Annual Veterinary Checkups in Greer, SC

A veterinary exam is a nose-to-tail health check designed to catch issues early, support your pet’s well-being, and strengthen your relationship with your veterinarian. A comprehensive veterinary exam also includes a thorough consultation regarding any questions you may have regarding your pets’ health and welfare. At Goldenrod, we take time to perform each pet wellness exam thoroughly and gently, giving your pet the attention they deserve.

Each visit may include:

• A full physical exam
• Weight check and body condition scoring
• Vaccination updates
• Parasite screening and prevention
• Recommended bloodwork for early detection
• Nutritional counseling based on age and activity
• Basic dental checkup
• Review of behavior, lifestyle, and any concerns you have

Routine visits like these help us build a complete picture of your pet’s health, and allow us to detect changes before they turn into something serious.

Your pet can’t tell you when something’s wrong, but a wellness exam can. Annual vet exams are a critical part of preventive pet care. These visits help us catch potential health issues early, when they’re most treatable, and keep your pet on track with timely vaccinations and preventive medications. Just as the physical exam can tell us what may be going on on the outside, a screening blood panel can tell us about the internal health of your beloved pet and becomes an integral part of a comprehensive examination of health.

At Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital, our goal is to support a lifetime of health, comfort, and joy. Starting with each yearly exam.

We recommend that puppies and kittens begin seeing a veterinarian as early as 6 to 8 weeks of age. These first visits focus on vaccinations, diet and training tips, establishing baseline health. Once the initial series is complete, pets should transition to annual exams to stay current on preventive care and screen for common age-related issues.

• Puppies and kittens: First visit at 6–8 weeks, then every 3–4 weeks until about 4-5 months old
• Adult pets: One annual vet exam per year
• Senior pets (7+ years): Exams every 6 months are recommended

Each stage brings new needs, and we tailor our recommendations accordingly.

In most cases, dogs and cats should have a vet wellness exam once per year. These visits help us stay ahead of potential illness and track any changes in your pet’s health. As pets age, or if they have chronic conditions, we may recommend more frequent visits to provide the care and support they need.

• Young and adult pets: Annually
• Senior pets or those with medical conditions: Semi-annually

Regular veterinary checkups support early intervention and give your pet the best chance at a long, healthy life.

Absolutely. Even if your cat never steps outside or your dog mostly lounges on the couch, they can still face health concerns like dental disease, obesity, arthritis, parasites, and organ issues that develop silently over time.

Indoor pets benefit from yearly wellness exams just as much as outdoor pets. These visits allow us to check on your pet’s teeth, joints, heart, and more, even if they’re not showing symptoms.

To make the most of your appointment, we recommend bringing:

• Any previous medical records (especially if you’re new to our clinic)
• A list of current medications or supplements
• A fresh stool sample for parasite testing
• A list of questions or concerns
• A favorite treat or comfort item for your pet’s visit 
• It may even be helpful for your pet to arrive fasted, as they will be hungrier and more apt to take the treats that we offer during the visit
• Some patients that are particularly anxious about veterinary visits may even require pre-medications to bring down their stress levels before you even leave your home. 
• Please contact our offices ahead of time if you think that your pet has vet-visit-associated anxiety

Preparing ahead helps ensure we can cover everything important and gives your pet the best experience possible.

Most annual vet appointments at Goldenrod take about 30 to 45 minutes. We take our time to create a calm, low-stress environment for your pet while allowing plenty of space for questions. Additional time may be needed if your pet is due for diagnostics, lab work, or vaccinations.

This is your chance to ask anything about your pet’s health or behavior. Some helpful questions include:

• Is my pet at a healthy weight?
• Should I consider a different diet or feeding schedule?
• Are there any signs of early illness I should be watching for?
• How are their teeth and gums looking?
• Should we consider bloodwork or other screenings?

We believe in empowering pet parents through education. Ask anything, we’re here to help.

The cost of a dog or cat wellness exam can vary depending on your pet’s age, health history, and any additional diagnostics needed. At Goldenrod, we prioritize transparency and will walk you through any recommendations or pricing before we move forward. You’ll never be surprised at checkout, and we’ll always respect your preferences.

At Goldenrod Veterinary Hospital, we do things differently. We built our practice with the intention to serve pets and people in Greer with the kind of care we’d want for our own animals. That means:

• Calm, quiet, low-stress visits that support your pet’s emotional well-being
• Longer, more thoughtful appointments that allow for clear communication
• A warm, welcoming team that values partnership and education
• Honest, transparent veterinary care built around your pet’s needs, not checklists
• Convenient online booking and personalized scheduling

We don’t just want to treat your pet, we want to know them. And we want you to feel confident every step of the way.