What is a Wellness Examination?
A wellness examination is a routine assessment of a healthy pet to ensure they are maintaining good health.
For most healthy pets, these exams are recommended at least once a year. Our pets age much faster than we do, so a lot can change in a year. During a wellness exam, our Veterinarians will examine your pet from head to tail to check for any changes or abnormalities in your pets' health.
At your pet's wellness exam, we will also recommend that your pet is tested for heartworms, tick-borne diseases, and intestinal parasites.
During this exam, it is an excellent time for you to discuss any problems or concerns you may have in regards to your pet.
When it comes to your pets' well-being, our Veterinarians and Staff are dedicated to providing the highest quality patient-care so that you and your pets can live a long, happy life together.
How often should my dog or cat have a wellness examination?
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Adult pets should have a wellness examination once a year. As your pet ages, especially during the senior stage, a semi-annual examination may be recommended.
These recommendations are a generalization and your veterinarian may suggest an alternate schedule based on your pets health, breed, and lifestyle. Of course, anytime your pet seems to be ill, a physical examination should be completed.
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What will my veterinarian check during a wellness examination?
During a wellness examination, our Veterinarians will provide a thorough physical exam of your pet. We will also discuss your pet’s attitude and habits at home, and address any questions you may have about your pet’s well-being. During the physical examination, your pet will be looked at from head to tail and everything in between.
This will include:
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Eyes– are they clear or cloudy? Any discharge or growths?
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Mouth– color and condition of gums, the health of teeth, any growths or bad odor?
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Nose– free from discharge and growths
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Ears– any wax or discharge, odor, or growths
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Body condition– are they too thin or overweight
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Hair and skin– check texture, lesions, or for any hair loss
They will listen to:
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Heart – rate, arrhythmia, murmurs
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Lungs – rate and sound
They will palpitate the:
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Legs– pain, stiffness, masses
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Abdomen– kidney, liver, spleen, growths, pain
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Pulse– rate, and strength
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Lymph Nodes– enlargement
What else might be checked during a wellness examination?
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Urine– infection, inflammation, the presence of blood
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Feces– intestinal parasites such as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms, and tapeworms
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Blood– A general health panel will provide an overview of major, internal organ function such as the liver and kidneys. A complete blood cell count will look at white and red blood cells, as well as platelets and can check for an indication of infection
How should I prepare my pet for a wellness examination?
To help your pet have the best experience possible, we ask owners to bring in a urine and stool sample for your pet's appointment.
It is best to get these samples the day of (if possible) and store them in a refrigerator until your appointment.
If you are a new client or are bringing in a new patient, please bring any previous veterinary/medical records they may have and a list of all medications or supplements your pet is currently taking.
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