Why your dog, cat, or rabbits could use a pet health check
First Published: 08/11/2024
Last Updated: 09/01/2025
Health checks for dogs, cats, and rabbits are routine veterinary examinations designed to catch potential health issues early. Two in three cats and dogs examined by vets have some kind of health issue, and many of these go unnoticed by owners. Your vets can provide peace of mind by giving your pet a health check every six months. Think of these checks as an MOT for your pet. Just like a seemingly healthy car can turn out to have problems under the bonnet, our pets can seem to be doing great when they really aren't. The best way to be sure is through health checks.
Why should I get a pet health check?
Pets age much faster than humans — one year for them is at least five for us — so health problems can develop quickly. Pets can't tell us when something is wrong, and when there is they often try to hide it. Regular pet health checks can help catch health issues early, which in turn helps vets offer more effective treatment. There are many conditions which don't show symptoms until they become serious. If not picked up early, these conditions can be harder and more expensive to treat. Regular check-ups allow you and your vet to be proactive about your pet's health, meaning they can have the best quality of life possible.
What happens during a pet health check?
Your vet or vet nurse will perform a thorough examination during your pet's health check.
This includes:
- Weight check: Your vet will check to see if your pet's weight is within a healthy range. If your dog, cat, or rabbit has had their weight checked previously, they will also compare the new weight to the last recorded one. Sudden weight changes can indicate underlying health issues.
- Eye examination: The vet will check for clarity and signs of ulcers or infections.
- Ear inspection: This is a check of your pet's ears, making sure they are clean and not inflamed, as these can be signs of infection or allergies.
- Urine test: These give insights into how your pet’s organs are functioning. Urine tests also pick up signs of glucose, which can indicate diabetes, or blood, which is a sign of inflammatory or infectious conditions.
- Joint and mobility checks: Your vet will assess your pet’s flexibility and movement, looking for early signs suggestive of arthritis or joint discomfort, which sometimes does affect younger pets.
- Dental check: Looking for tartar build-up, which can lead to dental disease if left untreated.
- Skin and coat assessment: Checking for parasites, lumps, dandruff, or other skin conditions.
- Paw and nail check: Your vet will check to make sure your pet's nails aren't curling into their pads, and that there is no irritation or injury.
- Heart and lung listening: To check that everything sounds healthy.
- Discussion of appetite and energy levels: Any changes here could be early signs of health issues that need attention.
Whether it's a dog health check, a cat health check, or a rabbit health check, letting your vet or vet nurse carry out this kind of check is brilliant to help identify issues early.
Read more: Wellness screenings for dogs
How often should your pet have a pet health check?
It's recommended that pets have a pet health check every six months. This is ideal for catching health issues early, especially since health issues can develop quickly. Regular check-ups give you peace of mind that your pet is in good health and that any potential problems are being picked up and treated.
Read more: Wellness screenings for cats
What are the benefits of regular pet health checks?
- Early detection: Catching health issues early makes them easier (and often much less expensive) to treat. It also makes the chance of a full recovery for your pet much more likely.
- Peace of mind: Knowing that your pet is regularly monitored by a professional provides reassurance that they are healthy and well cared for.
- Tailored health advice: Your vet or vet nurse can provide personalised recommendations based on your pet's specific needs, such as diet changes, exercise plans, or grooming tips.
When should you book a pet health check?
Don’t wait until you notice anything unusual about your pet’s behaviour, appetite, or energy levels before booking in for a health check. The idea is regular visits ensure that your pet is in the best possible shape and help to address any small signs that could indicate bigger problems down the line. If you are actively noticing symptoms in your pet, you should be booking in a standard consultation instead.
How much does a health check cost?
Dog, cat, and rabbit health checks are just £24.99 at practices in the My Family Vets group. If your pet needs any follow-up clinical services for conditions spotted during the health check, this £24.99 will then be applied towards those clinical services, so you never have to pay twice. Additionally, Pet Health Club members receive twice-yearly health checks as part of their membership benefits, making it even easier to keep your pet healthy and happy.
How do I book a health check?
Contact your practice here, and remember to ask about Pet Health Club as six-monthly health checks are included in the subscription.
Should all breeds have regular health checks?
Yes, although some breeds are more prone to health problems than others. For example, brachycephalic, or flat-nosed dogs such as French bulldogs and pugs, are more likely to suffer from breathing difficulties and eye problems, so it’s important they’re checked regularly. Brachycephalic cats are also more prone to these issues than non-brachycephalic cats.
Pedigree cats are often at risk of inherited health issues because of inbreeding and selective breeding. For example, Persian cats are at higher risk of polycystic kidney disease, which can result in chronic kidney disease.
Giant dog breeds (over 45kg) are also prone to developing early-onset health issues such as degenerative joint disease and arthritis.
How much does a health check cost?
Dog, cat, and rabbit health checks are just £24.99 at practices in the My Family Vets group. If your pet needs any follow-up clinical services for conditions spotted during the health check, this £24.99 will then be applied towards those clinical services, so you never have to pay twice. Additionally, Pet Health Club members receive twice-yearly health checks as part of their membership benefits, making it even easier to keep your pet healthy and happy.
How do I book a health check?
Contact your practice here, and remember to ask about Pet Health Club as six-monthly health checks are included in the subscription.