Why are wellness exams important?
Wellness exams give us a chance to evaluate the overall health of your pet. By examining your pet and discussing their lifestyle and behaviour with you, your veterinarian can determine if your pet may have any health issues that you are unaware of and detect potential problems before they became serious. Routine wellness exams also allows your pet to become more familiar with our clinic which makes future visits easier on them and on you, too.
When should I bring my pet for an exam?
Just like people visit their doctor regularly, we recommend that your dog or cat see their veterinarian at least once a year. Pets go through various changes within a year and even though your pet may appear normal or healthy, it is important that your veterinarian be aware of those changes and assess their overall health.
Some pets may require up to three annual wellness exams based on their age or health status. For kittens and puppies, we recommend a wellness exam three times a year during their early stages of life. As your dog or cat ages, they may develop age-related diseases that do not show any outward signs until the disease is advanced, so it is recommended that senior pets have bi-annual checkups. More advanced diseases can be more difficult to treat if not detected early. Early detection of kidney, liver, thyroid and other diseases allow us to administer the appropriate treatments to manage your pet's pain and help extend their life longer. Nutritional needs also change as your pet ages. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss an appropriate diet to meet those needs.
What happens during a wellness exam?
During a wellness exam, our veterinary team will start by taking your pet's vital signs. This includes a comprehensive examination of your pet paying special attention to their weight, their breathing, the eyes, ears, mouth, paw, skin and coat/fur. During a wellness exam, your veterinarian may also perform diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, or intestinal parasite tests depending on the patient's needs or client's concerns. Depending on your pet’s life stage, vaccines may be administered, as well as disease screenings for heartworm, kidney, liver, blood disorders, and more. During the exam, the veterinarian will ask questions to get an idea of your pet's health and lifestyle and want to know about any behavioural, dietary or symptomatic changes you see in your pet. After the exam, the veterinarian will discuss treatment that will be provided if necessary and recommendations for the patient's preventative care, immunity or nutrition.
Physcial Exams Can Include:
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Bone, Joint and Muscle Examination
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Skin & Fur/Coat Examination
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Eye & Ear Health Examinations
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Heart & Lung Evaluation
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Abdominal Check
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Neurologic Check
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Urinary Tract and Genital Exam
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Nutrition & Weight Assessment
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Lifestyle & Behaviour Consultation
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Dental exam