the body. Six-monthly visits allow us to:
- Reassess the underlying condition
- Check that dosages are still appropriate
- Monitor for side effects
- Perform blood or urine testing if needed
This helps us provide safe, responsible and effective treatment for your pet.
Should indoor pets be checked too?
My bird/guinea pic is small - does it still need a health check?
What if I’ve noticed a subtle change in my pet?
Can health checks include vaccinations or parasite advice?
We are open seven days a week so if you have any questions, please give us a call on 5494 3622 or book online!