It’s easy to assume your pet is healthy if they’re eating well, playing normally, and acting like themselves. But many of the most serious health conditions in dogs and cats develop without any obvious outward signs — until they’re already well advanced.
That’s why annual health checks are one of the most valuable things you can do for your pet — and why we build them into our Companion health plans at Paws & Co Veterinary Centre in Tingley.
What Does “Silent” Disease Look Like?
Many serious conditions — including kidney disease, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and some cancers — develop slowly and show few obvious signs in the early stages. By the time a pet seems unwell, the condition may already be significantly advanced and more difficult to treat.
A yearly health check allows our vets to catch subtle changes that you might not notice at home — slight weight loss, changes in muscle condition, early dental disease, or abnormalities on blood work that flag problems months before symptoms appear.
What Happens at a Health Check?
🔍 Physical Examination
Head to tail — eyes, ears, teeth, heart, lungs, abdomen, joints, skin, and coat. We’re building a baseline and looking for anything that’s changed.
📈 Weight & Body Condition
We track weight over time. Gradual loss or gain can be an early indicator of metabolic, dental, or systemic disease.
💉 Vaccination Review
We check what’s due, discuss your pet’s lifestyle, and ensure their protection against preventable diseases is current.
But They’re Young and Seem Perfectly Healthy
Even young, active pets benefit enormously from regular check-ups. Early exams establish a health baseline, so we can identify any future changes quickly. And for older pets, we recommend moving to twice-yearly checks — a lot can change in six months in a senior animal.
Spotting dental disease early may mean a straightforward scale and polish rather than multiple extractions. Managing arthritis early means better comfort and mobility long term. Preventative care almost always costs less than emergency treatment — and it’s far less stressful for everyone involved.
Health Plans Make This Easy
Members of our Companion and Companion Plus plans have discounted consultations built in, making it straightforward to bring your pet in for a check-up without worrying about the cost of each visit. It’s proactive, affordable care — built for peace of mind.
Book Your Pet’s Annual Health Check
Whether it’s your pet’s first check-up or they’re overdue for one, our team is here to help. A straightforward appointment that could make a real difference.