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Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic logo with text and images of pine tree, dog, and cat
Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic logo with text and images of pine tree, dog, and cat
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PET WELLNESS EXAMS FOR HEALTHY YEARS AHEAD

Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic offers compassionate, affordable pet wellness exams and preventive care for dogs and cats. During each visit, our veterinarians and veterinary technicians take a thorough examination of your pet’s health. These routine checkups are essential for maintaining your pet’s long-term health and happiness.

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What is Preventive Care?

Wellness exams and preventative care go hand-in-hand, and allow us a chance to better understand your pet’s current health to give them the best chance at a long, healthy and happy life. Routine wellness exams help ensure your pet’s health and happiness, while also providing an opportunity to ask questions about your pet’s health.

It also provides us with the opportunity to detect early signs of illness and address potential health concerns before they become more severe. The sooner a problem is identified, the easier it is to treat. Wellness exams are tailored to your pet’s breed, age, and lifestyle, ensuring they receive the care that’s right for them. We offer preventative care for every life stage to support your pet’s long-term health and well-being.

WHAT WE LOOK AT DURING A WELLNESS EXAM

  • Eyes and ears
  • Skin and coat
  • Teeth and gums
  • Weight
  • Heart
  • Lungs
  • Lymph nodes
  • Any unusual lumps

Sensitivities over muscles or joints

Diagnostic & Preventive Services

Every wellness exam, no matter your pet’s age, includes a complete physical check-up. Depending on your pet’s specific needs, we may suggest additional preventive services.

Bloodwork & Lab Screening

Bloodwork & Lab Screening

Routine blood tests, including CBC and chemistry panels, are important for checking how well your pet’s organs are working, as well as your pet’s levels of red and white blood cells, thyroid function, and electrolyte balance. Many chronic conditions, such as kidney or liver disease, can be found in pets before you notice any change in their behavior or health.
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Urinalysis & Fecal Testing

Urinalysis & Fecal Testing

These tests can find bladder infections, urinary crystals, and intestinal parasites. It’s especially important to check for parasites if your pet spends time outdoors in the Colorado Springs area.
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Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention

Heartworm, Flea & Tick Prevention

Preventing mosquito-borne heartworm disease and ticks is important for your pet all year round. During your wellness exam, we will suggest prescription preventives based on your pet’s lifestyle.
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Vaccinations

Vaccinations

We provide two types of vaccines for your pets: core vaccines and lifestyle vaccines. Core vaccines protect against serious diseases like rabies and distemper. We recommend lifestyle vaccines, such as Lyme or leptospirosis, based on your pet’s daily activities, travel habits, and risks of exposure.
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X-Rays

X-Rays

Digital X-rays allow us to examine the bones, lungs, abdomen and dental structures. They are very helpful for looking into long-term issues like arthritis, sudden lameness, or possible internal masses.
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Dental Screening

Dental Screening

During your wellness visit, we check your mouth for tartar buildup, gum inflammation, loose teeth and signs of gum disease. If needed, we will recommend a professional cleaning.
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What is a Wellness Exam for Dogs and Cats?
As a trusted veterinary clinic in Colorado Springs, we recommend regular wellness exams for your pet, just like you’d visit your doctor or dentist for a checkup. Even if your pet seems healthy, these exams help us catch potential issues early, before they become more serious. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask questions about your pet’s behavior, weight, lifestyle or overall well-being. Preventive care is one of the best ways to help your pet live a longer, healthier, and happier life.

Vet Checks for Puppies & Kittens

There’s nothing more joyful than a young puppy or kitten exploring life for the first time! If you’ve just acquired a new pet, we recommend bringing them in for a wellness exam to ensure they have a healthy start in life. We’ll talk about how to care for your puppy/kitten in terms of proper nutrition, activity and appropriate immunizations. We’ll conduct a health examination and develop a plan to keep your new best friend happy and healthy.

