The Importance of Preventive Care
Wellness exams are an important part of maintaining good long-term physical health in your pet.
When you bring your dog or cat in for their routine wellness checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
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.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical in Perry
During your pet's vet checkup in Perry, we will give your dog or cat a thorough physical exam in order to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. Routine wellness exams at our animal clinic include the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanor and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. We will assess their alertness, how they stand and walk, and if they are a healthy weight for their size.
Coat & Skin
During your pet's checkup, we will examine your dog or cat's skin and coat for signs of problems such as excessive oiliness or dryness, lumps, bumps, dandruff, or abnormal hair loss or shedding.
Face & Head
We will look at your pet's eyes, ears, and nose for abnormalities or signs of discharge. We will also examine your dog or cat's mouth, looking for any symptoms of oral health issues like plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
We will feel your pet's lymph nodes, looking for any indications of pain or swelling. We will then examine their abdomen to ensure the intestines, bladder, kidneys, spleen, and stomach all feel normal that your pet does not appear to be in any pain or discomfort.
Your cat or dog's heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, and breathing will also be assessed to ensure there are no abnormalities with their heart or lungs.
Review of Findings
After the exam, your Perry Animal Hospital vet will take the time to discuss the exam findings, allow you to ask any questions you might have, and chat with you about your pet's nutritional requirements.
Checkups for Puppies & Kittens
It is important that puppies and kittens receive proper medical attention in their first few months of life.
Your new furry companion will be given a complete physical examination, the proper vaccinations, and deworming medication.
When you bring them in for their first pet checkup you'll be given a puppy or kitten 'kit' filled with educational material and samples to help you care for the newest member of your family.
Once your puppy or kitten's checkup is complete, we will give you a schedule for when to return for their follow-up booster shots.
Please never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet.
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 dog or cat's routine healthcare as they age and regular wellness exams become increasingly crucial to their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, special focus will be given to any potential geriatric conditions your cat or dog might be developing, such as arthritis or decreased vision.
During your wellness exam, our Perry vets may recommend additional laboratory tests for your aging dog or cat to get a better idea of their overall health and wellbeing.
Vaccinations & Prevention
If your cat or dog is due for any routine vaccinations or other preventive care, your Perry Animal Hospital vet will discuss this during their wellness exam.