Comprehensive Physical Exams Yearly examinations of your pet by a veterinarian are more important than you might think. Because we see our pets on a daily basis the subtle changes that might be occurring as a result of illness or disease might not be recognized. However, these signs and symptoms can be easily detected by a doctor upon physical examination of your pet. These visits allow you to be proactive with your pet’s health by preventing problems that may arise instead of dealing with treatment when there is already a problem. Not to mention that a yearly examination for a dog or cat is equivalent to a human receiving a check-up every 4 years! Annual exams are also a convenient time to update vaccinations and to address any concerns regarding your pet’s health such as diet, parasite prevention or dental care