Pet Wellness Exams in Grand Rapids
Annual wellness exams are one of the most important tools we have to protect your pet’s long-term health. At Mitten Animal Clinic, we use these visits to check for early signs of illness, update vaccines, screen for parasites, and build a personalized care plan that fits your pet’s life stage and lifestyle.
Whether you have a playful puppy in Kentwood, a senior cat in Ada, or a healthy adult dog in Grand Rapids, staying on track with routine exams helps prevent serious issues down the road. Many diseases develop quietly, with no visible symptoms until they’re advanced. Wellness visits give us a chance to catch those changes early, when treatment is easiest and most effective.
Each exam includes a full physical checkup, a review of behavior, diet, and home routines, and time for your questions. Our goal is to make sure you leave every visit with peace of mind and a clear plan for your pet’s health.
Call (616) 957-4291 to schedule your pet’s wellness exam today. We proudly serve families across Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Ada, and the surrounding West Michigan communities.
How can I keep my pet healthy?
The foundation of lifelong health is simple: stay consistent with routine checkups and prevention. Annual exams give us a chance to catch issues early, but what you do at home in between visits is just as important.
Key steps for keeping your dog or cat healthy in West Michigan.
1.
Most adult pets need a yearly visit, while seniors or pets with chronic conditions may need checkups every six months. These exams are where we catch subtle signs of illness before they turn serious.
2.
Stay on top of vaccinations
Core vaccines protect against dangerous diseases like rabies and distemper. At each wellness visit, we’ll review your pet’s vaccination schedule check-ins and make sure they’re fully protected.
3.
Use parasite prevention year round
Fleas, ticks, and heartworm are common in Michigan’s changing seasons. Monthly preventives keep your pet safe and avoid costly treatments down the road.
4.
Watch weight and diet
Obesity is one of the leading preventable health problems in pets. We’ll help you choose the right food and portions, and set goals for daily exercise.
5.
Protect dental health
Dental disease is one of the most common issues found during checkups. Regular brushing, dental chews, and professional cleanings help keep teeth and gums strong.
6.
Monitor at home
Take a few minutes each week to check for new lumps, itchy skin, bad breath, or changes in appetite and energy. These small clues are often the first signs of illness.
By combining routine vet care with consistent home habits, you’ll give your pet the best chance at a long, happy life.
Ready to set up your prevention plan?
Call Mitten Animal Clinic at (616) 957-4291 to schedule your pet’s wellness exam in Grand Rapids today.
What is a pet wellness exam and why does it matter?
A pet wellness exam is a complete checkup designed to catch problems early and keep your pet healthy through every stage of life. At Mitten Animal Clinic, these visits are more than a routine,they’re a vital part of your pet’s long-term care plan.
Each exam includes a full physical evaluation, a review of diet, behavior, and lifestyle, and time to talk about what you’ve noticed at home. We also check in on your pet’s vaccination schedule, run parasite screenings as needed, and make recommendations for nutrition, exercise, and preventive care.
Wellness exams matter because pets can’t tell us when something’s wrong. Subtle symptoms are often easy to miss, and many serious illnesses develop quietly over time. These visits give us the chance to catch issues early, build a prevention plan, and help your dog or cat live a longer, more comfortable life.
How often should dogs and cats get wellness exams in Michigan?
Most adult dogs and cats should have a wellness exam once a year,but frequency depends on age, lifestyle, and overall health. In Michigan, our seasonal climate and parasite exposure make it especially important to stay on track with checkups and prevention.
- Puppies and kittens: Multiple visits in the first year to complete vaccinations, monitor growth, and start lifelong habits.
- Healthy adults: Once a year for a full physical, weight and dental check, vaccination review, and flea, tick, and heartworm prevention planning.
- Senior pets: Twice a year to monitor for arthritis, organ changes, mobility issues, and subtle signs of chronic disease.
We’ll always adjust the schedule based on your pet’s individual needs. If you have a breed prone to certain conditions or a pet with chronic health concerns, we may recommend more frequent check-ins to stay ahead of changes.
What happens during a pet wellness visit at Mitten Animal Clinic?
A wellness exam is more than a quick look at your pet, it’s a complete checkup designed to keep them healthy at every stage of life. At Mitten Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids, each visit is calm, thorough, and personalized.
Intake and history
We start by asking about your pet’s diet, behavior, activity level, and any changes you’ve noticed at home.
Vitals and weight check
Monitoring weight, heart rate, and breathing gives us a baseline for your pet’s health.
Full physical exam
From nose to tail, we examine the eyes, ears, mouth, skin, coat, abdomen, joints, and more to catch subtle signs of illness.
Dental check
Oral health is part of every wellness exam. Many dental issues are discovered during checkups before they become painful.
Vaccination review
We make sure your pet is current on all core vaccines and update boosters or lifestyle vaccines as needed.
Parasite screening
Depending on your pet’s age and history, we may run tests for heartworm, intestinal parasites, or tick-borne illnesses.
Lab work (when needed):
For senior pets or those at higher risk, bloodwork helps us detect early signs of organ disease or metabolic issues.
Owner Q&A
You’ll always have time to ask questions and discuss diet, exercise, or behavior.
