New Year, New Check-Up: Helping Your Pet Start 2026 Healthy
By: Lauren Szyszka, Phone Department Supervisor
Happy New Year from all of us at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center! January is a natural time to reset routines, and that includes your pet’s health. Just like people, pets benefit from regular wellness exams that help catch small concerns before they become bigger issues—supporting a happy, healthy year ahead.
Why Annual Wellness Exams Matter
Wellness exams are about more than testing. They allow your veterinarian to assess your pet’s overall health, track changes over time, and offer guidance tailored to your pet’s age, lifestyle, and environment. For pets in the Tri-Valley area, routine preventive care is one of the best ways to stay ahead of common and age-related conditions.
Routine Testing for Pets of All Ages
Depending on your pet’s age and lifestyle, routine wellness testing may include:
- Blood work
- Urinalysis
- Fecal exams
- Heartworm screening
These tests help us establish healthy baselines, monitor organ function, and detect early signs of illness—often before symptoms are noticeable at home.
Puppies and Kittens: Starting Strong
Early wellness visits set the foundation for lifelong health. During these visits, we focus on:
- Vaccination boosters to support protection from disease
- Symptom-based testing if your pet is showing signs of illness
This is also a great time to discuss nutrition, socialization, training, and preventive care as your new pet grows.
Adult Pets: Staying Healthy and Happy
Even pets who seem perfectly healthy benefit from yearly exams. For adult pets, wellness visits often include:
- Routine testing
- Monitoring organ function
- Reviewing diet, exercise, and lifestyle needs
- Preventive care planning
These check-ups help maintain long-term health and catch subtle changes early.
Senior Pets: Golden Years, Great Care
As pets age, health changes can happen more quickly and may be harder to spot. Senior pets often benefit from:
- Thyroid testing
- Weight and mobility monitoring
- Wellness exams every six months
- Additional diagnostics such as imaging or disease-specific screenings, depending on individual health needs
Regular senior care supports comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
Supporting Your Pet’s Health All Year Long
Wellness exams give you peace of mind and help ensure your pet is thriving—not just getting by. They’re an opportunity to ask questions, review preventive care, and make thoughtful decisions about your pet’s health.
If you’re unsure whether your pet is due for a wellness visit or have questions about what testing might be appropriate, our Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center team is happy to help guide next steps. Reaching out early can make all the difference.
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