The baseline diagnostic tests conducted every year include a stool sample check for internal parasites, and a blood test for heartworm disease and tick-borne diseases.

Dog wellness exams provide critical information and help us notice any abnormal findings. If there are abnormalities in the physical findings or laboratory work, we can intervene early.

A dog wellness exam typically takes between 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.

While it's ultimately your decision, your dog relies on you for its care. Because of this, it's recommended that you take your dog to the veterinarian at least once a year.

You just need to bring your dog along with a sample of their feces if it's an annual exam. It's important for checking for internal parasites, which can be contagious to people.

During a dog wellness exam, the main thing a veterinarian looks for is abnormal physical findings through a thorough physical exam.

So far, I've never seen a chip in my career stop working. Could it happen? I suppose so, but I wouldn't be worried about that. The chips that are usually implanted are good for the lifetime of the pet.

No, no recovery period is needed. We advise not to put any pressure over where we implanted the microchip, as it can be a little tender for about the first day or so.

Really, no risks. Sometimes we'll get some temporary bleeding where we implant the microchip just because we're putting a needle through the skin. But besides a little bit of blood that will clot up really quickly, there are really no contraindications or complications from implanting a microchip.

It can be uncomfortable, so we make the process quick for the pet. During a spay or neuter, and other times with sedation, we can also use a small injection of lidocaine in the skin.