Even though your dog may be in perfect health, he still needs an annual veterinary exam. It is the key to giving your pet a long, healthy life. The annual exam involves much more than just a routine check-up. Early warning signs of serious problems are often discovered during these exams. When detected early, many of these problems can be prevented or delayed.

Most vets do what is called a "Nose to Tail" exam. They begin by examining your dog's nose, and continue examining all the way to the tail.

Nose

Your dog's nose is checked for nasal discharge which can indicate a cold or Rhinitis; a symptom of a number of possible diseases including respiratory infection and Canine Distemper.

Eyes

Checking your dog's eyes is a crucial step in the exam. If his eyes are dull or lifeless it may be a warning sign of stress, internal parasites, or another serious condition. The eyes will also be examined for signs of debris or discharge which can indicate an eye infection. These infections can be highly contagious to other pets, and even humans. It is imperative that they are caught early so they can be treated quickly.

Mouth

Your dog's mouth will be examined for any cuts, scrapes or lumps which may be indicative of oral tumors, an abscessed tooth, or an allergic reaction. The condition of his teeth and gums will also be inspected. Unhealthy gums are a sign of anemia. Your vet will tell you whether your dog needs a scaling, a procedure that involves scraping tartar off the teeth to prevent cavities.

Ears

Bacteria being harbored in a dog's ears can cause unpleasant odors as well as ear infections. The vet will make sure your dog's ears are clean and free from ear mites, a parasite that is highly contagious to other pets.

Lungs

The vet will listen to your dog's lungs with a stethoscope, checking for any sounds that might indicate congestion or abnormal breathing patterns. Since diseases such as Bordatella, Distemper and Heartworm can cause congestion this is another critical part of the Nose to Tail exam.

Heart

A normal heart rate for your dog is between 100 and 130 beats per minute. The vet will listen to your dog's heart to make sure it falls within this range. An abnormal rhythm will need to be further examined to determine the cause. Early detection of heart disease gives your dog a better chance of enjoying a longer, more comfortable life.

Skin and Coat

Many things about your dog's health can be determined from examining his skin. Fleas, ticks and other parasites will be checked for, as well as any cuts or swelling. The condition of your dog's coat will be examined and can be an indicator of health.

Abdomen

The vet will palpate your dog's abdominal area to feel for lumps, abnormal distending or infections. The vet will also watch your dog for any sign of pain or discomfort during this part of the exam. If your dog appears to be uncomfortable, it may indicate a problem that needs to be looked into.

Back and Tail

Your dog's spine and tail will be carefully examined for any signs of spinal problems or abnormalities that may need correcting.

Legs and Paws

The last part of the exam involves checking the paws for swelling or cuts and checking the legs for any muscle damage.

As you can see, there is quite a bit of information that your vet can learn about your dog's health during an annual exam. Some dogs may become ill and never show any signs before it is too late to treat them. Making sure your dog has an annual vet exam is the best way to ensure the continued health and longevity of your dog.