examining cat

Pet Checkups & Pet Exams in Hershey, PA

Whether it’s a new puppy exam, a cat check up, or a semi-annual visit for your senior dog with health problems, our team provides compassionate veterinary services tailored to your pet’s age and health.

Why Pet Exams Matter

Pets can’t tell you when something is wrong, which is why regular pet wellness exams are so essential. These visits help us detect problems early, before they become serious health issues.

A pet exam in Hershey also allows us to:

  • Monitor your pet’s weight and growth
  • Screen for intestinal parasites and chronic conditions
  • Assess dental health and discuss dental care
  • Recommend parasite prevention, vaccines, and nutrition
  • Identify age-specific issues in adult dogs or senior pets

We adjust each wellness plan based on your pet’s age and health, breed, and lifestyle.

What’s Included in a Dog or Cat Check Up?

Each dog or cat wellness exam at Hershey Veterinary Hospital includes a thorough physical assessment covering:

  • Eyes, ears, skin, and coat
  • Mouth, teeth, and gums
  • Heart and lungs
  • Abdomen, joints, and lymph nodes
  • Weight and body condition score

We also review any behavior changes, appetite shifts, or other concerns you’ve noticed.

Cats getting their annual wellness exam

Puppy & Kitten Exams

Are you welcoming a new furry friend to your family? We recommend a puppy check up or kitten check up starting at 6–8 weeks of age. These early visits include:

  • Initial physical exam
  • Core vaccinations
  • Deworming and parasite screening
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Behavior and training tips
  • Recommendations for flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

Each puppy or kitten exam helps ensure your pet starts life healthy and stays on track.

Learn what to bring to your first visit »

Annual Exams for Adult Pets

Once your pet is one year of age, we suggest yearly dog and cat check-ups in Hershey. This helps keep them healthy and allows us to monitor any new health issues. These pet wellness exams are key to:

  • Updating vaccines
  • Catching diseases early
  • Adjusting diet and exercise as needed
  • Discussing dental care, skin issues, and more

For senior dogs and older cats, more frequent exams and additional tests may be advised.

Diagnostic Screenings & Preventive Care

During your pet’s checkup, we may recommend:

  • Fecal exams for intestinal parasites
  • Heartworm testing
  • Tick-borne disease screening for Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis
  • Bloodwork or urinalysis, especially for senior pets
  • Dental cleanings
  • Microchipping
  • Preventative medication refills (flea, tick, and heartworm prevention)

These services support early detection and personalized care.

Cats getting their annual wellness exam

Additional Services

We are committed to helping pets live long and happy lives. There are many things pet owners can do to extend the life of their pets. We offer a variety of services that we can discuss during your cat or dog check up in Hershey. These include:

Microchipping

Microchipping provides permanent identification in case a pet is lost or stolen.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations protect against many diseases and are safe and highly effective.

Teeth Cleaning

Just like in people, good dental hygiene keeps the entire body healthy. Daily teeth brushing is recommended along with annual cleaning by a veterinarian.

Medications

Monthly preventative medications are recommended for dogs and cats to prevent fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, and mites. Many of these medications also help to prevent intestinal parasites. Medications are available in oral and topical formulations.

Deworming

Deworming is recommended for all puppies and kittens, and then annually. Dogs and cats often pick up parasites from eating things outside, walking in infested areas and licking their paws, and eating other animals’ feces or bugs. Intestinal parasites can cause GI and respiratory issues if left untreated.

4DX Test

This blood test is recommended annually for all dogs. It is performed in-house in 8 minutes and only requires 4 drops of blood. This test screens for Heartworm disease as well as 3 tick-borne diseases: Lyme, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasmosis.

Ear Cleaning

Regular ear cleaning helps to prevent ear infections. This is especially important for dogs with lots of hair in their ears and dogs that swim.

Anal Gland Expression

Expressing anal glands for pets that don’t completely empty their sacs naturally can prevent scooting, licking, infection, and abscesses.

Nail Trims

Long nails can be painful and can tear or break. 

Veterinarian performing a dog wellness exam during a pet check up in Hershey, PA

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should my pet have a checkup?

Our animal hospital recommends a pet check up at least once per year. Puppies, kittens, and senior dogs may need more frequent check ups based on their individual needs.

What’s the difference between an annual wellness exam and a sick visit?

A dog wellness exam or cat wellness exam is a routine physical examination to prevent problems. Sick visits are for when your pet has symptoms or you’re concerned about a specific issue.

Do you offer exams for puppies and kittens?

Yes! We offer new puppy exams and kitten check ups to start your young pet on the path to good health.

Dogs in the vet reception area

Schedule a Pet Exam in Hershey Today

Give your pets the best chance at a long, healthy life by scheduling your pet exam in Hershey today. Contact us to schedule a visit or request an appointment online.

Request an Appointment Online »