As a pet parent, you want your furry family member to live the longest, healthiest, and happiest life possible. One of the best ways to make that happen is through regular veterinary wellness exams. At Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic in Hawthorne, CA, we believe preventive care is the foundation of lifelong health—and wellness visits are a simple, effective way to catch small issues before they turn into big problems.
Whether you’ve just welcomed a new puppy into your home or are helping your senior cat age gracefully, wellness exams help you stay ahead of your pet’s health. They also give us the chance to build a trusted partnership with you—so we can be there through every stage of your pet’s life.
This Article Will Address:
- What happens during a pet wellness exam
- How often you should bring your pet in for checkups
- The key benefits of routine veterinary visits
- Why early detection matters for your pet’s health
- What makes Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic’s approach unique
- How to schedule your pet’s next wellness visit in Hawthorne, CA
What Does a Pet Wellness Exam Include?
At Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic, a wellness exam is more than just a routine check—it’s a full head-to-tail assessment to help us understand your pet’s overall health and prevent issues before they arise.
During your pet’s wellness exam, you can expect:
- A thorough physical examination (eyes, ears, mouth, skin, joints, and abdomen)
- Vital sign monitoring, including temperature, weight, and heart rate
- Review and updates of vaccination records
- Parasite screenings (heartworm, fleas, ticks, intestinal parasites)
- Recommendations for preventive treatments (flea/tick/heartworm meds)
- Age-appropriate bloodwork or urinalysis
- A conversation about your pet’s diet, activity level, behavior, and environment
These visits help us create a personalized care plan that evolves with your pet’s needs—and ensures they stay as healthy and comfortable as possible.
How Often Should My Pet Have a Wellness Checkup?
Pets age much faster than humans, which means their health can change quickly. Regular wellness exams help us track those changes and adjust care as needed.
Here’s a general guideline:
- Puppies and kittens: Every 3–4 weeks until about 16 weeks old
- Adult dogs and cats (1–7 years): Once per year
- Senior pets (7+ years): Every 6 months
Because pets can’t always tell us when something’s wrong, we follow Dr. McCoy’s proactive philosophy: examine, prevent, protect. And for senior pets especially, biannual visits can be life-saving.
What Are the Benefits of Routine Veterinary Visits?
Routine veterinary checkups are about so much more than vaccines and weigh-ins. They help us support your pet’s well-being in ways you can feel good about.
Benefits of regular wellness exams include:
- Early disease detection – identify issues before symptoms appear
- Personalized health guidance based on breed, age, and lifestyle
- Dental health monitoring to prevent discomfort and decay
- Longer, more active lifespan for your pet
- Peace of mind knowing your pet is in good hands
These visits also strengthen the bond of trust between you, your pet, and your veterinary team—something we take seriously at Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic.
Why Early Detection is Key to Lifelong Pet Health
Even the most attentive pet parent may not notice early signs of illness—because pets are naturally good at hiding pain or discomfort. Wellness exams allow us to detect subtle changes in your pet’s health that might otherwise go unnoticed. Through physical exams, lab work, and behavior assessments, we can identify issues like kidney disease, dental problems, or weight changes early—when they’re most treatable. Early detection helps us take preventive action, reduce the risk of emergencies, and support a longer, healthier life for your pet.
What Makes Wellness Exams Different at Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic?
You have choices when it comes to pet care. So why choose us?
At Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic, we offer more than medical expertise—we offer a partnership based on compassion, respect, and the understanding that your pet is part of your family.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- A calm, anxiety-reducing environment for pets and people
- Led by Dr. McCoy, a respected veterinarian affiliated with AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA
- Access to modern diagnostic tools for early, accurate care
- A team that listens to your concerns and never rushes your visit
- A commitment to our core values: tenacity, respect, compassion, and trust
Whether it’s your first visit or your fifteenth, you’ll experience care that’s as thorough as it is heartfelt.
Schedule Your Pet’s Next Wellness Exam in Hawthorne, CA
Wellness exams aren’t just checkups—they’re essential steps in giving your pet a longer, healthier life. At Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic in Hawthorne, CA, we believe in building lifelong relationships through exceptional care, respect, and proactive attention to your pet’s needs.
Visit our website to schedule or call our friendly team today.
Sources:
- PetMD – Pet Wellness Exams: How to Prepare
- Animal Humane Society – Importance of Regular Wellness Exams
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Meet Dr. McCoy
Dr. Rochelle McCoy, DVM, is the owner of Rosecrans Veterinary Clinic in Hawthorne, CA. A dedicated vet with a passion for compassionate, community-focused care, she understands the deep bond between pets and their families. Having earned her veterinary degree in 2004, Dr. McCoy is fluent in English and Tagalog, making her a trusted resource for pet owners of diverse backgrounds. She is committed to ensuring every pet receives personalized, high-quality care. A member of the AVMA, CVMA, and SCVMA, she stays at the forefront of veterinary medicine. Outside the clinic, she cherishes time with her family and pets, embodying the same love for animals that she sees in her clients every day.