Wellness Care

Preventive Pet Care & Wellness Exams in Grantham, NH

At Sugar River Animal Hospital, we believe that preventive care is the foundation of lifelong health for your pet. Whether you have a new puppy, a playful adult cat, or a senior dog slowing down, our team is here to support your pet’s health journey at every stage of life.

Located in Grantham, NH, we provide thorough, compassionate care for dogs and cats of all ages throughout Grantham, Lebanon, New London, and the Upper Valley area of New Hampshire. Our comprehensive pet wellness exams go far beyond vaccines—they’re a full check-in on your pet’s health and well-being.

Why Annual Wellness Exams Matter

Your pet’s wellness exam is about more than just vaccines—it's a complete health assessment.

These visits allow us to:

• Detect early signs of illness or disease

• Track health trends over time

• Offer tailored care based on age, breed, and lifestyle

• Address your concerns and questions

• Provide parasite prevention, nutrition guidance, and more

These yearly visits help us catch subtle signs of illness before they become more serious—and more expensive—to treat. Each pet is unique, and we tailor our exams to meet your pet’s needs at every life stage. Whether it’s updating vaccines, discussing nutrition, managing chronic conditions, or screening for parasites, we’re here to keep your pet happy and healthy.

Life Stage Wellness Exams for Dogs and Cats

Puppy and Kitten Exams

Starting your new pet off right is one of the most important things you can do. We recommend bringing your puppy or kitten to Sugar River Animal Hospital around 8 weeks of age for their first wellness visit.

These early exams include:

• Perform a complete physical exam

• Start core vaccines tailored to your pet’s lifestyle

• Parasite screening and prevention

• Discuss nutrition, behavior, and socialization

• Review spay/neuter options and timing

• Talk about microchipping for permanent ID

Early veterinary visits are the building blocks of a lifetime of good health.

 Adult Dog and Cat Wellness Exams

Adult dogs and cats (ages 1–6 years) benefit from annual wellness exams to maintain good health and catch emerging issues early. 

At your pet’s visit, we’ll:

• Perform a full physical exam

• Check eyes, ears, skin, teeth, joints, and internal organs.

• Listen to the heart and lungs

• Recommend vaccines based on lifestyle

• Perform a fecal test to check for intestinal parasites (Remember to bring your pet's sample!)

• Discuss preventives for external parasites ie, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention

• Address your questions and concerns

We personalize every visit based on your pet’s lifestyle, risk factors, and medical history.

Senior Pet Care and Geriatric Exams

Pets are living longer than ever, and senior dogs and cats have unique healthcare needs. As pets enter their senior years (around age 7 for most dogs and age 10 for cats), they need more frequent and focused care. Age-related changes can affect vision, hearing, mobility, organ function, and overall comfort.

During a senior wellness exam, we’ll:

• Full physical evaluation focused on age-related concerns (We recommend older pets with health issues have semi-annual exams)

• Evaluate mobility, vision, hearing, and pain

• Geriatric bloodwork to monitor internal organ health

• Screening for chronic diseases like kidney disease, diabetes, and thyroid issues

• Discuss lifestyle changes and comfort measures

We’re here to help your senior pet live their golden years in comfort and happiness.

Your Partner in Lifelong Pet Wellness

Preventive care isn't just about treating illness—it's about preventing it before it starts. From your pet’s first puppy or kitten exam to their golden years, Sugar River Animal Hospital provides comprehensive preventive care you can trust. By choosing preventive care at Sugar River Animal Hospital, you’re giving your pet the best chance at a long, healthy, and happy life.

If you have further questions and would like to contact us, you can call us directly at (603) 865-5532 or email us at [email protected], and we’ll be happy to answer them.