Pet Wellness Exams & Vaccinations

Pet wellness exams and vaccinations help protect your dog or cat from preventable illness and catch health concerns early. At Sunrise Animal Hospital in Edmonton, our veterinarians focus on clear recommendations, individualized care, and transparent communication, so you always understand what your pet needs and why.

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Preventive Care That Protects Your Pet Long-Term

Annual pet exams and timely vaccines are the foundation of preventive vet care. A wellness visit isn’t just a “quick check”—it’s a structured head-to-tail assessment, paired with guidance on parasite prevention, nutrition, behaviour, and early disease detection. Vaccines are then customized based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, travel, and exposure risks. The goal is simple: fewer surprises, fewer emergencies, and a healthier life for your pet.

1 Year

Most adult dogs and cats benefit from an annual exam to monitor weight, teeth, skin, joints, and internal health trends over time.

Tailored Plan

Vaccination schedules aren’t one-size-fits-all. We match vaccines to your pet’s risk factors, keeping protection strong without over-vaccinating.

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Pet Wellness Exams & Vaccination FAQs

Wellness and vaccine visits bring up a lot of practical questions—especially for new pet parents, growing puppies and kittens, and owners trying to plan annual care. The answers below explain how annual pet exams work, what “core” vaccines mean, what side effects to watch for, and how we personalize recommendations for dogs and cats in Edmonton.

What happens during an annual pet exam?

An annual pet exam is a full health evaluation for your dog or cat, not just a quick look-over. At Sunrise Animal Hospital in Edmonton, we review your pet’s history and any changes at home, then perform a nose-to-tail physical exam—heart, lungs, skin, ears, eyes, abdomen, teeth, and mobility. We also discuss prevention needs like vaccines, parasite control, and screening recommendations based on age and lifestyle.

Which vaccines are considered “core” for dogs and cats?

Core vaccines are those recommended for most pets because they protect against serious, widespread diseases. For dogs, that often includes protection against distemper- and parvovirus-related illnesses and rabies, where applicable. For cats, core protection commonly includes panleukopenia and related illnesses and respiratory viruses, plus rabies where appropriate. Your veterinarian will confirm what’s needed for your pet’s age, health status, and risk factors.

How do you decide which vaccines my pet needs?

Vaccine recommendations depend on your pet’s species (dog or cat), age, medical history, and exposure risk. We consider lifestyle factors—like boarding, grooming, daycare, travel, outdoor access, or contact with other animals—then build a schedule that supports strong protection without unnecessary add-ons. This individualized approach helps keep preventive vet care both effective and practical for Edmonton pet families.

Are vaccine side effects normal, and when should I call the vet?

Mild side effects can occur and are usually short-lived, such as sleepiness, mild soreness at the injection site, or a reduced appetite for a day. You should contact Sunrise Animal Hospital right away if you see facial swelling, hives, vomiting, collapse, trouble breathing, or severe lethargy—these can be signs of an allergic reaction. If you’re unsure, it’s always safest to call for guidance.

How often should my pet get wellness exams and vaccines?

Most adult pets benefit from at least one wellness exam per year, while seniors may need exams every six months to catch age-related changes earlier. Vaccine timing varies: some boosters are given annually, while others may be given on a longer schedule depending on the vaccine type, your pet’s history, and local requirements. We’ll outline a clear plan at your visit so you know what’s due and when.

What to Expect During a Wellness Exam & Vaccine Visit

Your visit usually starts with a conversation about appetite, energy, bathroom habits, mobility, and any changes you’ve noticed at home. Next, we perform a full physical exam—checking eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin, abdomen, and overall comfort. If vaccines are due, we’ll review what’s recommended and why, then administer them safely. If we identify concerns, we may recommend follow-up testing—like bloodwork or screening—so we can act early.

When to Book Preventive Care for Dogs and Cats

Some pets look “fine” even when something is starting to develop—especially cats. Routine exams help us detect subtle changes before they become painful or expensive problems. Vaccinations work best when they’re given on schedule, and wellness visits are also the ideal time to ask questions about nutrition, parasite prevention, dental care, or behaviour.

Puppies & Kittens

Young pets need a series of vaccines and regular check-ins to build strong immunity and support healthy growth, habits, and development.

Adult & Senior Pets

Yearly (and sometimes twice-yearly) exams help track weight, dental health, and early signs of arthritis, endocrine disease, or organ changes.