A pet wellness exam is essential for ensuring your pet stays healthy and happy. During this exam, your veterinarian will check for any signs of illness or potential health concerns and provide a comprehensive overview of your pet’s well-being. In this article, our Autumn Trail Veterinary Center vets discuss what to expect during a pet wellness exam so you can be fully prepared for your next visit.
Why Are Regular Wellness Exams Essential?
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- It’s recommended that you bring your pet to the veterinarian for a routine wellness exam once or twice a year, even if it appears healthy. These regular checkups play a crucial role in maintaining your pet’s overall well-being.
Routine wellness exams allow your vet to assess your pet’s health, identify conditions or diseases that may not be immediately obvious, and provide early intervention when necessary. By detecting potential health issues early, your vet can help prevent the development of more serious problems, ensuring your pet stays happy and healthy for years to come.
Preparing for Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
- Before your pet’s wellness exam, it’s helpful to gather important medical information. If it’s their first visit, providing detailed notes will assist the vet in assessing your pet’s health. Here’s a checklist to bring with you:
- Current medications (names and doses)
- Past medical records
- Vaccine history
- Tick bite history
- Type and amount of food
- Eating and drinking habits
- Waste elimination habits
- Recent travel history
Bring along your pet’s favorite blanket or toys for comfort. Remember that dogs should be on a leash, and cats should be in a secure carrier for their safety and ease.
What to Expect During Your Pet’s Wellness Exam
- A typical wellness exam for your pet starts with a review of medical history. The vet will ask if you’ve noticed any changes in your pet’s behavior or health, including questions about their diet, exercise, hydration, bowel movements, urination, and overall behavior.
You may be asked to bring a fresh sample of your pet’s feces for a fecal exam, which can help detect intestinal parasites that might not be visible otherwise.
Next, the vet will conduct a physical examination, which usually includes:
- Measuring your pet’s gait, stance, and weight
- Listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope
- Examining the eyes for cloudiness, discharge, or redness
- Palpating the body to check for swelling, pain, or limited motion
- Feeling the abdomen to assess organ function and discomfort
- Inspecting the nails, feet, and ears for issues
- Checking the teeth for decay, damage, or disease
- Examining the fur, skin, and coat for abnormal hair loss or lumps
If all goes well, the wellness check is typically quick and uneventful. However, if the vet identifies any concerns, they’ll discuss potential next steps or treatments. Annual vaccinations will also be administered during the checkup, depending on your pet’s vaccination schedule.
Trust Autumn Trails for Comprehensive Pet Wellness Exams
- By keeping up with regular wellness exams, you ensure your pet stays healthy and happy throughout its life. At Autumn Trails Veterinary Clinic, our experienced team is here to provide comprehensive wellness services, from routine checkups to preventive care, to ensure your pet receives the attention it needs.Â
Whether you’re coming in for an annual exam, vaccinations, or simply to ask about your pet’s well-being, we’re dedicated to supporting both you and your pet.
If your pet has health concerns, contact Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center. We provide comprehensive pet care and strategies to promote optimal pet health. Contact us to get precise guidelines for your pet. We are located in Charlottesville, VA, and appointments are conveniently available. Call us at (434) 971-9800.
