Pet Care
Wellness Exams
Your pet needs to be examined every six months. This will give your veterinarian the chance to evaluate your pet’s overall health to detect problems before they turn into serious illnesses. You pet can’t tell you in words how he is feeling. You veterinarian must rely on a thorough physical exam and your observations of your pet in order to determine if your pet is truly healthy. Further tests, such as x-rays or blood tests, may be needed to give more information.
As part of the examination, routine blood tests, urinalysis, and other tests are usually recommended for pets that are considered to be in their senior years. If your pet is not ill, the tests should be run to give baseline values in which to compare values later on.
You pet ages much more quickly than you do, so it’s important that he be seen at least every six months. Only taking your pet to the veterinarian once a year is the same as you going to see your doctor once every six to eight years. So much can change with your pet’s physical health in a very short time period. Even missing one physical exam cannot be afforded.
When you take your pet to the veterinarian, he or she will ask you several questions about your pet and his history. If you have noticed any unusual behavior, be sure to mention it at this time. Some things to keep an eye out for include excessive urination, excessive drinking, excessive panting, eating more than usual, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive scratching, coughing, weight gain, and weight loss. Be prepared to answer the question, “Which food do you feed your pet?” Other questions will be directed towards your pet’s ability to get up and down, any signs of weakness, and any signs of exercise intolerance. You will be asked about exposure to fleas and ticks, heartworms, and intestinal parasites. Your pet will be weighed each time it comes in for an examination to keep track of any weight loss or gain. Just a couple extra or fewer pounds could be the difference between your pet being obese or too thin. Be sure to discuss an appropriate diet and exercise plan for your pet with your veterinarian.
You will be asked if your pet has been shaking his head or digging at his ears or if you notice any foul odor coming from the ears. Your pet has deep, curved ear canals. These canals are nice places for parasites and foreign objects. You veterinarian will take close look deep down in the ears to be sure they are normal.
The eyes will be checked on the inside as well as the outside. Any ulcers or injuries will be noted and further tests on the eyes may be done, if needed.
You veterinarian will check your pet’s gums, teeth, tongue, and palate for tartar build-up, dental abnormalities, fractures, loose teeth, tumors, infections and other problems. Your veterinarian can all show you how to care for your pet’s teeth to prevent periodontal disease, which could result in bad breath or tooth loss.
A stethoscope will be used to listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. The early signs of heart disease are often recognized during a routine examination.
The reproductive system will be examined for swellings, discharges, and lumps. If your pet has not been spayed or neutered, this will be discussed as well.
The skin is the largest organ of the body and an indicator of your pet’s health. The condition of the skin and hair means detecting allergies, infections, warts, and tumors.
The abdomen will be felt for enlarged organs, masses, or painful areas. Problems with the stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, and other organs may be detected at this time. The condition of joints, muscles, lymph nodes, and nose will also be checked.
The importance of the physical examination should be not underestimated. Biannual examinations mean you are helping your pet to live longer and healthier.
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