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Educational, not veterinary advice. This article is for general information and is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult your veterinarian before changing your dog's diet, supplements, medication, exercise routine, or care plan.
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Make every visit count
The annual exam (twice yearly for seniors) is the cornerstone of preventive care — but you get far more from it when you come prepared. A little prep turns a quick check-up into a real conversation about your dog's long-term health. Bring this checklist with you.
Before the visit: prepare
- Write down your questions and concerns in advance — it's easy to forget them in the room.
- Bring your tracking data: weight log, activity trends, and notes on any changes in appetite, energy, bathroom habits, or behavior.
- List everything your dog consumes: food brand and amount, treats, supplements, and medications.
- Note any new lumps, limping, coughing, or other changes with rough dates.
- Bring a stool sample if your clinic requests one.
During the visit: what to cover
- Weight and body condition — ask where your dog falls and what the target is.
- Physical exam findings — teeth, heart, joints, skin, eyes, ears.
- Vaccination and parasite-prevention status — what's due and what's recommended for your area.
- Dental health — whether a professional cleaning is recommended.
- Age-appropriate screening — bloodwork and other tests grow more valuable as dogs age.
- Diet and exercise plan — confirm it still fits your dog's life stage and condition.
After the visit: follow through
- Write down the plan and any follow-up dates while it's fresh.
- Update your records — weight, recommendations, and any medication changes.
- Schedule the next visit or any recommended follow-ups before you leave.
- Adjust your dog's stack based on what you learned.
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Trends beat snapshots
The single most useful thing you can bring to a vet visit is a record over time. A weight that's crept up 8% in a year, or activity that's quietly dropped, tells a story a one-day snapshot can't. This is exactly what a simple log or an activity tracker makes easy.
🩺 Questions to ask your vet
- Is my dog at a healthy weight and body condition?
- What screenings make sense for my dog's age this year?
- Does my dog need a dental cleaning?
- Given what you see today, what should I prioritize before the next visit?
Get the Dog Longevity Checklist
A practical checklist covering every pillar of the Doggevity system — and the questions to ask your vet.
