Annual Canine Wellness Exams in Anderson, SC
Preventative Care Exams For Dogs
At Walker Canine Care, we specialize exclusively in canine wellness care, and one of the most essential services we offer is the annual vet exam for dogs. Led by Dr. Jackson Walker, our team offers stress-free, dog-only checkups tailored to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle. Whether you’re caring for a playful puppy or a wise senior, our dog checkup process is designed to keep your four-legged family member healthy year after year. If you’re searching for a dog checkup in Anderson, SC, we invite you to book your visit with a team that truly understands dogs.
What Happens During a Dog’s Annual Exam?
A routine wellness exam is about much more than a quick look-over. At Walker Canine Care, every annual dog exam includes a thorough, head-to-tail physical examination, allowing our veterinarian to check your dog’s skin, eyes, ears, teeth, joints, heart, lungs, and more. We also perform the following as part of every pet annual exam:
- Annual bloodwork (sent to an external lab for full analysis)
- Heartworm test
- Fecal intestinal parasite screening
- Core vaccinations, including Rabies, Distemper/Parvo/Adenovirus/Parainfluenza, and Leptospirosis
These canine care services are required at every annual exam unless a medical exemption is provided by Dr. Walker. This protocol ensures that each dog receives consistent, high-quality preventive care that can catch problems early, often before symptoms appear.
Are Vaccines Included in a Dog Annual Exam at Walker Canine Care?
Yes, core vaccines are a standard part of the dog wellness exam unless your dog has a medical exemption. We follow AAHA guidelines and tailor vaccine recommendations to each dog’s lifestyle.
Required Core Vaccines:
- Rabies
- Distemper / Parvo / Adenovirus / Parainfluenza
- Leptospirosis
Optional Non-Core Vaccines (based on lifestyle):
- Bordetella (strongly recommended)
- Lyme Disease
- Canine Influenza
- Rattlesnake Toxoid
Our team will guide you through which vaccines make sense for your dog’s activities, environment, and health status.
Do Vets Perform Dental Checks During Annual Exams?
Absolutely. Oral health is an essential part of your dog’s overall wellness. During each annual visit, we examine your dog’s teeth and gums for signs of tartar, gingivitis, or discomfort. If needed, we may recommend a professional dental cleaning or follow-up dental care to keep your dog’s mouth healthy and pain-free.
What Kind of Parasite Screening Is Done During a Dog’s Annual Exam?
Parasite prevention is one of the most important components of routine wellness care. During your dog’s annual checkup, we’ll perform:
- A heartworm test
- A fecal exam to detect intestinal parasites like hookworms or roundworms
- A review of flea and tick prevention to ensure year-round protection
Our goal is to prevent disease, not wait for it to happen.
What Lab Tests Are Done During an Annual Dog Exam?
We perform standard wellness panels that provide insight into your dog’s internal health. These typically include:
- CBC (Complete Blood Count)
- Chemistry Panel
- Urinalysis (if needed)
- Senior wellness panels for dogs age 7 or older
Our practice uses advanced in-house diagnostics and trusted lab partners for quick, accurate results you can rely on.
How Can I Prepare My Dog for an Annual Wellness Exam?
To get the most out of your visit, we recommend the following:
- Bring vaccination records if you’re a new client
- Avoid feeding your dog for 6 hours before the visit if bloodwork is planned
- Bring a list of current medications or supplements
- Be ready to share any changes in behavior, appetite, energy, or mobility
A little preparation ensures we can tailor our care to exactly what your dog needs.
What’s the Difference Between an Annual Wellness Exam and a Sick Visit?
An annual wellness exam is a preventive visit designed to monitor and maintain your dog’s health before issues arise. It includes a full exam, lab testing, and vaccinations. A sick visit is more focused. It’s scheduled when your dog is showing signs of illness, pain, or discomfort and needs immediate diagnosis or treatment.
Both types of appointments are essential, but wellness exams are your dog’s first line of defense.
What Should I Bring to My Dog’s Annual Checkup?
Here’s what we recommend:
- Current medications
- Past medical records, especially if you’re new to our practice
- A list of questions or concerns
- A stool sample, if requested, when scheduling
Being prepared helps us get a complete picture of your dog’s health and gives you the best guidance possible.
How Much Does a Dog Annual Exam Cost in Anderson, SC?
The cost of your dog’s annual exam can vary based on several factors, including:
- Which core and non-core vaccines are needed
- Whether any further diagnostic tests or lab work are recommended
- The dog’s age, breed, or pre-existing health conditions
- Any follow-up care that may be advised
Contact our office for a personalized cost estimate tailored to your dog’s care plan.
Why Choose Walker Canine Care for Your Dog’s Annual Exam in Anderson?
- We are a dog-exclusive veterinary clinic, and everything we do is designed for canine comfort and safety.
- Dr. Walker brings over a decade of breed-specific veterinary experience to every case.
- Our clinic is equipped with modern diagnostics, an in-house lab, and a caring, highly trained staff.
- We provide a fear-free, welcoming environment that keeps tails wagging and stress low.
- We’ve earned a reputation in the Anderson community for honesty, compassion, and transparency.
Your dog deserves the best, and that’s what we’re here to provide.
Convenient Online Booking
Schedule your appointment through our easy-to-use online system. Your time is valuable to us, so we offer an online portal designed to fit your busy schedule.
Schedule Your Dog’s Annual Checkup in Anderson, SC Today
Your dog deserves high-quality, compassionate care—and that starts with a comprehensive annual exam. At Walker Canine Care in Anderson, SC, our team is committed to helping your dog live a longer, healthier life. Whether you’re bringing in a puppy for their first checkup or managing your senior dog’s wellness, we’re here to help. Call our office or book online to schedule your dog’s annual vet exam today.