Book your pet’s wellness exam today. Call (616) 957-4291 to schedule a visit with Mitten Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids.
How do wellness exams help pets live longer, healthier lives?
Wellness exams aren’t just about checking a box once a year, they are the foundation of your pet’s long-term health. By staying ahead of illness, we can extend both the length and quality of your pet’s life.
Early detection saves lives
Kidney disease, heart conditions, and diabetes often show no obvious symptoms until advanced. Regular exams and lab testing let us intervene early.
Prevention avoids suffering
Catching dental disease, skin infections, or arthritis early means less pain and fewer costly procedures later.
Tailored care by life stage
Puppies and kittens grow quickly, adults thrive with annual checkups, and seniors benefit from bi-annual visits to manage age-related changes.
Give your pet the best chance at a long, happy life
When small problems are found early, they can often be managed with simple treatments or lifestyle adjustments. This proactive approach means fewer emergencies, fewer surprises, and more healthy years with your pet.
Are wellness exams different for puppies, kittens, or senior pets?
Yes. Wellness exams are always tailored to your pet’s age and stage of life. A growing puppy has very different needs than an aging cat, and our veterinarians adjust care so every visit is meaningful and effective.
Puppies and kittens
- Frequent visits in the first year to complete vaccinations
- Growth and development tracking
- Early parasite prevention
- Guidance on nutrition, behavior, and training
Adult pets
- Annual exams to monitor weight, oral health, and parasite prevention
- Vaccination updates and lifestyle adjustments
- Ongoing diet and exercise recommendations to prevent chronic issues
Senior pets
- Exams every six months to stay ahead of arthritis, heart disease, and kidney changes
- Routine lab testing to catch hidden illness early
- Mobility and pain management plans to preserve comfort and quality of life
By tailoring exams to life stage, we ensure your pet gets exactly the level of care they need, no more, no less.
How much do wellness exams and preventative treatments cost in Grand Rapids?
One of the most common questions pet owners have is about cost. At Mitten Animal Clinic, we want you to know that wellness exams and preventive care are designed to save you money in the long run.
Instead of thinking of wellness exams as an expense, consider them a form of insurance. By detecting health problems early, we can avoid costly treatments, reduce emergency visits, and keep your pet feeling their best.
If you’d like to learn more about specific options, our team is happy to walk through packages, seasonal specials, or long-term care plans that fit your budget.
Typical Costs You Can Expect:
Wellness exams
An affordable investment in annual or bi-annual health checks that prevent expensive emergencies later.
Preventive treatments
Monthly flea, tick, and heartworm prevention is far less costly than treating an infestation or managing heartworm disease.
Lab work and testing
Added only when needed, such as for senior pets or those with specific health concerns.
What are common health problems found during routine exams?
Many health issues in pets start with subtle changes that are easy to miss at home. During a wellness exam, our veterinarians often spot early signs of problems long before they become serious.
Common conditions we detect include:
- Dental disease: Tartar buildup, gum inflammation, or hidden tooth pain.
- Weight changes: Even a few extra pounds can stress joints and organs, while sudden weight loss may signal illness.
- Ear infections: Redness, odor, or discharge that can cause chronic pain if untreated.
- Skin and coat issues: Allergies, parasites, or infections often show up as itching or hair loss.
- Joint stiffness or arthritis: Especially in aging pets, mobility changes are a key sign we can address early.
- Organ dysfunction: Bloodwork can reveal early kidney or liver disease before outward symptoms appear.
Catching these problems during a routine checkup makes treatment easier, less expensive, and far more effective. In many cases, early detection means your pet can continue living a comfortable, active life without interruption.
Routine care means peace of mind. Schedule your pet’s next exam at Mitten Animal Clinic in Grand Rapids
Can I combine wellness visits with other services?
Yes. A wellness exam is the perfect time to take care of multiple parts of your pet’s health in a single visit.
Many of our clients use these appointments to:
- Update vaccinations based on lifestyle and exposure risks
- Refill flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives
- Check dental health or schedule cleanings
- Run lab work for senior pets or chronic conditions
- Discuss behavior, nutrition, or mobility concerns
This makes your pet’s exam more than a checkup, it becomes a one-stop opportunity to keep them fully protected and comfortable.
If there’s something specific you want to address during your next visit, just let us know when you schedule. We’ll make sure your wellness exam is tailored to fit everything your pet needs.
Call Mitten Animal Clinic at (616) 957-4291 or book online to combine your pet’s checkup with other services in one convenient visit.
Pet Wellness Exam FAQs:
Most visits last about 30–45 minutes. This gives us enough time for a full physical exam, any necessary testing, and time for you to ask questions.
Yes. Older dogs and cats are more prone to chronic conditions, so twice-yearly exams help us manage arthritis, kidney function, and other age-related issues before they worsen.
Absolutely. Preventive care is always less expensive than treating advanced illness. Exams save you money while giving your pet a longer, healthier life.
You can call Mitten Animal Clinic at (616) 957-4291 or request an appointment online anytime. Our clinic is conveniently located for families in Grand Rapids, Kentwood, Cascade, Ada, and surrounding West Michigan communities.