Regular wellness exams are the foundation of keeping your dog healthy throughout their life. At Pawtown Veterinary Care, we provide thorough dog checkups that catch potential health issues early, update necessary vaccinations, and give you peace of mind about your companion’s well-being. Whether your dog bounds through Central Oregon’s trails every weekend or prefers lounging on the couch, consistent veterinary care helps them stay active and comfortable for years to come.
A thorough wellness exam goes beyond a quick look-over. Dr. Erin Miller and Dr. Lauren Stayer take time during each visit to examine your dog from nose to tail, discuss any concerns you’ve noticed, and create a preventive care plan tailored to your dog’s age, breed, and lifestyle. These appointments build a health baseline for your pet so we can spot changes before they become serious problems.
What Happens During a Dog Checkup?
Every comprehensive exam at our Bend clinic follows a systematic approach to evaluate your dog’s overall health. We start by reviewing your dog’s medical history and discussing any recent changes in behavior, appetite, energy level, or bathroom habits. These conversations often reveal important details that help us provide better care.
During the physical examination, we evaluate multiple aspects of your dog’s health:
- Weight and body condition assessment
- Heart and lung auscultation
- Eye and ear examination
- Skin and coat evaluation
- Abdominal palpation to check internal organs
- Joint mobility and pain assessment
- Dental inspection for signs of disease
For many dogs in Central Oregon, we also look for evidence of external parasites like fleas and ticks that attach during hikes or time spent outdoors.
Based on what we find during the exam, we may recommend diagnostic testing such as bloodwork, urinalysis, or fecal testing. These screenings help us monitor organ function, detect infections, and identify internal parasites that aren’t visible during a physical exam.
How Often Should Dogs Visit the Vet?
Puppies need more frequent checkups during their first year because they require a series of vaccinations and health screenings as they grow. Puppies need vaccinations starting around 8 weeks of age, with visits every three to four weeks until they complete their initial vaccine series around 16 weeks.
Adult dogs between one and seven years old typically benefit from annual wellness exams. These yearly visits allow us to track changes in your dog’s health, update vaccinations, and provide preventive care recommendations based on your dog’s lifestyle and the specific risks in Central Oregon.
Senior dogs aged seven years and older should come in for checkups twice a year. Older dogs experience age-related changes more rapidly, and more frequent exams help us manage conditions like arthritis, dental disease, and organ function decline before they significantly impact quality of life.
Dogs with chronic health conditions may need to visit more often based on their specific needs. We’ll work with you to determine the right schedule for your dog’s situation.
Why Regular Checkups Matter for Active Dogs in Bend
Central Oregon’s outdoor lifestyle means many local dogs lead active lives on trails, rivers, and mountains. This activity level brings specific health considerations that make regular veterinary care particularly important.
Active dogs face increased exposure to ticks, fleas, and intestinal parasites found in wilderness areas around Bend. They’re more prone to injuries like torn paw pads, muscle strains, and joint issues that develop gradually over time. Regular checkups allow us to screen for these problems and provide preventive treatments that keep your dog comfortable during their adventures.
The high desert climate also affects your dog’s health. Dry air can irritate skin and the respiratory system, while intense sun exposure increases cancer risks for thin-coated breeds. Temperature swings between seasons require adjustments to your dog’s care routine. We discuss these environmental factors during wellness visits and help you protect your dog year-round.
Even seemingly minor changes in your active dog’s behavior, like reluctance to jump into the car or shortened hikes, can signal developing health issues. Regular exams help us identify these subtle shifts early when treatment is most effective.
Vaccinations and Preventive Care For Your Dog
Protecting your dog against infectious diseases is a core part of every checkup. We assess which vaccinations your dog needs based on their age, health status, and lifestyle factors specific to Bend and Central Oregon.
Core vaccines protect against serious diseases that affect all dogs, regardless of lifestyle. These include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, and adenovirus. Oregon law requires rabies vaccination, and we ensure your dog stays current with this important protection.
Non-core vaccines may be appropriate depending on your dog’s exposure risks. Dogs that visit dog parks, boarding facilities, or grooming salons benefit from Bordetella vaccination to prevent kennel cough. Dogs that spend time in areas with standing water or wildlife should receive the leptospirosis vaccine. We’ll discuss your dog’s routine and recommend the vaccines that make sense for their situation.
Beyond vaccinations, we provide parasite prevention recommendations tailored to Central Oregon. Fleas, ticks, heartworm, and intestinal parasites all pose risks to dogs in our area, and consistent preventive treatments protect your dog while reducing disease transmission risks to your family.
What to Expect at Your Dog's Next Appointment
Coming prepared helps us provide the best care for your dog during the wellness visit.
Here’s what to bring:
- Previous veterinary records (if this is your first visit to Pawtown)
- A fresh stool sample in a sealed bag for parasite screening
- A list of questions about your dog’s health, behavior, or care routine
- Information about your dogs diet and any medications or supplements they currently take
Our team will greet you and your dog warmly when you arrive at our northeast Bend location. We complete paperwork efficiently so you can spend more time with the veterinarian. During the exam, we explain what we’re checking and why, and we welcome your questions throughout the process.
If we identify any health concerns, we’ll discuss diagnostic options, treatment plans, and cost estimates before moving forward. We want you to feel confident in the care decisions you make for your dog.
Common Health Issues We Screen For
Regular checkups allow us to monitor for conditions that commonly affect dogs at different life stages. Early detection makes treatment more successful and often less expensive.
Dental disease affects most dogs by age three. During each exam, we assess your dog’s teeth and gums and discuss dental care options, including professional dental cleanings when needed. Addressing dental problems improves overall health since oral bacteria can affect the heart, kidneys, and liver.
Obesity poses serious health risks for dogs, including diabetes, joint disease, and shortened lifespan. We track your dog’s weight and body condition over time and provide nutrition guidance to help them maintain a healthy weight.
Arthritis develops gradually in many dogs as they age. We evaluate joint health during exams and can recommend treatments that reduce pain and maintain mobility. Catching joint disease early allows us to slow its progression.
Skin conditions, ear infections, and allergies are common issues we identify during routine checkups. Many skin problems start small but worsen without treatment, so early intervention prevents your dog from suffering.
Cost Considerations and Payment Options
We believe every dog deserves quality veterinary care. Our wellness exams are priced transparently, and we discuss all recommended services and their costs during your visit.
For pet owners concerned about affording veterinary care, we work with Care Credit and Scratch Pay to provide financing options. These payment plans make it easier to manage veterinary expenses while ensuring your dog receives necessary care.
Investing in regular checkups often saves money over time by preventing expensive emergency situations and advanced disease treatment. Catching health problems early means simpler, less costly interventions.
Schedule Your Dog's Checkup at Pawtown Veterinary Care
Your dog depends on you to protect their health, and regular wellness exams are one of the most important things you can do for them. Whether your dog needs their annual checkup or you’ve noticed something concerning about their health, Pawtown Veterinary Care is here to help. Our practice is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We’re located in northeast Bend at 63130 Lancaster Street, Suite 100, making it convenient for families throughout Central Oregon to access quality veterinary care.
Contact us to schedule an appointment for your dog’s wellness exam. If you’re a new client, you should also complete our new client form online before your first visit. Dr. Miller, Dr. Stayer, and our entire team are committed to making your dog’s veterinary experience positive and stress-free. We look forward to meeting you and your companion and providing the personalized care that keeps dogs healthy throughout their lives.
