Wellness Exams not only help to flag any potential problems with your pet's health, but are also important in creating an overall medical history for your pet. By meeting regularly with your pet, your veterinarian is able to become better acquainted with his or her personal history, and is able to offer more personalized care.
For pets who are 6 years and younger, Wellness Exams are recommended at least once a year. Because pets age much quicker than humans, for pets over 6 years of age, Wellness Exams are recommended at least twice a year, to screen for any sign of illness or diseases.
A Wellness Exam will include the following:
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A consultation with your veterinarian during which you will discuss your pet's day to day routine and any health concerns or questions you may have. You might be asked questions about his or her activity level, personality and nutrition.
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A hands-on examination performed by your veterinarian, which will assess your pet's overall health from nose to tail. Areas examined will include the abdomen, head and neck, eyes, ears, mouth and skin. In addition, the doctor will also evaluate your pet's musculoskeletal system, as well as listen to their heart and lungs.
Other, additional annual procedures also typically performed at the time of a Wellness Exam include:
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Vaccines- your veterinarian will update any necessary vaccines.
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Intestinal Parasite Exam- a stool sample will be sent off to the lab to check for any worms or other intestinal parasites.
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Additional Diagnostic Testing- any additional diagnostic testing pertinent to your pet's life stage. This could include blood tests, urinalysis, or radiographs as needed.
