Regular wellness exams allow us to evaluate your pet’s general health and become aware of any health problems before they become serious illnesses.
Since your pet cannot vocalize his feelings, you must rely on regular physical examinations by your pets' veterinarian and your at-home observations to assess your pet’s health. We may also wish to perform diagnostic tests, including blood tests and/or x-rays, to evaluate your pet’s health, this routine testing for younger pets can also be used to establish baseline values, which can be used for comparison as pets age.
Every year for a dog or cat is equivalent to five to seven human years, so it is important that your pet receives a wellness exam every 6 months and more often when he enters his senior years. Many aspects of your pet’s health can change in a short amount of time, so make sure your pet does not miss even one exam! Similar to people, pets need to visit the veterinarian more often as they get older in order to prevent and treat illnesses that come with age. Routine blood testing, urinalysis and other tests are recommended for all pets in their “senior years.”
We will request a complete history of your pet’s health. Don’t forget to mention any unusual behavior that you have noticed in your pet, including:
- Coughing
- Excessive drinking of water, panting, scratching or urination
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Eating more than usual
We will also want to know about your pet’s daily behavior, including his diet, how much water he drinks and his exercise routine. Other questions we may ask:
- Does your pet have trouble getting up in the morning?
- Does your pet show signs of weakness or unbalance?
- Does your pet show an unwillingness to exercise?
Vaccinations are one of the most important preventive measure you can take for the health of your pet. How frequently you should have your pet vaccinated against certain diseases depends on many factors, so lets discuss and help you understand what is recommended for your pet’s unique environment and lifestyle. Do not underestimate the importance of taking your pet to the veterinarian for regular wellness examinations. These regular examinations will help your pet live a longer and healthier life, so do your part to care for your furry friend!
