Health Exams

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, Wellness Exams are recommended at least twice a year for pets older than 6 years of age, to screen for any sign of illness or diseases. These exams are the key to detecting any health problems that could endanger your pet. Our pets are susceptible to some of the ailments that aging humans face, such as cancer, diabetes, kidney complications, liver and intestinal disorders, arthritis, dental disease, and vision impairment.

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A Wellness Exam will include the following:

• 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.
• 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. The doctor will also evaluate your pet????????s musculoskeletal system, listen to their heart and lungs, and assess their body condition score.
• Any necessary or recommended vaccines.
• An intestinal parasite exam, where a stool sample will be sent off to the lab to check for any worms or other intestinal parasites.
• Any additional diagnostic testing pertinent to your pet????????s life stage. This could include blood tests, urinalysis, or radiographs as needed.

Because our pets age at a quicker pace than we humans do, it is important that they receive appropriate preventative care, along with early detection screenings to identify any health concerns or diseases in their earliest stages.

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You can be your pet????????s best advocate when it comes to their health. Keep a watchful eye for anything unusual or out of character for your dog or cat.

Some warning signs to watch out for include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Excessive drinking or urination
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Behavioral changes
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Skin lumps, growths or irritation
• Bad breath, plaque on teeth or bleeding gums
• Ear odors, ear redness, or scratching at the ears
• Lameness or sensitivity