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28 October 2025

Veterinary Visit: 5 Essential Check-Ups for Your Pet’s Health

Tobias, a cheerful Labrador, always seemed full of energy. He ran, jumped, and ate everything in sight — including his owner’s slipper. But during one of his routine vet visits, a kidney problem was discovered that, fortunately, was treated in time. The moral of the story? Taking your pet to the vet isn’t a luxury — it’s love in the form of prevention. If you have a dog, cat, rabbit, or any other furry friend at home, this article is for you! Find out which 5 essential check-ups should be part of your pet’s regular veterinary visit.

🩺 1. General health assessment (and that nose check!)

During a routine visit, the vet performs a full examination: listens to the heart, checks the eyes, ears, weight, temperature, and even the condition of the skin and fur. 💬 Spoiler: a dry nose isn’t always a sign of illness! This check-up helps detect problems in their early stages — and ensures everything is in order.

💉 2. Vaccines up to date: protection without drama

Vaccines are your pet’s shield against diseases like rabies, parvovirus, panleukopenia, or leishmaniasis (depending on the species). 📅 The vaccination schedule varies based on age, lifestyle, and species, but it’s essential to have the annual booster. 💡 And don’t use the excuse “he doesn’t go outside” — even indoor pets need vaccines!

🧪 3. Lab tests: some things the eye can’t see

Even without visible symptoms, blood and urine tests can reveal kidney or liver problems, diabetes or hormonal imbalances, silent infections, and internal parasites. Especially for older animals, these tests should be done at least once a year.

🐾 4. Dental check-up: dragon breath? Better prevent it

Pet oral health is often forgotten… until bad breath or chewing difficulties appear. Plaque, tartar, and gum disease can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, and even heart problems (yes, they’re connected!). 👅 Brushing your pet’s teeth and having regular cleanings at the vet can save many smiles — and wallets.

🐛 5. Deworming and flea/tick prevention

Scratching too much? Losing weight for no reason? Acting more tired than usual? Often, the cause lies in internal parasites (worms, tapeworms) or external ones (fleas, ticks). The best approach is to maintain a regular deworming routine and apply anti-parasite products recommended by your vet. 🧴 There are collars, pipettes, sprays… but only your vet can tell you what’s best for your pet!

📋 Bonus: when to take your pet to the vet outside the check-up?

Besides routine appointments, keep an eye out for warning signs such as changes in behavior, altered appetite or thirst, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, coughing or breathing issues, limping, or excessive scratching. In these cases, don’t wait. Book an appointment.

🐶🐱 Conclusion: caring is loving… with a calendar in hand

Our furry companions don’t speak — but their bodies give us signs. Regular check-ups are the most effective (and loving!) way to ensure they live healthy, happy lives, running around the house as if there’s no tomorrow. 💡 With the Misericórdias Saúde Card, you can access veterinary consultations with discounts of up to 60%… because caring for your pet also means caring for your family.