Why are Wellness Exams Important for Dogs and Cats?
The physical examination is a critical tool for our veterinarians and essential for assessing your pet’s health since dogs and cats can't communicate their symptoms directly. These exams are conducted annually to catch and identify early signs of issues like heart murmurs, dental disease, and joint dysfunction, helping to extend your pet's health and minimize long-term medical costs.
When pets fall ill, a thorough exam helps us devise a treatment plan, whether the symptoms are clear, like itchy ears or an upset stomach, or more vague. The key observations we make during a wellness exam give us valuable insights into your pet's overall well-being, aiding in quicker recovery if treatment is needed.
What Takes Place During a Pet Wellness Exam?
We perform pet wellness exams with extreme thoroughness to check for signs of illness and make sure your pet is staying healthy. A typical exam includes:
- Reviewing your pet’s profile before they visit to see if they have any anxiety triggers and if there is anything we can do to make their appointment more comfortable.
- Checking vital signs.
- Asking you about any health concerns you have on your pet’s behalf.
- Discussing any age-related issues (if your pet is a senior).
- Recommending vaccinations to improve/maintain disease protection.
- Performing routine lab work to check blood and organ values (can be done at the same time as vaccines to reduce anxiety).
- Conducting a nose-to-tail physical exam of your pet.
- Discussing nutrition, weight, dental care, and other key topics.
- Doing a heartworm check.
- Dispensing parasite prevention if needed.
Later in the day after your pet’s exam, we will email you a summary of the visit. If you have any questions for us, feel free to call Pet’s Favorite Vet at (864) 406-9877.