The Importance of Preventive Care and Annual Exams
Wellness exams are key to helping your pet to maintain good long-term physical health and well-being.
Combined with regular vaccinations, parasite prevention and proper nutrition, these routine examinations include regular physical checkups to give your pet the best chance at excellent lifelong health.
When bringing your cat or dog in for their routine checkup or annual exams, we are able to prevent health issues from developing in your pet in the first place or to catch them early and when they are at their most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet Wellness Exam
Your Somerset vets will provide your cat or dog a comprehensive physical checkup in order to gain a complete picture of their overall health. Routine wellness exams at our pet clinic include any of the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's routine physical demeanor and physical condition can help to provide clues to their overall health and well-being. The way your pet stands and walks as well as their level of alertness and their weight when compared to their size and breed.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems, including excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
Your pet's ears, eyes and nose will be examined for any discharge or abnormalities. We will also be sure to check their mouth for any symptoms of oral health issues like tooth decay or gum disease.
Internal Health
Your pet's heart rate, heart rhythm, pulse and blood pressure are all critical indicators of your pet's heart health. We will test each of these to esnrue they are at normal levels. We will also examine their lungs for any signs 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 your pet's routine wellness exam, your vet will take the time to discuss any concerns they may have about your pet's overall health and talk to you about your dog or cat's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
Kittens and puppies require proper medical care and attention during the first few weeks of their life in order to get them off to a good start for lifelong health.
We'll give your new best friend a complete physical examination, 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.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointment with us or afterward.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, you'll return periodically for his or her required booster shots.
Seniors
With recent advances in veterinary medical knowledge and care, as well as newer therapies and better nutrition, senior pets are living longer than ever.
While this is terrific news for pets and their owners, it means that special attention needs to be given to your pet's routine healthcare as they age. As your pet surpasses middle age, Pet Wellness Exam should be something that is done regularly, and those exams are increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will provide special attention to conditions that can be associated with age or are more common in older pets like arthritis or decreased vision.
Additional laboratory tests may be recommended for aging pets to provide more detailed information about your senior pet's overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your companion's routine veterinary checkup at Spinnaker Veterinary Clinic, our vets will also check whether or not your pet requires any preventative care, including if they are due for any routine vaccinations.