Bringing your adorable cat or dog to the vet for a checkup (routine wellness exam) gives your furry friend their best opportunity for life-long optimal health. Today our vets in Tracy at Affordable Pet Vet Clinic discuss the benefits of routine wellness exams and what to expect at your pet's checkup.
What Happens at My Pet's Physical Checkup?
When you bring your pet to Affordable Pet Vet Clinic for a veterinary checkup, your veterinarian will review your cat or dog's medical history and ask you if there is anything about your pet's demeanor or behavior that is concerning you.
After this, your veterinarian will conduct a comprehensive physical checkup of your pet which will typically include the following:
- Listening to your pet's heart and lungs
- Checking your animal's weight, stance, and gait
- Examining your pet's eyes for signs of redness, cloudiness, eyelid issues, excessive tearing, or discharge
- Inspecting your cat or dog's coat for overall condition, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss
- Looking at your pet's feet and nails for damage or signs of more serious health concerns
- Examining the ears of your companion for signs of bacterial infection, ear mites, wax build-up, or polyps
- Checking the condition of your pet's teeth for any indications of periodontal disease, damage, or decay
- Examining your cat or dog's skin for a range of issues from dryness to parasites to lumps and bumps (particularly in skin folds)
- Palpating your pet's abdomen to see if the internal organs appear to be normal and to check for signs of discomfort
- Feeling along your furry friend's body (palpating) for any signs of illness such as swelling, evidence of lameness such as limited range of motion, and signs of pain
All of the tests listed above are meant to detect signs of any health problems your cat or dog might be experiencing. Because our pets can't tell us when they are uncomfortable, these checks and tests help your vet determine how your furry companion is feeling.
Keeping Your Pet's Vaccines Up to Date
Vaccines are designed to protect your animal companion from common, contagious, and potentially life-threatening diseases. The vaccines your vet recommends for your cat or dog will be based on where you live and your pet's lifestyle.
Core vaccines are recommended for all dogs and cats, where lifestyle vaccines are usually recommended for pets that are in contact with other animals on a regular basis. To learn more about the vaccines recommended for your pet review our vaccine schedule.
'Booster Shots' have to be given to all adult pets on a regular basis in order to maintain their protection against diseases. Usually, boosters are given annually or once every three years. Your vet will be sure to inform you when your dog or cat is due for booster shots.
Preventing Parasitic Diseases & Conditions
Parasites are a very serious health threat to pets in Tracy. Ticks and mosquitos carry parasites that can invade your cat or dog's body and cause potentially fatal conditions, that's why your vet will recommend ways to prevent parasites from invading your pet. It's also important to know that some parasites can be passed from pets to their owners!
Heartworm testing might also be a part of your furry companion's annual checkup. This test allows your vet to check your cat or dog's blood for the earliest signs of heartworm disease. Detecting heartworm as early as possible gives your pet their best chance at a good treatment outcome if they have contracted this serious parasitic condition.
Parasite prevention helps protect your pet from the following conditions:
- Fleas
- Heartworm
- Lyme Disease
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Ehrlichiosis
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Whipworm
- Hookworms
- Roundworms
- Tapeworms
Weighing The Costs Of Routine Checkups
At Affordable Pet Vet Clinic our veterinary team understands that bringing your pet in to see us when they appear perfectly healthy might seem like an unnecessary expense but, routine checkups help your pet's veterinarian find signs of disease in the earliest stages when many conditions are easier to treat. They also provide your pet with the very best in preventive care - from vaccines to parasite prevention medications. When compared to treating advanced forms of conditions, disorders or diseases, (especially heartworm) regularly scheduled checkups will save you money.
Checkups also make sure your pet experiences a minimal amount of discomfort or pain from any health issues they are experiencing. The earlier a medical condition is found the sooner it can be diagnosed and treated.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.
