Preventive Care for Longevity & Vet Checkups: Pet Wellness Exams
Pet wellness exams are essential to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
Regular vaccinations, parasite prevention, and proper nutrition along with these routine examinations can give your pet a better chance at excellent lifelong health.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine vet checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
Your Pet's Physical: What to Expect
Your experienced Grants Pass veterinarian will give thoroughly check your pet's physical condition and general wellness to get a complete picture of their overall health. Routine pet wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general behavior, mood, and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. Their stance and gait, 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, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for indications of dermatological problems like excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's eyes, ears, and nose will be inspected for abnormalities or unusual discharge. We will also examine the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems (e.g. plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are vital indicators of your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal and then the lungs will be examined for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will also examine the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal, and that your pet is not exhibiting any signs of discomfort.
Review of Findings
At the end of the wellness exam, your veterinarian will go over any concerns they may have about your pet's health and discuss your dog or cat's nutritional requirements with you.
Puppies & Kittens Checkups
Proper medical attention during a puppy or kitten's first year of life can lead to a longer healthier life down the road.
Your new best friend will be carefully examined and given appropriate immunizations and deworming medication. We will also test for intestinal parasites. You'll be provided with a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
If you have any questions or concerns about caring for your new pet, never hesitate to get in touch with us, whether it's during the pet wellness exam or after!
After your puppy or kitten has been seen for their initial check, you'll return periodically for their required booster shots.
Seniors
Thanks to recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and improved nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
Although this is incredible news for pets and people alike, it means that special care needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine pet wellness exams that we perform on all adult pets, we will give particular attention to your senior pet's potential geriatric conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
If necessary for further diagnosis, additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to better treat any conditions and support their overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
Our vet will check if your pet needs preventive care or whether they are due for any routine vaccinations during their pet wellness exam. At Grants Pass animal hospital, we ensure that every aspect of your pet's wellbeing is being cared for.
