Lifetime Health With Routine Pet Wellness Exams
The needs of a bouncy, playful, young animal are very different from an aging one, right? That’s why there are age-appropriate food options and developmentally-appropriate activities. Similarly, pet wellness exams are designed to follow – and support – an animal’s path throughout life. Their aim is to cover all relevant topics at hand, prevent disease, and nurture lifelong health and wellbeing.
Touching Base
Committing to regular wellness visits gives us the opportunity to cultivate a lifelong, health-focused relationship with you and your pet. If you’re lucky, your pet will be with you for a decade or two. If their health remains a priority, they can also enjoy a high quality of life.
Having a comprehensive medical history and records at our fingertips means we have the tools to do the best job possible. By comparing “normal” baseline values taken during routine wellness visits, we can detect developing health conditions, pinpoint problems before they get out of hand, and treat issues early on. The result? A longer, healthier life.
Positive Imprint
Puppies and kittens sometimes receive their first vaccinations and deworming prior to adoption. Often, they’re also spayed or neutered and even microchipped. If not, these are among the first things discussed at their initial pet wellness exam. We also address the following:
- Physical exam
- Testing for intestinal parasites and viruses
- Parasite prevention
- Nutritional guidelines
- Behavioral needs
Depending on your pet’s vaccination schedule, we may see them back within a month or so. Also, spay/neuter procedures are typically performed at 4-6 months of age. From there, we recommend annual pet wellness visits that include screening, testing, vaccinations, and a dental exam and/or cleaning.
Senior Pet Wellness
Pets age faster than humans, and they enter their senior years around age 7. Because age-related illnesses are so common, it’s vital that we see senior pets twice a year. This allows us to screen for any developing health conditions and treat issues early on.
You may notice certain changes or behavioral shifts at home. We encourage you to write down any observations so we can discuss them during your pet’s visit.
The majority of older pets have periodontal (gum) disease in one stage or another. Equally common is arthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, cancer, and diabetes. We may run advanced diagnostics, such as radiographs or blood work, to help clarify what’s going on with your pet. Comparing results to earlier tests will guide our recommendations.
The Bottom Line
Pet wellness hinges on many things. Everything you provide for your pet at home certainly adds to their comfort and vitality. The lifelong care we offer at Animal Medical Hospital aims to dovetail nicely with your approach.
You know your pet better than anyone. Please call us if you ever notice troubling symptoms or just have a hunch they’re not feeling well. Our staff is always here for you!