The Importance of Pet Checkups
Wellness exams are a key part in helping to maintain good long term health throughout your pet's life.
When combined with routine vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, wellness exams give your pet their best chance at long, healthy and happy lives.
When your bring your cat or dog in for their routine checkup, we get the chance to prevent health issues from ever developing in the first place, or catch and address them early when they are at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical
Your vet will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal hospital include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine the skin and coat for any sign of health issues, including excessive dryness or oiliness, bumps, lumps, dandruff and hair loss.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Your pet's pulse, heart rate and rhythm, and blood pressure are very important to determining your pet's heart health. We will test these to ensure that your pet is in good health. We will also examine their breathing to make sure there aren't any issues with your pet's lungs.
We will check their lymph nodes for swelling or pain, and will also check their abdomen to determine if their internal organs (including kidneys, liver, intestines, and spleen) all feel normal and aren't causing your pet any discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of your pet's routine checkup, our vets will take some time to walk through any concerns they may have about your companion's health. They will also speak with you about your pet's nutritional requirements at this time.
Pet Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Kittens and puppies require proper medical attention throughout their first few weeks of their life to make sure they are getting off to a healthy start.
We will provide your new pest friend with a comprehensive physical examination, deworming medications and appropriate immunizations. We will also test the for intestinal parasites.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any concerns or questions you might have about caring for your new pet, whether that is during your appointments, or once your return home.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Nutritional Consultations
During our routine wellness exams and after assessing your pet's general health and wellbeing, or vets will provide some insight into your pet's dietary needs.
Many pets owners overlook the importance of nutrition to their pet's overall health. However, your pet's diet not only helps to give the the energy and nutrition they need, but can also be used to manage health conditions like obesity, kidney failure, heart disease and more.
Our vets are here to ensure that every part of your pet's life is helping to contribute to their health and happiness, and their food is no exception.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's veterinary checkup at our animal hospital, the vet will also check whether your animal requires preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.