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Wellness Checkups for Dogs & Cats

At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic, we recommend scheduling an annual wellness exam for your furry friend. During this visit, we assess your pet’s overall health, check for any irregularities, and answer any questions you may have about their behavior, weight, lifestyle, or general well-being. If you’ve noticed a change in your dog’s behavior or spotted something unusual on your cat’s belly, it’s the perfect time to bring them in for a closer look. Annual exams help ensure your pet stays happy, healthy, and thriving.
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Senior Pet Care

As your pet gets older, their health needs can change quickly — often more rapidly than in younger animals. Senior pets may benefit from more frequent wellness exams to stay ahead of age-related concerns. During these visits, we focus on areas such as heart and lung function, joint and muscle health, oral care, and more, to provide you with a comprehensive picture of your pet’s overall well-being. Together, we’ll create a proactive care plan to help your senior pet stay comfortable and healthy for as long as possible.
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Life-Stage Wellness Care
At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic, we customize each wellness exam based on your pet’s age, lifestyle, and health needs. Whether you have a new puppy or are caring for an older pet, our team adjusts each exam to fit their specific needs.

Puppies & Kittens (0–12 Months)

Young pets need extra attention to build a strong foundation for long-term health. During these visits, we:

  • Give your pet core vaccines, including distemper, parvovirus, rabies and feline panleukopenia.
  • Discuss optional vaccines, such as those for Bordetella or rattlesnake exposure, based on your pet’s activities and associated risks.
  • Check your pet’s stool and deworm them to get rid of intestinal parasites.
  • Provide advice on nutrition and behavior to support house training, prevent biting, manage anxiety and encourage safe social interactions.
  • Recommend getting your pet microchipped for permanent identification.

Adult Dogs & Cats (1–6 Years)

During annual wellness exams, we focus on preventing health issues and finding them early.
  • Comprehensive physical exam from nose to tail.
  • Update vaccinations based on risk and local exposure in Colorado Springs (Lyme, leptospirosis, rattlesnake, etc.).
  • Heartworm, flea, and tick prevention plans tailored for Colorado’s climate.
  • Weight and nutrition guidance to prevent obesity.
  • Optional blood tests and urinalysis to catch early signs of disease.

Senior Pets (7+ Years)

Our senior wellness visits help find and manage age-related health issues early.
  • Have exams twice a year to check mobility, organ health, and quality of life.
  • Comprehensive blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC), chemical tests and thyroid tests, along with a urinalysis.
  • Check pain and movement to assess arthritis and joint stiffness.
  • Dental check-ups to find gum disease.
  • Advice on lifestyle changes, supplements, and treatments for older pets.
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EDUCATION FOR PET OWNERS

As a Colorado Springs vet, it’s our mission to educate and empower every pet owner with the information they need to be the best caretaker possible. It’s essential for our team at Ponderosa to continually provide you with top-tier pet education on your pet’s health and well-being. Learn more about the educational resources we offer by scrolling through our blog, which covers every topic you could imagine.

Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Wellness Exams

  • Puppies/kittens: Every 3–4 weeks until their vaccine series is complete
  • Adult pets (1–6 years): Once a year
  • Senior pets (7+ years): Every 6 months

Please bring:

  • Any previous medical records
  • A list of current medications or supplements
  • Notes on recent behavior changes, appetite or mobility
  • A secure leash or travel carrier
  • A favorite toy or blanket to help keep them comfortable

Yes. We accept CareCredit and provide detailed invoices that work with most major pet insurance carriers.

Absolutely! In most cases you are welcome to stay with your pet during the entire visit. If a procedure requires sedation or imaging in a restricted area, our staff will inform you and keep you updated at every step.

Our team will explain the findings, recommend any needed tests or treatments, and work with you to create a clear care plan for your pet.

In Colorado Springs, wellness exams typically range from $50 to $75, with additional services such as blood work or vaccines increasing the total to approximately $100 to $250, depending on your pet’s specific needs.

YOUR PET IS IN SAFE HANDS AT PONDEROSA

At Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic, we strive to be a trusted veterinary clinic in Colorado Springs. Our experienced team prioritizes compassion during pet wellness exams, providing honest and clear explanations of medical matters. Whether your pet needs vaccines, you’ve adopted a puppy or it’s time for a routine check-up, our friendly staff is here to help. Book your appointment online or call us for assistance.

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now accepting new clients!

Ponderosa Veterinary Clinic is now accepting new patients. If you’d like to schedule an appointment please give us a call at 719-433-7671 .

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