Routine wellness exams from our vets at Miller Clark Animal Hospital focus on preventive care. These exams help ensure your pet is in good health.
The Importance of Preventive Care
Veterinary wellness exams are critical to helping your pet maintain good long-term physical health.
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 you bring your pet in for their regular checkup, we can prevent health issues from developing in your pet, or catch them early, when they are most treatable.
What to Expect During Your Pet's Physical Exam
The vet will give your pet a thorough physical examination to get a complete picture of his or her overall health. An exam includes the following elements:
General Condition
Your pet's general demeanour and physical condition can provide clues to their overall health. How they stand and walk, their level of alertness, and whether they are a healthy weight for their size are all important indicators of overall health.
Coat & Skin
We will check your pet'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 eyes, ears and nose will be examined for abnormalities or discharge. We will also check the mouth for symptoms of oral health problems such as plaque buildup or periodontal disease.
Internal Health
Heart rate and rhythm, pulse and blood pressure are vitally important to your pet's heart health. We'll test these to ensure they're normal. The lungs will then be examined for evidence 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.
Puppies & Kittens
Puppies and kittens need proper medical attention in their first few weeks of life to get off to a healthy start.
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 never hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you may have about caring for your new pet, both at your appointments or following your visits.
Once your pet's initial appointment 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.
As your pet ages, regular examinations become increasingly crucial to ensure their continuing health and longevity.
In addition to the routine wellness procedures we perform on all adult pets, we will give special attention to your senior pet's potential age-related conditions, such as arthritis or decreased vision. Additional laboratory tests will also provide information about your pet's overall health.
Vaccinations & Prevention
During your pet's physical exam, the veterinarian will also check whether they require preventive care, or if they are due for any routine vaccinations.