Did you ever wonder why your veterinarian recommends regular wellness examinations for your pet? Aside from administering vaccinations and seeing your pet’s sweet face (both of which are important!), pet wellness exams are a way for us to truly assess your pet’s overall health and well being.
All pets should visit the veterinarian for a wellness checkup twice per year (more often if they are elderly or have other health issues). The wellness exam is a valuable opportunity for you and your veterinarian to discuss questions or concerns you may have, to catch any signs of illness or disease, and otherwise support your pet in living a happy and healthy life.
The Nose-To-Tail Exam
Besides taking a thorough medical and personal history of your pet at a wellness exam, we will examine every inch of your pet’s body, including:
- Listening to the heart and lungs
- Inspection of eyes, ears, and teeth
- Palpating internal organs to check for masses or other abnormalities
- Checking lymph nodes
- Examining the skin and coat for lumps, bumps, parasites, and general appearance
- Taking your pet’s weight and doing an overall nutritional analysis
- Assessing your pet’s range of motion to check for skeletal or joint problems
The Follow-Up
Your veterinarian will discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding your pet’s health and behavior. Based on our findings during the examination and on your pet’s history, we may suggest diagnostic testing or additional procedures, such as:
- Blood work, such as a complete blood count (CBC), liver and kidney function tests, thyroid levels, and heartworm screening
- Fecal smears
- Urinalysis
- X-rays or other scans
- Dental cleaning
The wellness exam is also the time to make sure your pet is up to date on vaccines and parasite preventives. Your veterinarian will work with you to determine the best vaccines and preventive medications for your pet based on his or her lifestyle and disease risks.
The Importance Of Pet Wellness Exams
By bringing your pet to all regularly scheduled checkups, and following your veterinarian’s suggestions for follow-up care, you are ensuring that he or she receives the preventive screenings necessary to support long-term health. Regular wellness care allows us to diagnose and treat potential health concerns before they progress into serious, and costly, medical conditions.
Don’t wait until your pet is sick! Give us a call to schedule an appointment today. We look forward to seeing you and your furry friend soon!
Tags: Caring For Pets, Pet Care, Pet Health, Pet Vet Care, Pet Wellness