The Importance of Routine Checkups for Cats & Dogs
Regular wellness exams are crucial when it comes to helping your pet maintain optimal long-term physical health.
Combined with regular vaccinations, preventive care, and proper nutrition, routine physical checkups help to give your pet their best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine checkup, your veterinarian can help to prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your pet's routine exam at Picton Animal Hospital, the veterinarian will give your dog or cat a thorough physical checkup to get an in-depth picture of their overall health.
Your vet will also check whether your dog or cat is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care.
After your pet's exam, your veterinarian will take time to discuss any concerns they may have about their overall health, and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional needs.
Pet checkups at our Picton veterinary clinic typically include an examination of each of the following elements:
- General Condition
An animal's general demeanour and physical condition can provide vital clues to their overall health. How your pet stands and walks, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
- Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, your veterinarian will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
- Face & Head
Your pet's checkup will include an examination of their eyes, ears, and nose. Your vet will look for any abnormalities or unusual discharge in these areas.
- Teeth & Mouth
We will check the teeth and mouth for signs of oral health concerns such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease to help determine if your pet requires dental care.
- Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are essential elements of your pet's heart health. We'll check these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling. We will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
To help get your pet off to a healthy start, proper medical care is essential for puppies and kittens during their first few weeks of life. Our team will perform a detailed physical examination of your new pet, and provide immunizations and deworming medication if needed. We will also test for intestinal parasites.
Once your puppy or kitten's first checkup is complete, you will need to bring them in periodically to keep them up to date on their required booster shots.
Checkups for Seniors
As pets enter their senior years, regular examinations play an increasingly important role in ensuring their continuing good health and longevity. During your senior pet's wellness exam, your veterinarian will be particularly watchful for signs of potential age-related conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional lab testing may be recommended for aging pets to provide you with a more detailed diagnosis of your senior pet's condition and a targeted treatment plan.