Cat & Dog Wellness Exams
Wellness exams at Gloucester Veterinary Hospital focus on preventive care and the early detection of medical conditions, to help your pet live the healthy life they deserve.
Importance of Routine Exams
Routine wellness exams are just like your checkup with your doctor. When combined with regular vaccinations and preventive care, your pet is given their best chance at excellent health for the long run.
At your dog or cat's routine appointment, your veterinarian can help prevent health issues from developing in the first place, or catch them while they are most treatable.
Regular physical checkups also give you an opportunity to ask your veterinarians questions pertaining to the proactive care of your pet. The dietary and behavioural advice that you receive can also be invaluable to your pet's overall health and happiness.
What to Expect During an Exam
During your pet's routine exam at Gloucester Veterinary Hospital, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical checkup to get an understanding of their overall health.
Your veterinarian will also verify whether your dog or cat is due for any routine vaccinations or preventive care.
Once your pet's examination has concluded, your veterinarian will take a moment to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's general health and inform you of your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
During pet checkups, our Orléans veterinary team typically analyzes of each of the following elements of your pet's health:
-
General Condition
An cat or dog's general demeanour and physical condition can provide valuable clues about their overall health. The manner in which your pet stands and walks, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight in relation to their size are all indicators of overall health.
-
Coat & Skin
During your dog or cat's checkup, your veterinarian will examine their skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss.
-
Face & Head
An examination of your cat or dog's eyes, ears, and nose will be included in the checkup. Your veterinarian will search for any abnormalities or irregular discharge in these areas.
-
Teeth & Mouth
We will examine your pet's teeth and mouth for symptoms of oral health issues, like plaque buildup or periodontal disease, to help determine whether your pet requires dental care.
-
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse, and blood pressure are crucial elements of your pet's heart health. We'll check each of these to ensure nothing is out of the ordinary. We will then carefully listen to the lungs for evidence of abnormal breathing.
Lymph nodes will be checked for pain or swelling, and we will assess the abdomen to ensure the intestines, kidneys, bladder, spleen, liver, and stomach all feel normal. During all of this, your veterinarian will be checking for signs of discomfort in your pet.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
To protect puppies and kittens while they explore the world, proper medical attention is essential 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 as needed. We will also run tests to check for intestinal parasites.
After your puppy or kitten's initial checkup, you will need to bring them to our veterinary clinic periodically so they can receive their booster vaccines.
Learn More About Puppy & Kitten Care
Checkups for Elderly Pets
As pets enter their senior years, regular examinations play an increasingly important role in ensuring their continuing good health and longevity. At your senior pet's wellness exam, your veterinarian will be especially keen to catch any signs of 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 their condition and provide a personalized treatment plan that helps fulfill their needs.