Any Reason For A Dog Checkup?

[BeingMe]

They haven't had one in a while and wondering if there is any reason for one? Or things I should check myself?

[lonegirl]

The most important part of an annual Vaccine appointment is the check-up.
Remember that for every year your dog ages it is equivilant to about 4yrs. (1st 2 years are about age 1-20, then 4 yr every year after that). It is important to have complete once over....Heart, Lungs, Eyes, Ears, Mouth.
You'd be amazed at the number of pets who come in who haven't been seen by a vet in years....that have major medical issues that could have been prevented or at least treatment could have been started before it became a huge issue....like end stage renal failure on cats....that could have been detected when it was renal insufficiency therefore adding another few years to the cat's life.

[Ola_]

It's not strictly necessary unless you have any health concerns. We do very limited vaccines, but do go in for heartworm tests, if the dogs are unwell, or if I have any concerns. If nothing has come up in a couple of years I do make a "checkup" visit just to get weighed and perhaps do some bloodwork (always good to have a "baseline" when they are healthy).

You mentioned in another thread about dental buildup, which IMO would warrant a visit to make sure it's not affecting their health or organs.