Wellness & Preventative Carefor Pets in Fanwood, NJ

At Fanwood Animal Hospital, we believe that keeping pets healthy starts with prevention.

Our wellness and preventative care services are designed to protect your dog or cat from illness, catch concerns early, and support a long, happy life. Serving families in Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Plainfield, and the surrounding communities, our veterinary team takes pride in offering thorough, compassionate care tailored to every pet’s needs.

large dog on an exam table being examined by vet

What Is Preventative Veterinary Care?

Preventative care means staying ahead of illness before it becomes a problem. Instead of waiting for symptoms to appear, our veterinarians focus on routine checkups, vaccinations, parasite prevention, and early detection screenings to keep your pet healthy year-round.

During each wellness visit, we carefully examine your pet, discuss lifestyle and medical history, and recommend a personalized care plan. These visits are also the perfect time to answer questions, from nutrition and behavior to aging pet concerns.

Why Wellness Exams Are Important

Just like people, pets benefit from regular health checkups. Annual (or semi-annual for senior pets) wellness exams allow us to:

Detect early signs of disease before they progress
Monitor weight, dental health, and overall condition
Stay current with vaccinations and parasite protection
Provide age-appropriate bloodwork and diagnostics
Offer expert advice on nutrition, exercise, and behavior

Early detection and prevention are proven to extend pets’ lifespans and improve their quality of life.

What to Expect at a Wellness Visit

Wellness visits are an essential part of keeping your pet healthy at every stage of life. These routine checkups allow our veterinary team to detect concerns early, prevent disease, and help your pet live a longer, happier life. During your pet’s wellness exam, you can expect the following:

Comprehensive Physical Exam

Our veterinarian will perform a thorough nose-to-tail examination to assess your pet’s overall health, including:

Eyes: Checking for clarity, vision changes, redness, or signs of infection
Ears: Evaluating for infection, inflammation, mites, or abnormal discharge
Teeth & Gums: Looking for dental disease, tartar buildup, broken teeth, and gum health
Skin & Coat: Assessing for parasites, allergies, lumps, bumps, or hair loss

Heart & Lungs: Listening for murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or breathing issues
Abdomen: Palpating organs to detect pain, masses, or enlargement
Joints & Muscles: Evaluating mobility, arthritis, and overall comfort
Weight & Body Condition: Ensuring your pet is maintaining a healthy weight
Lymph Nodes & Overall Condition: Checking for swelling or signs of illness

This exam helps us identify subtle changes before they become serious problems.

Vaccinations Tailored to Your Pet

We provide core and lifestyle-based vaccinations customized to your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel habits, and exposure risk. This ensures your pet is protected without receiving unnecessary vaccines.

Parasite Prevention

Parasites can cause serious illness in pets and people. We’ll discuss year-round protection for:
Fleas
Ticks
Heartworm disease
Intestinal parasites
We’ll help you choose the best prevention plan for your pet and your environment.

Annual Lab Testing

Routine lab work helps detect hidden health issues early, often before symptoms appear. Testing may include:

Heartworm and tick-borne disease testing
Fecal testing to screen for intestinal parasites
FELV/FIV testing for cats when appropriate

These tests provide valuable insight into your pet’s internal health.

Nutritional Counseling

Proper nutrition is key to long-term health. We’ll discuss:

Ideal body weight and body condition
Diet recommendations for life stage or medical needs
Feeding schedules and portion control
Our goal is to help your pet maintain a healthy weight and optimal energy level.

Senior Pet Care Screenings

As pets age, their needs change. Senior wellness visits may include:
Bloodwork and urinalysis to monitor organ function, early detection of kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid issues, and more.

These screenings allow us to catch and manage age-related conditions early, improving both quality and length of life.

Wellness visits are an investment in your pet’s lifelong health.

Each plan is customized to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle – because no two pets are the same. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always happy to help guide you through every stage of your pet’s life.

Each plan is customized to your pet’s age, breed, and lifestyle — because no two pets are the same.

The Benefits of Preventative Care

Investing in regular veterinary care helps:

Protect against preventable diseases
Reduce long-term treatment costs by catching problems early
Promote comfort and mobility into senior years
Ensure peace of mind knowing your pet is thriving

Our veterinarians partner with you as part of your pet’s healthcare team, giving you the knowledge and support to make the best decisions for their well-being.

Trusted Veterinary Care in Fanwood, NJ

For more than 70 years, Fanwood Animal Hospital has been a trusted resource for families in Union County. Our experienced veterinarians and caring staff are dedicated to providing pets with the same level of attention and compassion we would want for our own animals.

When it comes to wellness and preventative care, you can count on us to deliver expert, trustworthy, and personalized veterinary care at every visit.

Schedule Your Pet’s Wellness Exam Today

Don’t wait until your pet is sick — prevention is the key to lifelong health. Call Fanwood Animal Hospital in Fanwood, NJ, to schedule your dog or cat’s wellness exam today. We proudly serve pet families across Fanwood, Scotch Plains, Westfield, Plainfield, and the surrounding New Jersey area.

Ready to get started? Contact us today to book your pet’s wellness and preventative care appointment.