Let’s have a little heart-to-heart about something many pet parents tend to overlook — the annual checkup. We get it. Life gets busy, your dog seems healthy, and before you know it, a whole year has flown by. But here’s the thing: skipping your dog’s annual checkup isn’t just risky for their health — it can end up costing you a lot more down the road, both emotionally and financially.

Let’s break this down together.

What really happens during a dog’s annual checkup?

You might think it’s just a quick listen to the heart, a pat on the head, and you’re out the door. Nope — it’s so much more than that.

At Atlas Animal Hospital, an annual checkup is like a full-body health audit for your furry friend. It covers:

• A complete physical exam: From nose to tail — eyes, ears, mouth, skin, joints, and everything in between.
• Dental health check: Did you know dental disease is one of the most common issues in adult dogs? Left untreated, it can lead to heart, liver, and kidney problems.
• Weight and nutrition review: Even a few extra pounds can put stress on your dog’s joints and organs.
• Parasite screening: Fleas, ticks, heartworm — these pests don’t take vacations.
• Vaccination updates: Protecting your dog from serious illnesses like parvo, distemper, and rabies.
• Blood work (if needed): Especially important as your dog ages or if they have certain breeds prone to specific conditions.

Each of these checks is a chance to catch little problems before they turn into big, expensive ones.

The hidden dangers of waiting too long

Dogs are masters at hiding discomfort. They won’t tell you when their teeth hurt, when their joints ache, or when something’s not quite right internally. By the time they start showing obvious symptoms, the issue is often advanced — and costly to treat.

Here are a few real examples of what delaying a checkup could lead to:

• A small lump turns out to be cancerous.
  Caught early, it might just be a quick removal. Wait too long, and you’re looking at surgery, chemotherapy, or worse.
• A minor dental issue leads to infected gums and tooth loss.
  Regular cleanings are far cheaper and easier than extractions or treating infected tissue.
• Undiagnosed heartworm disease.
  Prevention is simple and affordable — treatment is not, and the risks are serious.

It’s not just about money — it’s about time

Beyond the dollars and cents, the time and stress involved in treating advanced conditions take a toll on you and your dog. Multiple vet visits, medications, recovery periods… it adds up. And let’s be honest — no one wants to see their dog uncomfortable or in pain.

Annual checkups keep your dog healthier for longer. It’s about adding happy, tail-wagging years to their life, not just dealing with problems as they pop up.

When should you schedule one?

If it’s been over a year since your dog’s last checkup, now’s the time. Puppies, senior dogs, and pets with chronic conditions might need even more frequent visits.

We love seeing healthy, happy dogs here at Atlas Animal Hospital — and keeping them that way. If you’re not sure when your dog was last in, or you’ve got questions about what’s involved, give us a call at (604) 301-0300. We’re always happy to chat and help you figure out the best plan for your pup.

Final thoughts — better safe (and budget-friendly) than sorry

Skipping a checkup might save you a little time and money today, but it’s a risky gamble that could cost you a lot more later.
Regular vet visits help you stay ahead of potential problems, keep your dog’s health on track, and actually save you money in the long run.

So, let’s make a promise to our four-legged best friends: stay on top of those annual visits.
Your dog will thank you with more years of play, cuddles, and sloppy kisses — and that’s priceless.

Ready to book that checkup?
Call us today at (604) 301-0300. We can’t wait to see those wagging tails walk through our doors!