Pet Wellness Examinations: What Happens During a Routine Check-up?

A routine exam is a veterinarian examination of your pet, similar to a short cat or dog check-up performed while your pet looks completely healthy. Pet wellness examinations at a nearby clinic are a wonderful method to assist your pet in accomplishing their long-term health goals. By bringing your healthy cat or dog in for a check-up, you allow your veterinarian to monitor their health and screen for conditions that may be difficult to detect in their early stages.

What exactly is included in a routine check-up at the veterinarian?

The following are routine procedures performed during a pet’s routine examination.

Weight Check

This not only lets us know if your pet is a healthy weight but also allows us to compare the weight to the last visit. We will calculate the appropriate dosage based on your pet’s current weight if medications are required.

Physical Examination

Listening to abnormal sounds in your pet’s heart and lungs is an important part of the exam. The vet listens to various points on the body to determine what is causing any abnormalities. A steady, regular rhythm should cause the heart to beat normally. 

 

Heart murmurs, or irregular heart rhythms, may indicate the presence of heart disease. When listening to the lungs, abnormal sounds such as crackling or wheezing may indicate fluid buildup.

 

Visual examinations can reveal viral, bacterial, or other infections or diseases. A look inside the ears can reveal yeast, ear mites, and other problems.

Dental Examination

When it comes to dental health, there’s more to it than meets the eye. That’s because there’s so much more at stake than just your pet’s dental and gum health. 

 

Periodontal disease can occur beneath the gum line, in addition to painful tooth decay and abscesses. Bacteria can spread to vital organs, causing heart, liver, or kidney disease. Pets, like humans, require dental X-rays and professional dog dentist cleanings. 

 

Anesthesia is required for these procedures because it is the only way to see and clean below the gumline.

Vaccines

If you read this page, you will learn that vaccines are essential for protecting your pet from potentially fatal diseases. The vaccines recommended by your veterinarian for your pet may differ depending on what is required by law, your pet’s environment and lifestyle, and your geographical region. 

Parasite Prevention

Parasites affect not only the health of your pet but also your family and home. Fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause severe anemia and skin allergies. Ticks transmit a variety of tick-borne diseases. 

 

Mosquitoes transmit heartworms from infected animals to your pet, putting even indoor pets at risk. Heartworm treatment for dogs is costly and dangerous to your pet’s health. 

 

Because there is no approved heartworm treatment for cats, they must be on a monthly preventative. All pets must be on parasite prevention appropriate for their geographical area. 

 

Many states require year-round flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, even for indoor pets. Topical, oral, and injectable preventatives are available; consult your veterinarian for bathing services and to determine which is best for your pet.

Lab Analysis

Bloodwork and urinalysis provide a valuable diagnostic tool for detecting and treating diseases before clinical symptoms appear. That means your pet can often receive care before symptoms appear, which not only helps your pet live a happier, healthier life and reduces the overall cost of health care.

To Wrap It Up

Your doctor will describe their findings after your pet’s exam, testing, and annual vaccines. If sickness or injuries are found, your vet will discuss diagnosis and treatment options with you. The discussion may center on activity and nutritional changes, parasite avoidance, and dental health care if your pet is otherwise healthy. If you can take care of your pet’s basic needs, they will be off to a good start in the long run.