Why Twice-Yearly Wellness Visits Are Important for Your Pet’s Health

Is your pet due for a checkup but you’ve been putting it off? Life gets busy and when a pet seems fine, it’s tempting to delay.  

Still, regular care plays a big role in helping pets stay healthy and active through every stage of life. Semiannual wellness visits are the most proactive way to support your pet’s well-being and set them up for long-term health. Pets age faster than people, and meaningful health changes can occur in as little as one to six months.  

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) also recommends wellness exams every six months, and at Lebanon Small Animal Clinic we agree: two visits per year help to catch changes early and keep care proactive.  Keep reading to see what a wellness visit includes and why two exams each year make such a difference. 

What Is a Wellness Visit? 

Your pet’s wellness visit is a proactive appointment that gives our team a full picture of their current health. Many people think one exam per year is enough, but dogs and cats age quickly, so the AVMA and LSAC recommend two visits each year. Semiannual visits let us track subtle changes, keep preventive care current, and build familiarity that makes the clinic a more comfortable place for your pet.  

A Comprehensive Look at Your Pet’s Health 

At Lebanon Small Animal Clinic, each visit involves a thorough assessment that covers the essentials: 

• Nose-to-tail physical exam
• Dental evaluation and oral health review
• Weight check and body condition scoring
• Vaccine review and administration (as needed) 
  
  

Before any treatment, our Care Companions explain their recommendations, giving you peace of mind and space to discuss nutrition, lifestyle, and behavior. 

More Than a Quick Checkup 

These visits also lay the groundwork for lifelong care by: 

• Establishing your pet’s health baseline year over year
• Building a consistent medical history
• Creating a trusted relationship between pet, owner, and our vet team 
  
  

Consistency makes it easier to spot issues early and make confident care decisions. 

The Preventive Power of Routine Checkups 

Wellness visits aren’t only for when something feels off. They play a valuable role in helping your pet stay ahead of illness and discomfort, often before symptoms appear. 

Catching Health Concerns Early 

Semiannual exams make early detection possible. Conditions such as kidney disease or diabetes can begin within months, and seeing your pet twice a year helps us: 

• Detect chronic issues before they become serious
• Identify lumps, bumps, or behavioral changes
• Allow for timely lab work and diagnostics 
  
  

Proactive care reduces the risk of emergencies and makes treatment more effective. 

Keeping Vaccines and Preventive Care on Track 

Prevention involves more than a quick booster. Routine visits help your pet stay protected from pests, disease, and internal threats. 

Our vets will review: 

• Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention recommendations
• Booster timing and immunity protection
• Parasite screening and internal health monitoring 
  
  

Consistent preventive care supports your pet’s comfort, health, and resilience throughout the year. 

Tailored Care at Every Life Stage 

Your pet’s needs evolve with age. Wellness visits offer space to adjust care strategies and talk through the specific changes that may come with different life stages. Semiannual visits allow us to fine-tune care so your pet’s health stays supported every step of the way.  

Puppies & Kittens 

Getting off to a strong start matters. Early visits cover: 

• Spay/neuter timing
• Growth milestones and nutritional advice
• First-year vaccine and deworming schedules 
  
  

They also offer time to ask questions and build healthy habits.  

Adult Pets 

As your pet matures, semiannual checkups let us monitor weight, dental health, and lifestyle risks and adjust plans as needed. Detecting small shifts early often makes treatment simpler and more affordable, reducing the stress and cost of emergency care. 

• Lifestyle-based wellness planning
• Monitoring weight, dental health, and screenings
• Behavioral and training check-ins 
  
  

Senior Pets 

Senior pets need more targeted attention because six months can equal several human years. 

• Age-specific screenings for arthritis, thyroid, and organ function
• Adjusted diet and mobility strategies
• Monitoring cognitive function and pain levels 
  
  

Semiannual exams help protect comfort and extend longevity. 

How Lebanon Small Animal Clinic Makes It Easy 

Providing great care should feel manageable, not overwhelming. Lebanon Small Animal Clinic offers practical, compassionate solutions that fit your schedule, your pet’s needs, and your peace of mind. 

Thoughtful, Fear-Free Visits 

The team at LSAC is Fear-Free trained and dedicated to making your visits positive. 

You can expect: 

• Gentle handling to reduce stress and anxiety
• Care Companions who create a calm, welcoming experience
• A clear overview of recommendations at every visit, so you always know what your pet needs and can make decisions with peace of mind 
  
  

This thoughtful approach helps pets feel more comfortable and builds confidence over time. 

Flexible Options for Busy Pet Parents 

Life moves quickly, and scheduling can get tricky. To keep care within reach, LSAC offers: 

• Drop-off appointments and telehealth availability
• Convenient scheduling and follow-up reminders 
  
  

These options help keep your pet’s wellness on track, even when life gets full. 

Preventive Plans That Save 

Wellness care doesn’t have to be a financial strain. LSAC offers PAWS Plans to help make routine visits more affordable: 

• Plans available starting at $34 per month
• Bundle essential care and spread out costs
• Personalized options based on your pet’s needs 
  
  

PAWS Plans are built around two wellness visits each year, so you never have to worry about missing a checkup. They bundle preventive essentials and spread out costs for peace of mind. Every member of our staff has their own pets on PAWS Plans. 

We have seen many cases where a PAWS Plan flagged a concern early, which let our team act sooner and help extend pets’ lives. 

When to Schedule Your Pet’s Next Exam 

Semiannual checkups are important, and your pet may also need attention in between. Knowing when to call can help you act early and prevent small concerns from becoming more serious. By keeping a twice-yearly routine, you are already giving your pet a strong advantage, and you will be prepared if any unexpected changes come up. 

Signs It’s Time for a Visit, Even Between Semiannual Exams 

If you notice any of the following changes, it may be time to schedule a visit: 

• Changes in eating, energy, or litterbox habits
• Bad breath, itchy skin, or limping
• Increased vocalization or hiding behaviors 
  
  

Trust your instincts when your pet seems off. A quick check-in can provide clarity and comfort. 

How to Stay on Track with Routine Care 

Consistency makes a difference in long-term wellness. To stay organized: 

• Add wellness visits to your calendar every six months
• Ask about joining the PAWS Plan wellness membership
• Make it part of your pet’s birthday tradition 
  
  

These steps help make routine care a dependable part of your pet’s life. 

Protect Your Pet’s Health and Happiness with Lebanon Small Animal Clinic 

Your pet depends on you to make thoughtful decisions about their health. When you prioritize semiannual wellness visits, you’re making a choice that supports a longer, healthier, and happier life. 

Lebanon Small Animal Clinic partners with you through every stage, offering compassionate care and convenient options that fit your life. 

Schedule your pet’s wellness exam today and ask about PAWS Plans designed to support your pet’s long-term health through affordable, proactive care. Semiannual care keeps tails wagging, whiskers twitching, and hearts healthy for all the moments you share together.