The Importance of Routine Wellness Exams

Routine wellness exams for your dog or cat are the surest way for your pet to have a long, healthy, and high-quality life. Your pet needs regular veterinary checkups to remain in good health, so taking him or her to the vet occasionally is an important part of being a pet owner.

 

Even if your pet looks healthy, allow your vet to do a health assessment and detect any changes in the health of your furry companion.

 

Why Is a Wellness Exam Important for Your Cat or Dog?

Pets are very good at hiding illnesses, and you likely would not know if your pet is experiencing any discomfort until the symptoms become more obvious. That is because some illnesses have very subtle symptoms that are hard to notice in the early stages.

 

Thus, through regular wellness checkups, your vet can detect preventable diseases early. They can also treat illnesses such as teeth and gum disease, ear infections, and obesity. The vet can also do early screenings for kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis. Catching diseases early and preventing them from causing further health complications means your dog or cat can live a healthier and longer life.

 

What Happens During a Wellness Exam?

Several things happen during your furry friend’s wellness checkup. The first thing your vet will do is go over your pet’s medical history and ask about the concerns you have about your pet’s well-being.

 

In some cases, your vet will ask you to bring in your pet’s stool sample for an exam. The vet will take the sample and check it for signs of intestinal parasites that have no other way of detection.

 

Afterward, your pet will undergo a full-body wellness exam. The vet will record your pet’s weight, temperature, and heart and breathing rates. Then, the vet will examine your pet's ears, eyes, mouth, lungs, heart, stomach, muscles, lymph nodes, and spine. After doing this, the vet will give you a breakdown of your pet's health and recommend preventive care, diet, or lifestyle changes for your pet.

 

The vet will also ensure that your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and inform you when your pet’s booster vaccinations are due.

 

How Often Should Your Pet Get Wellness Checkups?

The frequency of your pet's health checkups will depend on the size, breed, and age of your pet. Vets recommend yearly wellness exams for adult pets (7 to 10 years old) and twice-yearly exams for senior pets (9 years and above).

 

Fur babies should get wellness exams once every 3 to 4 weeks until they turn 16 weeks old, following their vaccine schedule. After the younger pets turn 1 year old, they only must visit the vet once a year.

 

Pets Are Different

From dogs to cats to various breeds and settings, every pet’s body and health experiences are unique. The best way to help your pet live a fulfilling life is to keep an eye on his or her health and track any changes in behavior. Consult your vet regularly to talk about your concerns for your four-legged friend’s health.


 

For more on the importance of routine wellness exams, contact Vet Express today at our office in Port of Spain, Trinidad. You can also call 868-221-2257 to book an appointment today.